Moving to another state does not mean giving up your leased car. You can take it with you. But because the leasing company owns the car, registering it in your new state involves a few extra steps, and a few possible costs.

This is part of buying a car out of state.

1. Tell your leasing company first

Most leases require you to notify the leasing company before moving the car permanently to another state. Some require their consent. Call them as soon as you know you are moving and ask:

  • What they need from you, and how long it takes.
  • Whether your payment will change because of your new state's taxes.
  • How they handle the title for the new state's registration.

2. Register the car in your new state

Most states require new residents to register their vehicles within a set period, commonly around 30 days, though it varies. Check your new state's rule and start early.

Because the leasing company holds the title, they are involved in registering it. Typically they send the title, or a document authorising you to register the car, to you or directly to the new state's DMV. This can take a few weeks, which is another reason to start early.

You may also need:

  • A safety or emissions inspection, depending on the state.
  • A VIN verification.
  • A new driver's license from your new state, usually within a similar deadline.

3. Update your insurance

Insurance is priced by location, so your premium may go up or down. Your new policy still needs to meet the lease's required limits. See insurance for a leased car.

4. Expect tax changes

States tax leases differently, and a move can change what you pay. See sales tax on a car lease.

  • Your monthly payment may change if your new state taxes the monthly payment at a different rate.
  • Your new state may charge a one time tax or fee when you register the car there, sometimes based on the remaining lease payments or the car's value.
  • Tax you prepaid in your old state may not be refunded, and credits between states vary.

Ask your leasing company and your new state's DMV for the exact figures before you register.

5. Keep your mileage in mind

A long move can use a lot of your allowance in one go. If you are driving across the country, factor those miles in, or consider shipping the car. See car lease mileage limits.

Returning the car in your new state

When the lease ends, you can usually return the car to an authorised dealer for that brand in your new state. See car lease end options.

Moving abroad

Leased cars generally cannot be taken out of the country. If you are moving overseas, your options are usually a lease transfer, a buyout, or ending the lease early. See getting out of a car lease early.

The short version

Tell your leasing company before you move, register the car in your new state within its deadline, update your insurance, and expect your taxes and possibly your payment to change. The leasing company's paperwork takes time, so start early.

If you are moving and want to know how it affects your lease or your next one, get in touch. We lease and deliver in all 50 states.