Showing up with the right paperwork can turn a four-hour dealership visit into a much shorter one — and keeps you from having to come back. Here's the checklist.
Everyone
- A valid driver license
- Proof of insurance, or your insurance company's number so you can add the vehicle before you drive off (Florida requires at least $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability)
- Your payment method for the down payment
If you're financing
- Recent pay stubs (usually the last two) or other proof of income
- Proof of address, like a utility bill or lease
- A pre-approval letter from your bank or credit union, if you have one — it gives you a rate to compare against the dealer's
- Military: a copy of your LES can work as proof of income
If you have a trade-in
- The title (or your loan account info if you still owe on it)
- All keys and fobs
- Your registration
- Service records, if you have them — they can help your trade-in value
Before you sign
Read the buyer's order line by line. Make sure the price, trade-in value, interest rate, loan length and every fee match what you agreed to. Add-ons like extended warranties and protection packages are optional — you can say no to any of them.
Last reviewed September 2026. Fees and rules can change — confirm current amounts with the Bay County Tax Collector or your lender before you buy. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.