What To Bring When Buying A New Car May 2026

: You must show an active policy before driving off the lot. If you have an existing policy, it often covers a new car for a grace period, but you should verify this with your agent beforehand.

These are required regardless of how you pay for the vehicle:

If you are trading in your current vehicle, bring the following to maximize its value: What to Bring When Buying a Car: A Complete Checklist what to bring when buying a new car

If you plan to lease or finance through the dealership, you may need:

: Required for test drives and to prove you can legally operate the vehicle. : You must show an active policy before driving off the lot

: A current utility bill or lease agreement with your name and address.

: Bring recent pay stubs (typically the last two) or bank statements. Self-employed buyers should bring tax returns. : A current utility bill or lease agreement

: If you secured a loan from a bank or credit union, bring the pre-approval letter or check.