How to Check for Car Liens

Buying a used car that still has a lien on it can be a nightmare, especially if the seller is not forthcoming with the information. You could be hit with a big bill from the lending institution that holds the lien, or you could be stuck dealing with excessive red tape from the Department of Motor Vehicles. A simple examination of the vehicle title, along with a detailed car history report can save you both time and money.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• VIN (vehicle identification number) of the vehicle in question
• Car title or registration
• Car history report

1. Examine the title or registration paperwork on the vehicle to check for liens. If a title is offered, you should check the name on the certificate against proper identification from the seller. If a registration is offered, and a lienholder is still noted, ask for specific documentation on the status of the lien, especially if the seller claims that the vehicle has been recently paid in full.

2. Find the VIN number of the car and match it to the title or registration. The VIN plate should be located on the dashboard of the vehicle between the steering wheel and the windshield, and the 17-character code should match the code listed on the title or registration. If the VIN on the car doesn't match the code on the paperwork, walk away from the deal.

3. Check the car for liens by writing down the VIN, and taking it to the nearest branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV should be able to run a detailed car history, which will also list the previous owners of the vehicle and note whether the vehicle was ever in an accident. Any lienholders of the vehicle in question should be clearly noted on the report.

4. Wait for the final paperwork to clear if a car has been recently paid off according to the seller. This may involve waiting for the title to be issued, which may take 30 to 60 days after the lien has been paid, depending upon the issuing authority.

5. Use online resources, such as Carfax.com, to check whether a car still has liens against it. Carfax offers the report for free.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the lienholder or financial institution noted on the vehicle registration for the status of the lien, and find out whether or not it has been paid in full.

Resources

• Carfax to check a lien on a used car.

[larrytwin]

on 3/20/2009 I need to put a lein on a car.How do i do that??

[larrytwin]

on 3/19/2009 how do i put a lein on a car??? MJ