Applying for a car lease can seem like a big step, but the process is often quicker and more straightforward than most people think.
Whether you’re looking to lease your first vehicle or switching from a previous contract, knowing how long a leasing application takes can help you plan ahead with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll break down the typical timeline for a leasing application, including processing your order, what documents you’ll need, and organising delivery. We discuss:
Please note: Lead times for lease applications vary from vehicle to vehicle. On average, fast lease vehicles can take as little as 7 to 21 days, while stock cars are generally 3 to 4 weeks, and factory orders are 3 to 6 months.
Once you’ve submitted your enquiry online, one of our sales consultants will usually be in touch within 24 to 48 hours. During busy periods, it may take a little longer. If you’ve contacted us by email, it can take up to five working days to hear back, but rest assured, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
When we do get in touch, we’ll talk you through your needs, check vehicle availability, and review your credit eligibility. You’ll then receive a tailored quote by email to consider.
From first enquiry to quote acceptance, this can take anywhere from a single day to a couple of weeks, depending on your availability, how busy we are, or whether the vehicle is in stock.
If you’re happy to go ahead, the next step is filling in a quick online finance proposal. Your consultant will double-check your details to make sure everything’s correct before submitting to the finance provider.
We’ll then wait for a finance decision, which normally comes back within 48 hours, but can take up to five working days. Once we get a response, we’ll give you a call or drop you an email.
If you’re approved, we’ll then charge a processing fee, which will be taken from your account within the next 24 hours.
Once the processing fee has been paid, we’ll place the order with the supplier. They’ll confirm an estimated due date with the dealership. This confirmation usually lands within 24 hours, and we’ll send you an email to confirm your order.
Occasionally, there can be supplier-side delays or shifts in due dates, especially for factory orders, but we’ll keep you in the loop throughout.
This is one of the most important stages, and sometimes the most time-consuming.
When we’ve received a due date from the dealer, we’ll request your finance documents from the provider and send them to you. If your vehicle has a longer lead time, we may hold off until closer to the delivery window.
Some funders use e-signature systems, which means you can sign and return your documents on the same day. Others may require a paper copy, in which case we recommend sending your signed paperwork back by special delivery. This typically takes at least one working day, but can take longer if you use standard post.
Once we receive your documents, our admin team will check them over. If everything looks good, we’ll pass them on to our deliveries team. If there are any errors, this can delay delivery, so double-check before you send them back.
Delivery can only be arranged once your cooling-off period has expired (usually around 14 days) and your vehicle has physically arrived at the dealership.
After that, there’s typically a five-day window to get your vehicle prepped and ready. This includes a full Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) to make sure everything’s in perfect condition. Occasionally, delivery might take a little longer depending on driver availability or location, but we’ll let you know if that’s the case and keep you updated every step of the way.
Car leasing is a straightforward process when you know what to expect. By preparing early and staying in touch, you can avoid delays and get on the road sooner.
Ready to take the next step?
Originally posted: 9th April 2019
Last updated: 22nd July 2025
Due to be reviewed: 22nd July 2026
