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How can you get your title after paying off a car loan?

I finally finished paying off my car loan last week, and I’m looking to sell the vehicle soon. How do I get my car title back after I pay off a loan?

Jack Walsh · Updated on Nov 30, 2021

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Congratulations, I’m sure paying off your

is a huge relief! Each state and lender has a slightly different process for returning the title and removing the

, so you should contact the DMV or lender to learn more, but below are the three most common methods:

If your state and lender use the Electronic Lien and Title system or ELT system, the process is automated. All you need to do is make sure the lender has your current mailing address. The lender sends the appropriate documents to the DMV, and you should have the free and clear title within 30 days.

If your state or lender does not use the ELT system, your title and lienholder release documents will be mailed to you within 10 days. Once you receive the documents, you will have to visit the DMV to finish the process.

If you live in a state where you hold the title, just remember that you need to get a lienholder release form from your lender to retitle the loan.

Once you have your free and clear title, you’re all set to

and

transfer the title

.

However, if you decide to hold onto the vehicle for a bit or already have a new car, use

to ensure you aren’t overpaying for your

.

is an insurance comparison app that shops for low prices with over 50 different insurance companies for free. You will get quotes in seconds, can make changes at any time, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away! They even help cancel your old policy.

MORE:

How to sell a car for the best price

View full answer

WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY

Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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