Virginia lets the lessee handle the transaction with a lessor power of attorney
Virginia titles a leased vehicle in the lessor's name. If the lessee is not on the title record, Virginia says the lessee may handle titling and registration with a power of attorney from the lessor.
Virginia says leased vehicles may not appear in the lessee's online DMV record, so keep the registration and authorization copies together.
Who does what
Start with the ownership document before the registration visit.
- 01Ask the lessor
Check whether the lessee appears on Virginia's title record. If not, ask the lessor for a power of attorney that covers both title and registration paperwork.
- 02Follow the state path
The lessor remains responsible for the title and related fees. The lessor's power of attorney gives the named lessee authority to handle the vehicle paperwork when the lessee is not on the title record.
- 03Keep the old record open
Wait for the new registration and the reviewed old-state closeout step before ending the prior insurance or plate record.
What to line up
These are the lease-specific items in the reviewed state source.
Lessor power of attorney when the lessee is not on the title record
Virginia title and registration materials for a new resident
Proof retained outside the online DMV record when the leased vehicle does not appear there
Match the lessor to Virginia
Add the state you are leaving and choose a supported lessor if it is listed. No VIN or lease account number is collected.
Prepare the packet and track the handoff
The saved checklist connects the route, lessor request, title, authorization, destination receipt, and final proof.
Keep your place and return later
Track your progress, dates, title requests, and receipts to keep. We will email a private return link.
Checked 2026-08-01
The state pages below control if a requirement changes.
- Virginia DMV: leasing a vehicleChecked 2026-08-01 ↗Title / lienRegistrationTax / fees
- Virginia DMV: register your vehicleChecked 2026-08-01 ↗Title / lienRegistration
Moving a leased car to Virginia
- Can I register a leased car after moving to Virginia?
- Virginia titles a leased vehicle in the lessor's name. If the lessee is not on the title record, Virginia says the lessee may handle titling and registration with a power of attorney from the lessor.
- Who gets the leased title to Virginia?
- The lessor remains responsible for the title and related fees. The lessor's power of attorney gives the named lessee authority to handle the vehicle paperwork when the lessee is not on the title record.
- What should I ask the lessor for first?
- Check whether the lessee appears on Virginia's title record. If not, ask the lessor for a power of attorney that covers both title and registration paperwork.
- What does NewState Drive do for free?
- Keep the route, lessor instructions, follow-up dates, handoff milestones, official links, and final proof together. Complete account and identity steps in the lessor or agency channel, then return to the saved route.
Match a supported lessor to Virginia
Each path joins the provider channel to this state packet.