Buying a Car· What to bring
What Should You Bring When Buying a Car?
A simple checklist so you walk in ready and walk out with the deal you wanted.
Andrew Woods August 1, 2026
The essentials
- Driver's license
- Current insurance card (or proof you can bind coverage)
- Payoff information if trading a financed car
- Title if trading a car you own free and clear
For financing
- Recent pay stubs
- Proof of address
- Down payment funds
- Pre-approval letter if you have one
For your trade
- Trade-in's registration
- Any keys, manuals, and accessories
A good habit
Bring your own numbers from the calculators here so you can compare the dealer's offer to what you already worked out.
Wichita- and Kansas-specific items
A couple of things are specific to buying in Kansas: you'll register the car in Sedgwick County (or your home county), and Kansas requires the title to transfer through the county treasurer's office, so the dealer typically handles that paperwork for you. If you're trading a car you own outright, bring the Kansas title; if it's financed, the dealer will request the payoff and title from your lender. Having your current insurance ready to add the new vehicle keeps you legal the moment you drive off the lot.
Frequently asked
Should I get pre-approved before going to the dealer?
Yes. A pre-approval gives you a rate to beat and makes the financing conversation much clearer.
AW
Andrew Woods
Car salesperson in Wichita, Kansas. I built this resource to help local buyers make confident decisions.
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