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Budget for local sales tax (which varies by state) and registration fees, which are paid at the time of purchase or when you visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). 3. Registration and Title

To complete a purchase, especially at a dealership, you generally need to provide:

Always have an independent mechanic inspect a used car before handing over money. Experts at U.S. News & World Report emphasize this as a critical step in avoiding "lemons."

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended alongside your home country's license to ensure local authorities and dealers can verify your credentials.