The Fast Track: How to Get Pre-Approved Before Stepping Foot on the Lot
September 15, 2026
We’ve all been there: you spend three hours sitting in an uncomfortable dealership waiting room, passing around paper applications, only for a finance manager to tell you they need "one more document" from home. It’s stressful, time-consuming, and completely outdated.
At Empire Auto Sales, we believe buying a car should fit your busy work schedule. That’s why we restructured our entire financing setup to offer flexible options—whether you want to handle everything remotely from your smartphone or test drive a few models first.
Two Ways to Buy: Which Pathway Fits You?
Depending on how much time you have, you can choose between two streamlined ways to get into your next vehicle:
1. Online-First Express (The Fast Lane)
If you want to spend as little time at the dealership as possible, this is your best route. You submit your application online, upload your documents from your phone, choose your ride, and sign your digital contracts. When you arrive at our 14th St W lot, your keys and vehicle are prepped and ready for a quick delivery visit.
2. Hybrid Pathway (Online Approval + Test Drive)
Prefer to get pre-qualified online first but still want to feel the wheel and take a test drive before signing? Complete your pre-approval remotely so you know your exact budget before stepping on the lot. Once you land on the right car, we finalize your digital paperwork on-site.
Come Prepared: The 6 Documents You Need
Want to complete your approval on the spot? Having these six basic items ready ensures zero delays:
- Valid Driver’s License
- Proof of Income (Pay Stubs)
- Proof of Residency (Utility Bill)
- Down Payment
- Social Security Card / ITIN
- Insurance
Payday-Friendly Payments
Getting approved is only half the battle—making sure payments are manageable is what keeps you stress-free. We align your loan schedule directly with how you get paid: Weekly, Bi-Weekly, or Monthly .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get approved if I have bad credit or no credit?
Yes! Because we offer in-house Buy Here Pay Here financing, your job and steady income serve as your credit. We accept bad credit, no credit, ITINs, and passports.
How long does the online pre-approval process take?
Our online credit application takes less than 5 minutes to complete from your phone or desktop, and our team reviews applications quickly so you know your budget before visiting.
How do payday-friendly payments work?
We align your payment schedule directly with your pay schedule—whether you get paid weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—so your car payment is always easy to manage.