Quick answer: Yes, many dealers will ship a car to your home, especially for out-of-state buyers. They usually hire a car transport company and add the cost to your bill as a delivery fee. Some large dealer groups and online car retailers have their own delivery programs, and some dealers don’t ship at all. You can always arrange shipping yourself, which is often cheaper and gives you more control over the pickup date and the carrier.
Buying from a dealer in another state can save you thousands or get you the exact trim and color you want. The question is how to get the car home without a long one-way drive. This guide explains how dealer delivery works, what it costs, and how to ship the car yourself if the dealer can’t or won’t.
NexGen Auto Transport picks up from dealerships every day, from single private purchases to full loads for dealers moving inventory. We’ve shipped more than 150,000 vehicles since 2021.
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Call Now: + (832) 886-1321 Get a Free Instant QuoteDo Dealerships Ship Cars to Your Home?
It depends on the dealer. Here’s what you’ll usually find:
- Large franchise and multi-store dealer groups often offer home delivery, sometimes free within a set distance and for a fee beyond it.
- Online car retailers build delivery into the purchase, with a delivery or shipping fee that depends on distance.
- Independent and smaller used-car dealers may arrange shipping as a favor, but many prefer that you send your own carrier.
- Some dealers don’t ship at all. They’ll hold the car for a few days while you arrange pickup.
Even when a dealer “ships” the car, it’s almost always moved by a third-party car carrier, the same kind of company you could hire yourself.
How Dealer Delivery Works
- You finish the deal remotely. Paperwork is signed electronically or by mail, and payment or financing is completed.
- The dealer books a carrier. They choose the company and the pickup date, often adding a markup for arranging it.
- The car is inspected at pickup. The driver notes its condition on a bill of lading.
- It’s delivered to your address. You inspect the car, sign the delivery report and keep a copy.
The process is easy, but you have little say in timing, the type of trailer or the price. Ask for the shipping charge as its own line on the buyer’s order, so you can compare it with a direct quote.
Dealer Shipping vs Arranging It Yourself
| Factor | Dealer arranges it | You arrange it |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Delivery fee, sometimes with a markup | You pay the shipping company directly |
| Pickup timing | Set by the dealer | You choose the window |
| Open or enclosed | Usually open, the dealer’s choice | Your choice |
| Updates in transit | Through the salesperson | Directly from your shipping specialist |
| Effort | Lowest | One quote and a few calls |
If the dealer offers free delivery, take it. If they quote a fee, get a direct quote too. It takes a minute on our car shipping cost page.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car From a Dealer?
Shipping from a dealership costs the same as any other door-to-door pickup. Typical 2026 prices for a sedan on an open carrier:
| Distance from dealer to home | Typical open-carrier price | Transit after pickup |
|---|---|---|
| About 500 miles | $450–$650 | 1–3 days |
| About 1,000 miles | $650–$900 | 2–4 days |
| About 2,000 miles | $1,050–$1,450 | 4–7 days |
SUVs and trucks cost a little more, and enclosed transport is about 1.4 to 1.5 times these prices. Enclosed is worth considering for a new luxury, exotic or collector car. See open vs enclosed transport for help choosing.
Paperwork When You Buy a Car Out of State
- Bill of sale and buyer’s order, showing the price, VIN and any delivery fee.
- Title or title application. Many dealers handle the title paperwork for your home state, but ask who is responsible and how long it takes.
- Temporary tags. Rules vary by state. The car can be shipped on a carrier without plates, but you’ll need tags or registration to drive it after delivery.
- Sales tax. In most cases you pay sales tax where you register the car, not where you bought it. Confirm with your home state’s DMV before you sign.
- Insurance. Add the car to your policy from the day you buy it, even while it’s on the truck.
Ask for a release. Before you book pickup, ask the dealer for a release or gate pass in your name and the shipping company’s name. Without it, some dealerships won’t hand the car to a driver, and a wasted trip can push your pickup back by days.
How to Ship a Dealer Car Yourself, Step by Step
- Finalize the purchase and make sure the car is paid in full or the lender has funded the loan.
- Get a quote and book. Share the dealership’s address and your home address. Get an instant quote or call (832) 886-1321.
- Tell the dealer the pickup window and give them your specialist’s contact details so they can coordinate.
- Have the dealer prepare the car: keys, a quarter tank of fuel and any loose items removed.
- Receive and inspect the car at home. Compare it with the pickup report and note any damage on the bill of lading before you sign.
Booking with NexGen takes a card or electronic reservation hold, with the balance due on delivery, and cancellation is free before a carrier is assigned. Every shipment is covered by carrier insurance up to $250,000 on open carriers and $500,000 enclosed.
For more detail on dealership pickups, read our guide to shipping a car from a dealership. Buying from a private seller instead? See how to ship a car bought from a private seller.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a dealership ship a car to another state?
Many will, usually by hiring a car transport company and charging you a delivery fee. If they won’t, they’ll normally hold the car while you arrange your own carrier.
Is it cheaper to ship a car yourself or let the dealer do it?
Often it’s cheaper to book it yourself, because you pay the shipping company directly with no markup. Free dealer delivery is the exception, and it’s worth taking when offered.
Can a car be shipped before it’s registered?
Yes. A car can ride on a carrier without plates or registration. You’ll need temporary tags or registration in your home state before you drive it.
Do I have to be at the dealership for pickup?
No. The dealer releases the car to the driver, and you only need to be there, or have someone you trust there, at delivery.
How long does it take to ship a car from an out-of-state dealer?
Pickup is usually within 1 to 5 days of booking, then 1 to 3 days in transit for nearby states and about 6 to 9 days coast to coast.
Related Guides
- Shipping a car from a dealership
- Can a dealership ship a car to another dealership?
- Car shipping when moving to a new state
