Return Your Leased Vehicle

A closer look at returning your vehicle.

How to prepare and what to expect.

Get ready to let go.

There may be some unexpected expenses to think about before you move on to your next vehicle. Before you visit the dealership, look at your lease agreement details, then check out our return your vehicle checklist (PDF) for information on things like:

How to request a payoff quote
How to determine any potential charges for excess mileage or excess wear
Instructions for after returning your vehicle

Mileage matters.

Everyone loves a scenic drive once in a while, but if you've driven more than the allowed mileage in your lease agreement, we may charge you for the excess. To calculate your excess miles, subtract the total allowed mileage (including any miles you purchased) from the actual mileage on your odometer.

Here's how to calculate the potential charge:

Number of excess miles x Per mile charge* = Potential excess mileage charge

If you took a few cross-country roadtrips during your lease, you may want to consider keeping your vehicle.

*Per mile charge is outlined in your lease agreement.

Wear and tear.

During the course of your lease, your vehicle will begin to show signs of normal wear, such as reduced tire tread depth. Your vehicle's condition may result in potential excess wear charges or charges for missing parts you may owe when you return your vehicle.

You can evaluate your vehicle for excess wear by using our Wear Square as well as reviewing the information below or the Dings and Dents table (PDF). You can also view our video to learn more about excess wear.

Use the Wear Square to measure interior damage. Burns, stains, cuts, tears and singed areas greater than 1/2" in diameter count as excess wear.
Use the Wear Square to measure damage to the exterior of your vehicle. The following count as excess wear:

Individual occurrences of body, bumper and molding damage larger than 2" in diameter that cannot be repaired for $100 or less

Any puncture

Exterior missing or broken parts, regardless of cost

Visible sand/grinding marks, rough texture, excessive overspray or bad color match larger than 2" in diameter

All damage that reduces remarketability or impairs vehicle appearance
Use the Wear Square to evaluate cracks and stars in your windshield. Damage greater than 1/2" in diameter or any hole counts as excess wear.
Use the Wear Square to evaluate these areas of your vehicle. Cracks longer than 2" or any hole count as excess wear.
Use the Wear Square to check tread depth. The following count as excess wear:

Tread depth of less than 1/8" at the shallowest point

Gouges, cuts, sidewall plugs or tires in a condition affecting passenger safety

Tires that don't match manufacturer's recommended guidelines
The following count as excess wear:

Broken, cracked, bent or mismatched wheels

Damage to wheels or wheel covers, except for minor nicks or scuffs
You may incur additional charges for damage or poor repair of damage that affects the vehicle's structural integrity
You may incur additional charges for the following:

Non-operational or malfunctioning equipment

Substandard or incomplete repairs

Any replacement part that doesn't meet manufacturer's specifications
You may incur additional charges for the following:

Any replacement part that doesn't meet manufacturer's specifications

Vehicle system failures that result from not adhering to manufacturer's maintenance requirements
You may incur additional charges for the following:

Any missing equipment or broken parts (such as DVD remote control, headphones, convertible boot, keyless entry remote, etc.)

Any replacement part that doesn't meet manufacturer's specifications
You may incur additional charges for aftermarket alterations, including, but not limited to:

Suspension modifications

Change in vehicle color or non-factory paint schemes

Lettering or graphics

Holes in frame

Post-delivery customization

Engine adaptations

Fuel system adaptations

Tinted or engraved glass

The Wear Square

We'll mail you a Wear Square as you near the end of your contract. You can also print your own Wear Square (PDF).

Vehicle inspection.

A third-party inspection company we hire will inspect your vehicle for excess mileage and wear, typically within 5 days of returning your vehicle. View a sample inspection report. Then:

You can view your vehicle's inspection report
You can also pay for an independent inspection – see your lease agreement for details
You'll receive a letter detailing what you may owe for excess wear and mileage, as well as any late charges and past-due amounts

Next moves.

Whether you want to lease again or explore our other vehicle financing options , we’ll help you find financing that fits.

Buy a vehicle.

Purchase something else or keep your leased vehicle .

Lease another vehicle.

Get a newer vehicle more often with fewer maintenance concerns.

FAQs

We have answers

To cancel or transfer license plates registered in Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island:

To return your license plate, send us a copy of the cancellation receipt. If you’re transferring your license plate, send a copy of your new registration after the transfer is complete. This will help ensure proper taxation and refund (if eligible).

Fax your copy to (904) 886-5204 or email it to JacksonvillePlateCancellation@ally.com. If we don’t hear from you within 30 days of your lease return date, your tag will be cancelled by the plate cancellation team.

If you live in the remaining states, start by contacting your DMV to determine if your state requires your license plate to be returned.

If you’ve moved, contact your previous state’s DMV to determine if your license plate needs to be returned.
- Print the Dings and Dents Guide (PDF 2 MB) and conduct your own pre-inspection (use Excess Wear and Wear Square online tools).
- Check the mileage against what's in your lease agreement. You may have to pay for excess miles.
- Contact your DMV to determine if your state requires your license plate to be returned.
- Schedule a time to turn in your vehicle with your dealership.
- While at the dealership, be sure to complete an odometer statement to document current mileage.
When you return your vehicle, please bring the following items you received at the beginning of the contract:
- A copy of your lease agreement
- Owner's manual
- Maintenance guide
You will also need to return all original equipment, including keys, keyless entry remotes, electric vehicle chargers and cables, DVD player headphones and remotes, cargo covers, convertible boot covers, etc.

Still have questions? Visit our Help Center.

Return Your Leased Vehicle

A closer look at returning your vehicle.

Get ready to let go.

Mileage matters.

Wear and tear.

Vehicle inspection.

Next moves.

Buy a vehicle.

Lease another vehicle.

FAQs

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