How can i tell if the vehicles have a clean title

Asked by Pat Jan 17, 2022 at 08:37 AM

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

1 Answer

157,885

Ask to see the title, in person. The title should have the seller's full name, address, and driver's license number on it. If the vehicle was financed when it was last purchased make sure in the lienholder's information section the title is signed, dated, and stamped with the words "encumbrance satisfied". This releases the lien on the vehicle and verifies that the vehicle is owned free and clear by the seller. A word of caution about this information on a vehicle history report. When a vehicle is paid off the loan status is not always updated by the State DMV. Like my State, for example. If you look at the very history report for my '08 Grand Marquis it will still show there's a lien on the vehicle. In other words, it's not paid for. That is incorrect. I've owned the vehicle free and clear since 2016 and have the title. In my opinion it's not my job to notify the State DMV that the vehicle was paid off. The finance company should be responsible for doing that! So, until I sell the vehicle, it will continue to show, through DMV, there's a lien on it. The status will update when the new person clears the title into their name. Hope that helps!! Jim

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