Importing to UK from USA - State Sales Tax?

[25th QV]

Does an international buyer pay US state sales tax on a used car, or is that only payable when you transfer title and register the car, which I wouldn't be doing, as it'd be exported?

[monarodom]

I think it varies from state to state, I am currently in the process of purchasing a car which is in Michigan. In order for me to avoid the state sales tax, the dealer has to be responsible for shipping it out of state. As it is then going abroad I will not have to pay it.

[Bob T]

In Maryland you pay the tax when you register the title for the car.

I subsequently shipped one of my US cars back to UK, customs just stamped my existing title as 'Export Approved'. But I needed the title (original not a copy) to present to customs.

There is space on the back of the title for a seller/buyer to register change of ownership. Looking back through my paperwork from the shipping company it states "Be sure that your original title is properly signed over and the last assignment on the title matches the Shipper Name on the booking form". So looks like it is possible but check with your shipper.
Or, as above get the seller to arrange shipping