What to Bring When Buying a Car from Clement Pre-Owned

Clement Pre-Owned Florissant

Buying a car is exciting—but showing up unprepared can slow things down. Whether you're shopping for a new ride, trading in your current vehicle, or finalizing financing, coming to the dealership with the right paperwork makes the process fast and smooth.

At Clement Pre-Owned, we’re all about transparency, convenience, and helping you drive away with confidence. This guide breaks down exactly what to bring when buying a car from our dealership in St. Louis, Missouri.

Your Car Buying Checklist

1. Valid Driver’s License

You’ll need this to take a test drive and finalize your purchase. Make sure it’s not expired and that the information is up to date.

2. Proof of Auto Insurance

Before we can hand you the keys, you'll need proof of active auto insurance. If you're transferring coverage from another vehicle, contact your provider in advance. Learn more about Missouri’s requirements on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

3. Form of Payment or Loan Information

Depending on how you plan to pay, bring one of the following:

  • Down payment (cash, debit card, or cashier’s check)
  • Pre-approved loan details from your bank or credit union
  • Personal checkbook if required by your lender
  • Or, simply apply for in-house financing through Clement—we’ll walk you through it.

4. Proof of Income [If Financing]

Lenders want to verify your ability to make payments. Bring:

  • Recent pay stubs
  • Bank statements (if self-employed)
  • W-2 or 1099 forms

5. Proof of Residence

Some lenders require proof of address. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail will usually do the trick.

6. Your Trade-In Vehicle [If Applicable]

Trading in? Don’t forget to bring:

  • The vehicle itself
  • The vehicle title (or lienholder information if there’s still a loan)
  • The registration
  • All sets of keys/remotes
  • A clean interior and exterior to help maximize value during trade in appraisal.

7. Co-Buyer or Co-Signer [If Needed]

If someone is joining you on the loan, they’ll need to be present and bring the same documentation as you.

8. Bonus Items That Can Help:

  • A pre-set budget or monthly payment range
  • Your credit score or credit report from Credit Karma or a bank
  • A list of questions to ask your salesperson
  • Any info from your insurance agent or lender

Why Being Prepared Matters

Coming in prepared helps you:

  • Get through paperwork faster
  • Secure financing with fewer delays
  • Maximize your trade-in value
  • Drive away same-day with your new vehicle


At Clement Supercenter, we make it easy to shop, test drive, finance, and buy — all under one roof. And if you forget something, we’ll help you find a solution on the spot.

Visit Clement Pre-Owned in St. Louis, MO

Whether you’re ready to buy today or just want to browse, we’re here to help. Our experienced staff is ready to answer your questions and get you on the road.

📍 Address: 1790 N Hwy 67, Florissant, MO 63033

📞 Phone: (314) 526-3518

🌐 Browse our inventory: https://clementpreowned.com/