What Do I Need to Bring to a Dealership?

You're getting ready to visit the dealership—but what should you actually bring?

The answer depends on what you're planning to do.

Someone who is simply browsing vehicles may need very little. Someone planning a test drive should be prepared differently. And if you're ready to buy, finance or trade a vehicle, bringing the right information can help make your dealership visit smoother.

I'm Marisol Your Car Girl, a sales representative at Findlay Nissan Henderson. I put together this dealership checklist so you can arrive prepared without bringing a folder full of things you may not need.

Start by Shopping Vehicles and then Schedule an Appointment With Marisol.

Se habla español.

If I'm Just Looking at Cars, What Should I Bring?

If you're in the early stages of shopping, you don't necessarily need to arrive ready to complete a purchase.

This can be your opportunity to explore vehicles, compare sizes, look at features and figure out what you actually like.

It helps to know your approximate:

• Budget
• Preferred vehicle type
• Passenger needs
• Cargo needs
• Daily commute
• Must-have features
• New or pre-owned preference

You can begin before leaving home at Shop Vehicles.

What Should I Bring for a Test Drive?

If you plan to drive a dealership vehicle, be prepared to provide a valid driver's license and satisfy the dealership's requirements for the test drive.

You should also bring something that's surprisingly useful:

Your real-life needs.

If a stroller has to fit in the cargo area, consider its dimensions.

If you're tall, make sure you're comfortable in both the driver's seat and passenger areas.

If you're regularly transporting children or adults, check the rear seating.

If you carry work equipment, look at the cargo space.

A test drive isn't just about whether you like driving the car.

It's about whether the car works for your life.

Read What Happens During a Test Drive? before your visit.

What Should I Bring If I'm Ready to Buy?

If you may be ready to purchase a vehicle, additional information may be needed depending on the transaction.

That can include:

• Government-issued identification
• Driver's license when applicable
• Current address information
• Automobile insurance information
• Payment information
• Financing information if applicable
• Trade-in documents if applicable
• Other documentation requested for your specific transaction

For the more detailed guide, read What Documents Do I Need to Buy a Car in Nevada?.

Do I Need Proof of Insurance?

If you're purchasing a vehicle, automobile insurance requirements will need to be satisfied before you take delivery.

Your situation can depend on whether you already have an insurance policy and the requirements applicable to your vehicle and transaction.

It's smart to have your insurer's information readily available.

You can also contact your insurer before purchasing to ask about the cost of covering vehicles you're seriously considering.

Should I Get an Insurance Quote Before Going to the Dealership?

It can be useful.

Insurance costs can differ considerably between vehicles.

If you've narrowed your choices to a few models, getting estimates beforehand can give you a better picture of your total vehicle expenses.

Don't evaluate affordability using the car payment alone.

What Should I Bring If I'm Financing?

Financing requirements vary by lender and applicant.

Depending on the application, a lender may request information related to:

• Identity
• Residence
• Employment
• Income
• Contact information
• Other financial or supporting documentation

Not every buyer will be asked for exactly the same documents.

The lender determines approval and financing requirements.

Marisol does not determine whether financing is approved, what interest rate is offered or what documentation a lender ultimately requires.

Should I Bring Proof of Income?

If you're financing, proof of income may be requested depending on the lender and application.

Rather than assuming you'll need—or won't need—a particular document, be prepared to provide supporting information if the lender requests it.

If you have questions before your appointment, Contact Marisol.

Do I Need a Down Payment?

There isn't one universal down-payment requirement for every vehicle transaction.

If you're financing, the lender may establish requirements based on the application and transaction.

If you're trying to decide how much cash you want to contribute, read How Much Money Should I Put Down on a Car?.

What Should I Bring If I Have a Trade-In?

If you're trading your current vehicle, preparation is a little different.

Depending on your situation, you'll want information or items such as:

• Vehicle
• Keys and available spare keys
• Current registration information
• Title information when applicable
• Loan information if financed
• Current loan payoff information when available
• Identification
• Other ownership documentation that may be required

Start your trade-in process at Trade-In.

Then read What Should I Bring When Trading In My Car?.

What If I Lost My Trade-In's Title?

Don't automatically assume that losing a paper title means you cannot discuss a trade-in.

Title and ownership documentation situations can vary.

Tell Marisol about the situation before your appointment so you can determine what documentation may need to be addressed.

What If My Trade-In Still Has a Loan?

That's common enough that we created an entire guide about it.

You may still be able to discuss trading a vehicle that has an outstanding loan.

The loan payoff needs to be compared with the vehicle's trade-in value.

Read How Does Trading In a Car With a Loan Work?.

Should I Bring Both Sets of Keys for My Trade-In?

If you have additional keys, remotes or key fobs for your trade-in, it's useful to know where they are.

Don't discover after you've arrived that the spare key is sitting in a drawer at home.

Gather your trade-in items beforehand.

Should I Clean My Trade-In Before the Appointment?

You don't need to make an older vehicle look brand new.

But removing personal belongings and ordinary clutter can make it easier to inspect the vehicle.

Before leaving home, check:

• Glove compartment
• Center console
• Door pockets
• Trunk
• Cargo area
• Under the seats

Don't accidentally trade in your sunglasses with the car. That's a terrible two-for-one deal.

