This is a receipt that the car dealer gives you when you pay for the car.
When you buy a car, the dealer sends information to BMV in Indianapolis. They send you the title to the car as well as a registration card. If you have financed the car through a local bank, the title to the car will go to the lending institution, not to you. However, you will have a registration card.
You must have an auto insurance card or letter to verify that you have coverage on your automobile.
Since you do not have a social security card, take all your immigration documents including your passport and I-94. When you get to BMV, take a number and when you are called, tell the staff member that you want to get a license plate (the same thing as registering a car). They will review your documents. You will have to pay a fee usually between $26 and $1000—depending on the price you pay for your car and the model year of the car.
Decide beforehand how much money you can spend, and stay within that amount. When you visit the car dealership, avoid falling in love with the first car you see. Make sure you shop around; there are many dealers carrying identical models.
Do not let dealers and salespeople impair your ability to make a rational decision. Look around on Sundays, when dealerships are not allowed to sell cars, and you can compare different models, features and prices without pressure.
The Kelley Blue Book is another such publication. You can calculate and add taxes to the “list” price along with a reasonable dealer profit ($200-$500) before making the dealer an offer.
The hard part of buying a used car is determining whether or not the car is in good condition. The following guidelines may help you through the process:
Determine how much money you can afford to spend.
Know where to look. In the US, used cars are sold by dealers and private individuals. Dealers advertise in most newspapers, television, and radio. Private individuals place advertisements in the classified sections of newspapers and special-interest papers such as the Trader or Wheels and Deals.
Compare the price quoted with the price listed in the Kelley Blue Book, a guide to used car prices.
Do not buy a used car without a maintenance record. This record can more or less tell you what the car has been through since it was bought (when the oil was changed, etc.).
Always drive the car before buying. Check for oil leaks, chassis damage, brakes wear, transmission problems, window damage, door problems, exhaust deterioration, etc.
Once you’re satisfied with a car, take it to a mechanic for a diagnostic check (this will cost money, but is often worth the price).
You can find tips on buying used cars in books, on the web, and in magazines. A good website with advice on new and used car buying, car insurance, and car maintenance is Car Talk.
