Inceptions / Drive-Off
Total cash due at lease signing — first month, [acquisition fee](/glossary/acquisition-fee), upfront taxes, DMV fees, and any [cap cost reduction](/glossary/cap-cost-reduction).
Inceptions (also called "drive-off," "out-of-pocket due at signing," or idle payment) is the total dollar amount you write a check for at lease signing — separate from the monthly payment. Components: first month's payment, acquisition fee ($500-$1,000), upfront sales tax on the cap cost reduction and sometimes on the total payments (varies by state), DMV title and registration fees, doc fee, plus any cap cost reduction you elect. A "$0 down" lease ad means zero cap cost reduction — but inceptions still typically run $1,500-$3,500. Always demand the inceptions itemized in writing before signing; this is where dealers slip in VIN etching, nitrogen fill, and other junk fees when the buyer is focused only on the monthly payment.
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