Do I Need a Lien Free Title?

PLEASE NOTE: When you sell a vehicle, you do not need to remove a lien from the certificate of title. You can give the original title and the original lien release to the buyer. ... To remove a lien, you do not need to go to your local DMV.

What does lien free title mean?

A clear title or lien-free car title means that the vehicle is completely paid off, you own the vehicle outright, and you owe no money in terms of outstanding loans or judgments held against the car's value.

Should I buy a car with a lien title?

A lien lasts as long as a car has an outstanding balance on it, so if you purchase a car with a lien on it, you must pay it out in full. After the balance is paid off, you have to contact the lien holder, who will then clear the title. ... Furthermore, the car cannot be bought unless the lien holder gets paid.