Leasing a car and having it delivered to your home is now routine. The paperwork happens remotely, the car arrives on a truck or with a driver, and the whole thing can take less of your time than a single dealership visit.

This is part of buying a car out of state, since home delivery is often how an out of state deal reaches you.

Step by step

1. Agree the car and the numbers. Model, trim, colour, term, mileage and every figure in the deal, in writing. See the car lease checklist.

2. Apply for credit. Usually an online application. Approval is subject to lender criteria.

3. Send your documents. License, proof of income, proof of address and so on, as clear PDFs. See documents needed to lease a car.

4. Arrange insurance. The car needs to be insured, at the lease's required limits, before it is delivered. See insurance for a leased car.

5. Sign the paperwork. Many documents can be signed electronically. Some lenders and states still require wet signatures on certain forms, in which case the paperwork is sent to you by overnight courier with a prepaid return envelope. Occasionally notarisation is needed.

6. The car is transported. On an open carrier, an enclosed carrier, or by a delivery driver, depending on distance and the car. Enclosed transport protects against road debris and weather and is often used for higher value cars.

7. Delivery and handover. The car arrives at your home or office at an agreed time.

At delivery: inspect before you sign

Before you sign the delivery receipt, known as the bill of lading:

  • Walk around the car in good light and look for chips, scratches and dents.
  • Check the VIN matches your contract.
  • Check the odometer. Delivery miles only, unless agreed otherwise.
  • Confirm trim, colour and options match the deal.
  • Check you have two keys, the manuals and any accessories promised.
  • Photograph everything, including the odometer.

Note any damage on the bill of lading before signing it. Once you sign it clean, getting transport damage fixed becomes much harder.

Registration and plates

The selling dealer, or a registration service, usually handles title and registration in your state. You may receive temporary tags with the car, with permanent plates arriving by mail. If the dealer is in another state, check they are set up to register in yours. See buying a car out of state.

How long it takes

Once the numbers are agreed and the paperwork is signed, delivery commonly takes a few days to a couple of weeks. Distance, carrier availability and whether the car is in stock all affect it.

What it costs

Some deals include delivery; others charge a transport fee. Long distance or enclosed transport costs more. Make sure any delivery charge appears in your written quote, not as a surprise on the day. See what is due at signing.

The short version

Home delivery means remote paperwork, insurance set up in advance, transport by carrier or driver, and a careful inspection before you sign for the car. Note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing it.

We deliver in all 50 states. If you want a car brought to your driveway, tell us what you are after.