
How Do I Know If I Have A Lien-Free Vehicle Title?
If you're looking to sell your car or get a vehicle title loan, you need a lien-free vehicle title in Texas. But how do you know if your title is free and clear?
Luckily, checking your vehicle title status is simple. In this guide, we'll show you four easy ways to verify if you have a lien-free title, plus how to use it to get a same-day title loan for fast cash.
4 Ways to Check If Your Vehicle Title is Lien-Free
1. Check Your Physical Title Document
Car titles are usually given to the buyer upon the purchase of a car. Some states have electronic versions of titles and some have paper versions. When the state of Texas receives an electronic lien release – such as when you pay off your car – the electronic record is made into a paper title and mailed to the owner. The standard car title can include various pieces of information, including:
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Make and model.
- Owner’s name and address.
- Issue date.
- Odometer reading.
- Signature of the buyer, seller, and state official.
- Liens and lienholders.
If your car was titled in Texas, you’ll see a list of liens, lienholders, and release dates on the bottom half of the title. If the title is up to date, all liens should be recorded here. Sometimes, a dishonest transaction could end with you buying a car with a lien without knowing it. If you’d like to avoid this – which you should want to – there are some things you can do.
2. Visit the Texas DMV for a Title Lookup
If you purchased your car from a dishonest third party or if the car was titled in another state, you may not be able to see the lien on the physical title. In the former case, there have been instances of fraud when someone requests a duplicate title, puts a lien on the duplicate title, then illegally sells their car with the original non-lien title. To make sure no new title has been issued, head to your local Texas DMV with your latest ID.
Make an appointment beforehand, if possible, to make the process quicker. Once you are in front of someone, ask them to look up any liens on your vehicle to find out if it is a lien-free vehicle title or not. Most DMVs will be able to tell you, at minimum, if there are or aren’t any liens on the vehicle. They may not tell you where the lien comes from or any of the details, but you’ll be able to get a yes or no answer and know where you stand.
3. Get an Online Title Search
If you’d rather sort your title out from home, you can pay a few dollars to do a title check online. First, you’ll need the VIN for your vehicle, which is found on the title itself or on your insurance card. You can also find it inside your car, either on the driver’s side dashboard as seen from the outside or in the driver’s side door or door jamb printed on a sticker. Select an approved provider from the Texas DMV website, shop for the best price, pay online using a credit card, and receive your title check.
4. Request a Title Search via the DPPA
If your car was titled out of state, your state DMV may not register out-of-state liens. In this case, you could go the extra mile and file a Driver’s Privacy Protection Act form. This is a written, notarized, and mailed request for private information on the lien and title from the car’s home state. You’ll need to wait a few weeks for a response, but you’ll soon find out if the car has any out-of-state liens.
Use Your Lien-Free Vehicle Title to Get a Title Loan
If your title is lien-free, you can use it to get a fast vehicle title loan with Texas Car Title and Payday Loan Services, Inc.
A title loan lets you borrow up to $15,000 based on your vehicle’s value.
Benefits of a Vehicle Title Loan:
- Same-Day Cash – Get approved in minutes and receive cash the same day.
- Bad Credit Accepted – No high credit score required.
- No Job Needed – You can qualify with alternative income sources.
- Keep Driving Your Car – Use your vehicle while repaying the loan.
Apply for a fast title loan now.
What You Need to Qualify for a Vehicle Title Loan
To apply for a vehicle title loan, you need:
- A lien-free vehicle title in your name.
- A government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of income (pay stub, bank statement, or alternative income).
- Your car for a quick inspection.
Once approved, you could receive cash the same day!
Start your online title loan application here.
How to Apply for a Vehicle Title Loan in Texas
The application process is simple and hassle-free:
- Step 1: Fill out the quick online form on our website.
- Step 2: A loan representative will contact you to discuss your loan options.
- Step 3: Meet at a convenient location to finalize your loan.
- Step 4: Get your cash the same day or the next business day.
Apply for your title loan today.
Need Cash Fast? Get a Cash Advance Online Same Day with a Title Loan
If you could use some cash to face a financial emergency, Texas Car Title and Payday Loan Services Inc. is at your side. Access your lien-free vehicle title in person, at the DMV, online, or through a DPPA form to make sure everything is free and clear. Then, access a vehicle title loan and get anywhere from a few hundred bucks or up to $15,000 within a day or two. Connect with us online or via phone today to learn more or get started. We’re looking forward to speaking with you!
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.