What If I'm a First-Time Car Buyer?

If this is your first dealership purchase, you don't need to walk in already knowing how everything works.

Start with our First-Time Car Buyer Checklist.

It walks you through budgeting, vehicle selection, insurance, documents, test drives and dealership preparation.

Should I Bring Someone With Me?

That's your choice.

Some buyers like having a spouse, family member or trusted friend there.

Others prefer shopping independently.

If someone else's opinion is important to your final decision, it may make sense to include that person during the vehicle comparison or test drive instead of trying to describe everything afterward.

Should I Bring My Children?

That depends on your circumstances.

But if you're buying a family vehicle, you should think about how your family will actually use it.

Consider rear-seat space, accessibility, cargo capacity and your car-seat needs.

A vehicle that looks spacious in photos may feel very different when your actual family needs are considered.

Should I Bring My Current Car Even If I'm Not Sure I'll Trade It?

If you're seriously considering a trade-in, having the vehicle available allows it to be evaluated.

You don't necessarily have to decide beforehand that you will trade it.

Knowing its potential trade value can give you additional information when considering your options.

Start at Trade-In.

What If I Use an ITIN?

Some buyers use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number rather than a Social Security number.

Financing requirements vary by lender.

An ITIN does not itself guarantee financing, and Marisol does not make lending decisions.

Read Can I Buy a Car With an ITIN in Las Vegas? for more information.

And yes—se habla español.

Should I Bring a List of Vehicles I Like?

Absolutely.

You can make this even easier by browsing before your appointment.

Visit Shop Vehicles and identify vehicles you're interested in.

Send or discuss those choices with Marisol before your appointment when possible.

That gives you a more focused starting point when you arrive.

Should I Know Whether I Want New or Used?

You don't have to decide before visiting.

You can compare both.

Price, mileage, features, condition, warranty information and available financing can all matter.

Read New vs. Used Car: What Should I Consider?.

What Should I Bring If I'm Coming From Another State?

If you live outside Nevada, preparation is particularly important because you may be traveling a significant distance.

Don't make the trip without first discussing the vehicle and appointment.

Visit Out-of-State Buyers.

Then read Can I Buy a Car in Nevada If I Live in Another State?.

Requirements involving taxes, registration, titling, insurance and documentation can vary depending on the transaction and your home state.

Do I Need to Bring Cash?

Don't assume you need to arrive carrying a large amount of physical cash.

If you're planning a down payment or purchase payment, confirm accepted payment methods and any applicable requirements before your appointment.

That is much smarter—and considerably safer—than showing up with an envelope full of money because someone on the internet told you to.

What Should I NOT Bring?

You don't need to bring every financial document you own.

And you definitely shouldn't carry unnecessary sensitive documents around simply because you think a dealership might want them.

Bring what is appropriate for your intended transaction and provide additional documentation when legitimately requested.

My Dealership Appointment Checklist

Before leaving home, check your situation against this list:

If you're browsing: know your approximate budget, vehicle needs and preferred features.

If you're test-driving: bring your valid driver's license and know which vehicles you want to drive.

If you're buying: have appropriate identification, insurance information and payment information available.

If you're financing: be prepared to provide information or supporting documentation requested by the lender.

If you're trading: bring the vehicle, keys and relevant ownership or loan information.

If you're traveling from another state: confirm the vehicle and appointment before making the trip.

Can I Schedule Before Coming In?

Yes.

In fact, that's one of the easiest ways to prepare.

Use Schedule an Appointment With Marisol.

Tell Marisol what you'd like to accomplish during the visit.

That could be:

• Browse vehicles
• Compare two models
• Take a test drive
• Discuss a trade-in
• Prepare to purchase
• Ask questions about an out-of-state purchase

Need Transportation to Findlay Nissan Henderson?

If getting to the dealership is the problem, visit Get a Ride.

Complimentary transportation to and/or from Findlay Nissan Henderson may be available when needed.

Request transportation in advance so availability and arrangements can be confirmed.

Visit Marisol at Findlay Nissan Henderson

Marisol Your Car Girl is a sales representative at Findlay Nissan Henderson.

Findlay Nissan Henderson
295 Auto Mall Dr
Henderson, NV 89014

Start at Shop Vehicles and then Schedule With Marisol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important thing to bring to a dealership?

It depends on what you're doing. For a test drive, be prepared with a valid driver's license. For a purchase, additional identification, insurance, payment or financing information may be required.

Do I need insurance before I shop for a car?

You can shop before selecting a vehicle, but applicable insurance requirements must be satisfied before taking delivery.

Do I need proof of income?

A lender may request proof of income or other supporting documentation depending on the financing application.

Should I bring my trade-in?

If you'd like it evaluated, bringing the actual vehicle allows the trade-in process to move forward.

Should I schedule an appointment?

Scheduling is especially useful if you want to see a specific vehicle or are traveling a significant distance. Schedule With Marisol.

Ready for Your Dealership Visit?

A little preparation can make the entire experience easier.

Start by Shopping Vehicles.

Have a vehicle to trade? Start Your Trade-In.

Ready to visit? Schedule With Marisol.

Need transportation? Get a Ride.

Have questions? Contact Marisol or text 909-565-0776.

Continue exploring Car Buying Resources for more guides from Marisol Your Car Girl.