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How to obtain your car title after loan payoff Advertiser Disclosure Advertiser Disclosure We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our aim is to assist you make better financial decisions by offering financial calculators and interactive tools that provide objective and original content. We also allow you to conduct your own research and compare information for free to help you make sound financial decisions. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Earn Money The deals that are displayed on this website are provided by companies that compensate us. This compensation could affect how and when products are featured on the site, such as for instance, the sequence in which they appear in the listing categories in the event that they are not permitted by law. Our mortgage or home equity products, as well as other products for home loans. This compensation, however, does affect the information we provide, or the reviews that appear on this website. We do not cover the universe of companies or financial deals that could be open to you.



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3 min read Published June 23, 2022
The story was written by Holly D. Johnson Written by Author, Award-Winning Writer

Holly Johnson writes expert content on personal finance, credit cards as well as loyalty and insurance issues. In addition to her work articles for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, Johnson does ongoing work for clients that include CNN, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, Time Magazine and more.







The edit was done by Chelsea Wing Edited by Student loans editor

Chelsea has been with Bankrate since early 2020. She's committed to helping students manage the steep cost of college as well as simplifying the maze of student loans.









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Once you've made the final payment for an , you will need to get an official title issued by your lender to prove that you legally own the vehicle. This title is also a critical document should you ever end up selling your car in the future down the line. What is An auto lien is a document that proves the car is in many cases your lender. In a lot of ways the lien on your car is similar to a lien on your home. With a lien in place the lender is entitled to the car until you have paid off the amount you borrowed, as well as interest and fees. When the loan is paid in full, the lien on your car title is lifted, and the title can be transferred to you. The title of the vehicle shifts from the lender onto you. How to get your title once you have paid off the car loan Once you pay off your auto loan the lien holder must to inform your state's Department of Monitor Vehicles (DMV). They can do this electronically or by submitting specific documents that are required by law. Whatever method you choose, they'll notify the state that you no longer have a amount due on your loan and that you are the sole owner of the car. "After you've paid off your auto loan and have it cleared, you'll be able to get a 'free and clear' title to your vehicle, which means you are now the sole owner of the car," says Julie Shinn, vice president for lender management at RateGenius. "Anytime there are ownership changes it is necessary to change the title." The title change process is different for each state. process involved in getting the title for the car you paid off is based on the state's laws. Some states take care of it entirely and others need you to perform some laborious work. According to Shinn, your lender will give you a lien release in states where you must file to get your title. This is a formal document that proves that the loan has been paid in full. After that, you'll need to take those documents to the state DMV to obtain a new title in your name only. In other states, when the DMV is informed, they will automatically mail you the title to your vehicle with no effort on your part. To learn the process in your state, visit the state's DMV website . What's the length of time required to receive a title following loan payment Shinn says the states that you have to file paperwork to get the title of your car under the name of your own, you can expect to get your new title in any time from two to six weeks after you have submitted the paperwork. Since every state's processing timelines differ and the process could be shorter or longer. Nishank Khanna, a CFO at Clarify Capital, suggests that states with DMVs that issue auto titles automatically may take shorter time, typically between 15 and 30 days. However, processing and shipping time can take a while therefore, be sure to follow up with a call or email, or even an in-person visit in case you feel that it's been a long time. The final considerations regarding liens While it is normal to have a lien placed on vehicles, you should be aware of some important details to keep in mind. A lien on your vehicle could (or at least) make selling it more difficult according to Brian DeChesare of Mergers and Inquisitions. This is due to the fact that you'll be required to pay back the vehicle loan and get access to the title before you can sell your car and transfer the title to someone else. You may not have the money to pay off the car prior to the sale, and if you happen to owe more than your car is actually worth the amount, you'll need to pay for the difference. DeChesare also says that the opposite is true as well: You cannot get the title of the car you purchase from someone with a lien until they pay off the car. This is an extremely difficult process. But, certain DMVs offer a lien search function that allows you to find who holds the title of the vehicle and contact them directly. As a result of these difficulties, many motorists simply sell their cars with a lien to their dealership when they upgrade. When you at a dealership you'll receive the value of your trade-in vehicle that's likely to be higher than you owe. The dealership will transfer the title to the owner so it can sell your car to another person and take you completely out of the equation. The final word If you're trying to obtain your title after you've paid off your auto loan and you're in need of to just sit back and wait. However, in certain states, a visit to the DMV might be in your future. Whatever the case, you'll be proud of having paid off your auto loan. Think about your future financial plans before upgrading to a different vehicle with a new loan in particular if your current vehicle is in good working order. Find out more


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Written by Author, Award-Winning Writer

Holly Johnson writes expert content on personal finance, credit cards, loyalty and insurance topics. In addition to her work for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, Johnson does ongoing work for clients including CNN, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, Time Magazine and more.



The edit was done by Chelsea Wing Edited by Student loans editor

Chelsea is with Bankrate since the beginning of 2020. She's committed to helping students manage the steep cost of college as well as breaking down the complexities that are associated with student loans.






Student loans editor




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