I was already cleared with Honda/Acura for the NSX lease at that point the dealer took my deposit and I signed all the paperwork. Dealer has told me that the final paperwork check now has to be processed to insure accuracy and to verify all the numbers. This is a little more complicated because I am located in a different state. When it's all processed the dealer will receive notice of funding from Honda/Acura and will be cleared of all financial obligations to the car and then they will release it to me. If I lived a few miles away in the same state they may have already let me take the car. This is speculation on my part although it is the way I understand the business to work.
I'm just not a a patient person so this is a real test for me.
This is absolutely the most likely the scenario. Paperwork on out of state deals can be a nightmare and if they let the car go and suddenly the contract was denied because the tax or license fees were a few dollars off and they need you to re-sign new contracts that can be quite the headache. Not that I am speaking from past experience or anything.