How Do I Know If I Have A Lien-Free Vehicle Title?

Whether you’re looking to sell your car or use its title for a vehicle title loan, you’ll need a lien-free vehicle title in Texas. But if you’ve never dealt with this kind of thing before, there are four ways you can verify if your title is clear of liens. The good thing is none of the four ways has to be difficult or drawn out. It is just a matter of making sure you are as prepared as possible no matter which option you choose. So, keep reading to learn about your options now.

Use These Four Tips To Learn About Your Vehicle Title

1. Look At Your Car Title

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. Ask Your Local DMV

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.

checking lien-free vehicle title

3. Pay For A Title Search Online

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. File A 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.

Using Your Lien-Free Vehicle Title For Cash

Once you have your lien-free vehicle title, you may be able to use it with us at Texas Car Title and Payday Loan Services, Inc. to get a vehicle title loan for up to $15,000. We’ve made it easy with our short list of requirements, a quick process, and cash as soon as that same day if you are approved. We also don’t ask for high credit scores or proof of employment, and our trusted representatives will walk you through every step of the way. To qualify for a vehicle title loan, you’ll need four things:

  • A lien-free vehicle title.
  • Your state-issued photo ID.
  • Proof of income.
  • Your car for inspection.

money and lien-free vehicle title

How To Apply For A Vehicle Title Loan

If you’re ready to apply for a lien-free vehicle title, simply head to our homepage and complete the online form. We’ll reach out to you afterward to coordinate the next steps, answer your questions, and select a location to meet. This could be your home, one of our store locations, or anywhere else. During the meeting, we’ll take a look at your car and documents and complete your application. If you qualify, you’ll access your cash that evening or the next!

Have A Lien Free Title? Time To Access Your Cash!

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.

Mason Roberts

Mason Roberts is a seasoned economics writer and blogger with a knack for breaking down and simply communicating the ever-changing world of finance. He is philosophically committed to the premise that financial knowledge equals financial freedom.