If you’re like most people, you don’t have a lot of time to futz around when getting a car loan. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to decrease the amount of time you’ll spend getting the loan you need.

Here are some tips which everyone, regardless of credit score or history, can use to save time when getting a loan:

1) Get your paperwork together. To prove your income, you’ll need your most recent paystub. To prove your residence, you’ll need your most recent phone, electric, or cable bill. Finally, if you have any credit problems like collections, bankruptcies, or leftovers from a messy divorce, get that paperwork together too. Put everything in an envelope and bring it with you when you go to see your lender - that way you’ll only have to make one trip.

2) Find references ahead of time. Lenders usually want you to give the name, address and phone number of at least three references who aren’t family members living in your household. By figuring out who to use as a reference ahead of time, you’ll save time when you’re filling out your loan application.

3) Talk to your boss, office manager, or human resources department. When you apply for an auto loan, most lenders will call and verify your employment. Let the person in charge of employment verification know that you’re expecting an auto lender to call about you - that way they’ll be ready to provide what the bank needs quickly and accurately.

4) Find out the exact pay-off of your trade-in, if you have one. Estimating your trade-in payoff on your loan application could slow down the process and cost you money. The bank might take your estimated figure for the exact one, and if your payoff ends up being higher than what you estimated, you’ll lose time as your loan is re-approved for a higher amount. If your payoff is lower, you could wind up paying a higher interest rate than you should be. Finding out your exact payoff before you fill out your loan application will save time and money in the end.

5) Be honest! Your loan application may require you to list information about former residences, employers, etc. An accurate application will be processed quickly, but if you lie about your credit history, the lender will probably find out. This will lead to a long delay while the creditor goes through every aspect of your credit history, and may even result in your application being turned down.