Military life comes with moves you don't always control, so the lease-or-buy question is different for service members. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) gives you some protection on car leases, but it's narrower than many people think.
When the SCRA lets you end a car lease early
- A permanent change of station (PCS) from the continental U.S. to somewhere outside it, including Alaska and Hawaii
- A PCS from a state outside the continental U.S. to anywhere outside that state
- A deployment with a unit, or in support of a military operation, for 180 days or more
If you signed the lease while on active duty, you can end it early without an early-termination fee if you receive orders for:
When it doesn't apply
A PCS within the continental U.S. does not qualify. If you're moving from Florida to Georgia, for example, the SCRA doesn't let you out of the lease. You'd be stuck paying it off, transferring it, or paying the lessor's early-termination costs.
How to use it
- Give the leasing company written notice along with a copy of your orders, sent by a method with a return receipt.
- Return the vehicle within 15 days of delivering the notice.
- You can still be charged for taxes and fees owed, and for excess wear or mileage, but not an early-termination penalty.
So should you lease or buy?
Buying usually makes more sense if you expect a stateside PCS before a lease would end, drive a lot of miles, or want to keep the car for years. Leasing can work if you want a lower payment, a newer car, and your next move is likely overseas or a long deployment, where the SCRA would cover you. Your installation's legal assistance office can review a lease before you sign, for free.
Last reviewed September 2026. Fees and rules can change — confirm current amounts with the Bay County Tax Collector or your lender before you buy. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.