Advance Auto Parts Return Policy: 45 Days, ID Rules & Non-Returnables

Bought the wrong alternator or a brake kit you no longer need? Advance Auto Parts takes most parts back, but its rules hinge on one word: the part has to be "NEW." Here's how the window, receipts, ID and exceptions work, based on Advance's own return policy page. For other Advance policies, see the Advance Auto Parts store page.

How long do you have to return a part?

You have 45 days to return a product as NEW ¹. Advance defines NEW strictly: the item must be in its original condition and packaging, unopened and uninstalled, with all the original materials it came with ¹.

You can bring an eligible product to any Advance Auto Parts store, not just the one where you bought it ¹. Keep in mind that Advance says returns and exchanges may be limited at any time for any reason ¹.

Returning with a receipt

With proof of purchase, you get the full 45 days to return a NEW item ¹. All refunds go back to the same payment method you used for the original order ¹.

Lost the paper receipt? For online orders, a copy is in your Order Confirmation email, or you can use the Order Lookup link on the website ¹. Advance Rewards members can use the Order Detail from the Order History section of their online account ¹.

Returning without a receipt

You can still return a NEW item without proof of purchase, but you won't get cash or a card refund. Instead, Advance gives you a merchandise gift card for the lowest selling price of the item in the last 45 days ¹. The same NEW condition rules apply ¹.

What ID you need

Advance requires an ID for returns ¹. Accepted IDs are:

• Driver's license ¹
• State ID ¹
• Military ID ¹
• Permanent resident card or border crossing card ¹

Returning an online order

Online purchases can be returned to any Advance Auto Parts store within 45 days from the date of purchase, as long as the item is NEW ¹. Bring the original packaging and your receipt, and have your Order Confirmation email ready ¹.

Your refund is credited back to the payment method you used online ¹. Shipping and handling charges aren't refunded unless the return is due to Advance's error ¹.

If you can't find your confirmation email and didn't register an account, Customer Care can help by chat, by text or phone at 1-877-238-2623 (option 1), or through the Contact Us page ¹.

What you can't return, and restocking fees

Advance lists several items that can't come back or carry extra costs ¹:

• "All Sales Final" items. Anything marked this way in the store, online, on the receipt or otherwise can't be returned anywhere ¹.
• Opened gaskets and electrical/electronic goods. Advance says some merchandise, including these, is not returnable ¹.
• Clearance and "AS IS" merchandise. These are non-refundable ¹.
• Special orders, commercial tools and equipment. Certain items in these groups have a 15% restocking fee when returned ¹.

Electrical parts are the trap most DIYers fall into: if you're not sure a sensor or module is the right fix, confirm the diagnosis before you open the box.

Warranty returns for parts that failed

If a part is defective rather than unwanted, it's a warranty question, not a regular return. The returns page says the warranty period is 45 days from purchase, or any longer warranty period printed on your original sales receipt ¹. Items returned for warranty may be exchanged or refunded in most cases ¹. The full terms are in Advance's separate Limited Warranty Policy ¹.

Core returns

Many parts carry a core charge that you get back when you return the old part. Advance says core returns must be for the exact part purchased, in original packaging and in fully rebuildable, undamaged condition, and in some cases fluids must be drained ¹. Details are in the separate Core Charge Policy ¹.

Buy One, Get One items

Items bought under a Buy One, Get One offer are priced at a discount each. If you return one, you're credited the discounted price you actually paid for it, not the full shelf price ¹.

Quick tips

• Don't open or install a part until you're sure it fits; an opened or installed part no longer counts as NEW ¹.
• Keep the box, instructions and hardware: everything that came with the item must go back ¹.
• Bring a valid ID along with your receipt ¹.
• Look for "All Sales Final" on the listing or receipt before you buy ¹.
• Compare with other retailers in our return policy guides.