Bought a Car Online or Out of State? How to Get It Shipped to Your Door

More people than ever are buying cars online or from dealers and private sellers hundreds of miles away. The deal is great, until you realize the car is in another state. The good news: you don’t have to fly out and drive it home. Here’s how to ship a car you bought out of state.

Who This Guide Is For

• You bought from an out-of-state dealership
• You won a car at an online auction (Copart, IAAI, Manheim, Bring a Trailer, eBay Motors)
• You bought from a private seller on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or Autotrader
• You’re buying a classic or specialty car from across the country

Step 1: Confirm the Pickup Details With the Seller

Before booking shipping, get:

• The exact pickup address and business hours (for dealers and auction yards)
• A contact name and phone number at pickup
• Whether the car runs, drives and brakes
• Any release forms, gate passes or buyer numbers (required for auctions)

Step 2: Get a Shipping Quote

Give us the pickup location, your delivery address, the vehicle year, make and model, and whether it runs. Typical open-carrier prices range from about $600–$750 for shorter trips to $1,100–$1,700 for cross-country moves. Non-running vehicles usually add $100–$200 for winch loading.

Step 3: Act Fast on Auction Cars

Auction yards often charge daily storage fees if a car isn’t picked up within a few days of the sale. Book your transport as soon as you win, and send us the gate pass or release so the driver can pick up without delays.

Step 4: Pickup and Inspection

The driver inspects the car at pickup and notes its condition on the Bill of Lading. If you’re not there, the seller or dealer signs for it. Ask the seller to send you photos at pickup so you have your own record.

Step 5: Delivery and Final Inspection

When the car arrives, walk around it with the driver, compare it to the pickup report, and sign. Then you’re ready to register it in your state.

Tips to Avoid Problems When Buying Out of State

• Get a pre-purchase inspection from a local mechanic before paying, especially for private sales.
• Verify the title and run a VIN history report.
• Never pay a seller to “arrange shipping” for you using a company you can’t verify. That’s a common scam. Book your own transport with a company you can call directly.
• Check your state’s registration rules for out-of-state purchases (emissions, inspection, sales tax).

Wondering what it will cost? See our car shipping cost guide.

Why Car Buyers Choose Roadline Carriers

• Door-to-door service from dealers, auctions and private sellers in all 50 states
• Running and non-running vehicles
• Open and enclosed options
• A real person to call: (717) 340-0008

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you pick up from Copart or IAAI?

Yes. Send us the lot number, location and gate pass, and we’ll schedule pickup.

Do I need to be at pickup?

No. The dealer, auction yard or seller can release the car to the driver.

Can you ship a car that doesn’t run?

Yes. Let us know when you request a quote so we send a truck with a winch.