Do I Need to Renew My Vehicle Registration at Lease End?

When your auto lease ends, it's important to know if you need to renew your vehicle registration. While it may seem like you can let this process slip, vehicle registration is a separate process from your leasing agreement, and it must be kept current regardless of the lease status.

What Happens When Your Lease and Registration Expiry Align?

Yes, you generally need to renew your vehicle registration even if your auto lease ends on the same day. This is because vehicle registration is a separate process managed by your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and it's essential to ensure your registration is valid at all times. For instance, if your registration would expire on the same day as your lease, you're still responsible for renewing it.

In many cases, the leasing company may handle the registration cancellation for you when you return the vehicle. However, it's crucial to check with both your leasing company and the local DMV for specific requirements. Always inform the leasing company of your intention to return the vehicle on time, and they can guide you through the necessary steps.

Leasing Dilemmas and the Importance of Registration

When considering leasing a new car, it's understandable that questions about lease and registration often arise. One common scenario is whether you can trade in a car with an expired registration. While it might seem challenging, there are some adjustments that can be made to trade in such a car. For instance, prices can be negotiated to account for the expired registration.

Accustomed to dealing with lease and registration, you might be familiar with the process. However, it's always a good idea to have a clear understanding before you sign on the dotted line. As you've noted, if your lease ends on the same date as your registration expires, returning the vehicle and removing the plates is necessary. Since you registered the vehicle in the name of the lessor, this becomes a pertinent issue.

Point to remember: never drive any car after your registration expires. In your state, your registration likely cycles by your birth month, making it essential to renew the registration before it expires.

What You Should Know When Returning Your Leased Vehicle

According to your lease agreement, you must return the vehicle to the dealer on or before the lease end date. If your lease and registration both expire on the same day, you'll need to return the vehicle, remove the plates, and ensure the car is in compliance with the terms of your lease. This includes:

Inspection by the leasing company to assess for any damages above normal wear and tear. Paying for excess mileage if applicable. No credit for under mileage. Returning any late fees or penalties you may incur.

If you're unsure about the terms of your lease, seek professional advice. This could include legal and accounting consultants who can provide insight into your obligations and help you negotiate the best possible outcome.

Current Vehicle Registration Requirement

Vehicle registration is vital for legal driving. Even if you're leasing a car and have intentions to return it, you must ensure the vehicle has current registration. If the vehicle remains in your possession and you plan to drive it after the registration expires, renewal is necessary. It's always better to be proactive and renew the registration well before the expiration date to avoid any penalties or legal issues.