How to Find Liens on Vehicles

Purchasing a used car can be a big investment. If you do not do adequate research, you could end up paying much more than you bargained for. A lien is basically debt attached to the title of property. If you purchase a vehicle with a lien, you get both the car and the debt. The easiest way to check to see if the vehicle has a lien is to obtain a car history report. Another way to check is through your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Sometimes the vehicle's title or registration will list a lien holder.

Instructions

Checking Title

1

Ask the seller if the vehicle has any liens. It's important to ask the seller up front while you are negotiating a sale price. If the seller is honest and the vehicle has a lien, he will tell you. Notwithstanding the sellers candor (or lack thereof), you should still conduct your own independent research.

2

Ask to examine both the vehicles title and registration. Either document could note that the vehicle is subject to a lien on the face of the document. However, a registration or title may not always list lien holders, and further research is necessary.

3

Copy the Vehicle Identification Number ("VIN"). The VIN is usually located between the dashboard and steering wheel. It is a 17-character code.

4

Take the title, VIN and registration to the Department of Motor Vehicles. That agency should be able to tell you if the cars title is free and clear.

5

Order a vehicle history report to verify whether the title is free and clear. These services will require the VIN you recorded. Many commercial services exist to provide vehicle history reports, including CARFAX, Is It a Lemon? and Car Detective.