Having your paperwork ready is the easiest way to make buying a car quick. If you have everything with you, the visit is mostly the test drive and signing. If something is missing, you may have to come back another day. Here's what to bring, and why each item matters.
The short checklist
| Bring this | Why it's needed |
|---|---|
| Valid driver's license | To test drive, and to confirm who is buying |
| Proof of auto insurance | Illinois requires insurance before you drive away |
| Down payment | Cash, cashier's check, debit card, or credit card |
| Proof of income | Only if you're financing |
| Proof of address | Only if you're financing |
| Trade-in title and keys | Only if you're trading in a car |
1. A valid driver's license
You'll need it for the test drive, and it's how the paperwork identifies you. If you're buying with a co-buyer or co-signer, they need to bring theirs too, and they should come with you to sign.
2. Proof of auto insurance
Illinois law requires liability insurance on every car on the road, so you'll need coverage before you drive your new car home. Many buyers call their agent from the dealership to add the car once they've picked one. Have your insurance card, your insurer's app, or your agent's phone number ready.
If you're financing, the lender will usually also want comprehensive and collision coverage until the loan is paid off. Ask your agent for a quote before you visit, so the cost doesn't surprise you.
3. Your down payment
At Carselect you can pay your down payment with cash, a cashier's check, a debit card, or a credit card. A larger down payment lowers your monthly payment and can help with approval if your credit is rebuilding. Our car payment calculator shows how much difference it makes.
4. Proof of income (if you're financing)
Lenders want to see that the payment fits your income. Bring:
- Your two most recent pay stubs, or
- If you're self-employed, recent bank statements or your last tax return
- If you have other income (Social Security, pension, disability), the award letter or bank statements showing the deposits
If you've already applied online, the finance team will tell you exactly which of these your lender needs.
5. Proof of address (if you're financing)
A recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease with your name and current address. It should match the address on your application. If your license shows an old address, this document is especially important.
6. If you're trading in a car
- The title, if you own the car outright. All owners listed on the title should sign it, or come with you.
- If you still owe money on it, you don't need to bring a payoff letter. Just tell us which bank or lender holds the loan, and we call them for the payoff amount.
- The current registration.
- All keys and remotes. A missing key can lower the trade-in value.
- Service records, if you have them. They help show the car was cared for.
Want a number before you come in? Get an offer on your car online first.
7. Nice to have
- References. Some lenders ask for a few personal references (names and phone numbers), especially for buyers with limited or bad credit.
- Time. Plan on a couple of hours if you're financing. Coming earlier in the day gives lenders time to respond.
How to make the visit even faster
- Apply for financing online first. You'll know where you stand before you arrive, and it doesn't take long. Get pre-approved here.
- Pick a car or two from our inventory and ask us to confirm they're still available.
- Call or text before you come, so the car is ready to test drive.