Documents you need when purchasing a new car

For us all, there comes a time when we decide to change our car.

It can be a time with mixed emotions; the excitement of getting a new car mixed with the sadness of saying goodbye to your old one - if you're part exchanging, that is.

But with the exciting prospect of getting behind the wheel of your new car, we can sometimes forget about the important part of the deal, the finances.

The documentation you need to finalise your deal could differ from retailer to retailer, and can also depend on the finance provider used for your deal.

To try and help ease your transition from old to new, we've come up with this checklist of documentation you'll probably need when purchasing a new car.

Depending on the specifics of your deal you might not need all the documents listed below, but it's better to have them ready just in case they are needed.

Documentation checklist

All car purchases:

• Driving licence
• Utility bill (gas or electric only - dated within the last 60 days)
• Bank/building society statement (dated within the last 60 days)
• A current credit/debit card
• A valid passport (additional proof if driving licence doesn't have your current address)

If part exchanging:

• The VC5 (log book) for your current car
• MOT certificate for the car you're part exchanging (if vehicle is more than three years old)
• Vehicle keys (as confirmed)
• Vehicle manual and service book/history
• Locking wheel nuts and key (if applicable)

As stated earlier, you might not need all these documents, but it's best to bring them anyway so you can get behind the wheel of your new car as quickly as possible.

Why not even print this page and have it as a hard-copy checklist!

It's also worth noting that elements of this checklist are applicable for all types of car finance, such as Hire Purchase (HP), Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), and Personal Contract Hire (PCH). Confused about what these are? Check out our article which explains car finance.

Your sales executive will be able to confirm which of the above listed documents are needed for your specific deal, but in the meantime, it's recommended that you bring the listed documents along until you are advised which ones you actually need to complete your deal.

Also, don't forget to update your insurance policy so that it's set up to cover your new car in time for you driving it out the showroom. Failure to do so will mean you're driving uninsured which is against the law and can result in a £300 fine and 6 penalty points on your licence.