How to Check for Automobile Title Liens

Before buying a used automobile, you need to check to see if a title lien is present on the automobile. A lien is a legally binding document that gives claim over the automobile to the person or financial institution who loaned money to the buyer of the automobile. If the buyer of the automobile fails to play the lien holder, the lien holder can repossess the automobile. If you buy a used automobile that has a lien that has not been satisfied, you will not receive a title in your name for the automobile until the lien holder has been paid.

Instructions

Checking for Automobile Title Liens - DMV Website

1

Call your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) field office. Ask if the agency has a website where you can check to see if a used car has a title lien. Many states have car title information online.

2

Write the website address on a piece of paper. Write down any directions the clerk gives you on where to enter the used automobile's vehicle identification number (VIN) and other information about the used automobile. The VIN is found on the used automobile's title, on the inside of the driver's side door and on the car's dashboard under the windshield.

3

Open your computer's Internet browser. Type the website address in the browser's URL bar at the top of the screen.

4

Press the Enter or Return key. The DMV website will load into your computer's browser. Follow the directions given by the clerk at the DMV office.

5

Print the automobile's title information, if found, on your computer's printer for future reference.

Checking for Automobile Title Liens - Calling or Visiting DMV Field Office

6

Call or visit your Department of Motor Vehicles field office.

7

Give the DMV clerk the automobile's vehicle identification number (VIN).

8

Request a printout of the automobile's title information. If calling the DMV office, give the clerk your contact information so she can mail you the title lien information, if you can't go by the DMV office to pick up the report.