Table of contents
- Can you ship a car you don't fully own?
- What to check in your agreement
- Why shipping often suits a leased car
- Insurance while the car is shipped
- Registering the car in your new state
- Shipping at the end of a lease
- Booking the shipment
- Questions to ask your lender or leasing company
- Payments and taxes after the move
- FAQs
Quick answer
Yes, you can usually ship a leased or financed car. Read your lease or loan agreement for rules on moving the car and where it may be registered, tell the leasing company or lender before the move, and keep up your insurance. The lender or lessor usually holds the title, so ask early how they handle registering the car in a new state.
Can you ship a car you don't fully own?
In most cases, yes. Shipping doesn't transfer ownership: the car simply moves from one place to another. What matters is what your agreement says about moving the car, keeping it insured and registering it somewhere new.
The company holding the title usually doesn't need to approve the shipment itself, but many agreements require you to tell them about a change of address or state. Some leases also limit where the car can be kept or registered, so check before you book.
What to check in your agreement
| Term | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Change of address or state | You may need to notify the company within a set time |
| Where the car may be registered | Some leases restrict registration outside certain states |
| Insurance requirements | Minimum coverage and who must be listed on the policy |
| Mileage allowance | Extra miles on a lease can cost you at turn-in |
| Title handling | How the company sends title documents to a new state |
| Moving out of the country | Often restricted or not allowed |
Change of address or state
- Why it matters
- You may need to notify the company within a set time
Where the car may be registered
- Why it matters
- Some leases restrict registration outside certain states
Insurance requirements
- Why it matters
- Minimum coverage and who must be listed on the policy
Mileage allowance
- Why it matters
- Extra miles on a lease can cost you at turn-in
Title handling
- Why it matters
- How the company sends title documents to a new state
Moving out of the country
- Why it matters
- Often restricted or not allowed
Why shipping often suits a leased car
- A long drive can use up a large part of a yearly mileage allowance
- Extra wear from a road trip can show up in the turn-in inspection
- Shipping adds only the few miles needed to load and unload
Insurance while the car is shipped
The carrier's cargo insurance covers damage it causes in transit, but your lender or lessor still expects your own policy to stay active. Don't cancel your coverage because the car is on a truck.
- Keep your policy active for the whole trip
- Ask the carrier for its certificate of insurance
- Update your insurer with your new address and state
- If there's damage, tell your lender or lessor as well as the carrier
Registering the car in your new state
Because the lender or lessor holds the title, your new state's DMV will usually request title information from them, or ask you to arrange it. This can take several weeks, which is why it helps to start before you move.
- Ask the company how it handles transfersMany have a dedicated title department and a standard form.
- Check your new state's processSome states need the original title; others accept information sent electronically.
- Apply before your deadlineSubmit what you can on time, even if you're waiting on the title.
Shipping at the end of a lease
If your lease ends soon after the move, ask whether you can return the car to a dealer in your new area. That can be simpler than shipping it back. If you're buying the car at lease end, the purchase paperwork and title transfer will follow your new state's rules.
Booking the shipment
- Give the shipper the exact year, make, model and any modifications
- Book open transport for everyday leased cars; consider enclosed for luxury leases
- Photograph the car carefully, since lease turn-in inspections look for damage
- Keep the bill of lading and delivery photos with your lease paperwork
Questions to ask your lender or leasing company
- Do I need to notify you before moving the car to another state?
- Are there states where the car can't be registered?
- How do you send title documents to a new state, and how long does it take?
- What insurance limits and policy details do you require?
- Does moving change my payment amount, taxes or fees?
- Can I turn the car in at a dealer near my new home when the lease ends?
Payments and taxes after the move
Lease payments often include state or local taxes, so moving can change your monthly amount. Your lender or lessor will tell you how the new state's taxes and fees apply once the car is registered there.
- Keep making payments on schedule during the move
- Update your billing address with the lender or lessor
- Check your first statement after registering in the new state
Frequently asked questions
Can you ship a leased car to another state?
Usually yes. Check your lease for rules on moving and registering the car, and tell the leasing company before you move.
Do I need permission to ship a financed car?
Most lenders don't need to approve the shipment itself, but many require notice of a new address or state. Read your loan agreement and call the lender.
Does shipping add miles to a leased car?
Only a few, from loading and unloading. That's one reason people ship leased cars instead of driving them long distances.
Who has the title to a leased or financed car?
Usually the leasing company or lender. Your new state's DMV will need title information from them to register the car.
What if my leased car is damaged in shipping?
Note the damage on the bill of lading, file a claim with the carrier and tell your leasing company, since repairs may affect your turn-in inspection.
File a damage claimCan I ship a leased car overseas?
Leases often restrict taking the car out of the country. Ask the leasing company before making any plans.
Does it cost more to ship a leased car?
No. The price depends on the route, vehicle and transport type, not on who holds the title.
What affects the costWill my lease payment change if I move states?
It can, because lease payments often include local taxes. Your leasing company will explain any change after the car is registered in the new state.
Sources
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
