Unlocking Your Car Title: How to Get a Lien Release Fast

The Expert Podcast

Episode Highlights:

• Why is there still a lien on your title?
  • You may have paid off your car loan, but the bank might not have filed a lien release.
  • Banks often avoid filing the release due to labor and filing fees.
  • Even for charge-offs or write-offs, banks typically don’t spend money filing a release.
• What happens when you request a lien release?
  • Simply calling the lender won’t work—phone agents lack the authority.
  • Releasing a lien requires specific forms and manual processing.
  • No bank employee is eager to find the right forms, fill them out, and mail them.
• How to properly request a lien release:
  • Step 1: Get the lien release form for your state.
  • Step 2: Prepare additional documents, such as a letter of non-interest and an affidavit of fact.
  • Step 3: Mail all documents to the lienholder (not email).
  • Step 4: Include a pre-addressed return envelope with a stamp to make it easier for them.
• Increase your chances of success:
  • Sending the request by mail improves your chances to nearly 100% if the loan is paid off.
  • Even for charge-offs, there’s an 80-85% success rate.
  • If the bank doesn’t respond, you can use your written request as leverage to get the court clerk or magistrate to sign a release.
• Pro Tip:
  • Send copies of your request to multiple locations (main office, branch, etc.) to improve your chances of getting a response.

Additional Resources:

• Visit actualhum.com or describe.tv for more details, checklists, and downloadable forms.
• Live one-on-one consultations available for title issues, real estate records, business development, and more.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or check out our expert consultation services. Thanks for listening!