Liens

A lien is usually placed on a vehicle when you first purchase it unless you pay the full cost with your own funds. A lien may also be placed on a vehicle if you refinance it. Your lien will be recorded on your title. Once you title your vehicle in Virginia, DMV forwards your title with the lien recorded to your lender (lienholder). You will receive the registration card and license plates, if you have also registered the vehicle.

When you pay off your vehicle loan, the lender has ten days to notify DMV (§46.2-643) and must send you the title showing your lien as satisfied. When you receive the title, you have two options. You can exchange it at DMV for a clear title and pay the fee. Or you can keep the title that displays the lien as satisfied. However, you must be sure that the lien release is noted on DMV's records.

1. If your lender participates in Virginia's Electronic Lien program, the lender will electronically release the lien with DMV. A new title will be mailed to your address on record with DMV. DMV's records will no longer show a lien on the vehicle. "Lien Satisfied" and the date will be printed on your title. You do not need to take any action.

2. If your lender does not participate in Virginia's Electronic Lien program, the lender will mark on the title that the lien was satisfied and mail the title to you. However, this does not remove the lien from DMV's records.

   To remove the lien from DMV's records, bring the title to any DMV customer service center and apply for a substitute title. The fee is $10.00. DMV will issue you a new title. "Lien Satisfied" and the date will be printed on the new title.

   DMV urges you to remove the lien from DMV records as soon as you receive the title from your lender. If you lose the title or it is destroyed, you must obtain a lien release letter from the lender. This may be difficult if the lender changes names, address, merges, or goes out of business.

If you are unable to obtain a lien release letter because the vendor has merged, changed names or address, contact the State Corporation Commission to request information about the vendor's new name or location. If the lender has gone out of business, you will need a letter from the State Corporation Commission stating that the vendor is no longer in business. You will also need to provide evidence (such as receipts and cancelled checks) showing that the lien has been paid in full.

Financing your vehicle after a title has been issued in your name or refinancing your vehicle is considered a supplemental lien. You must complete the "Application for Supplemental Lien or Transfer of Lien" (VSA-66), and submit the fee.

If there is an existing lien on your vehicle and you are transferring the vehicle to another individual, you must contact the lien holder. The lien holder must agree to this transfer and provide you with the Virginia title and a signed Transfer of Certification of Lien Information (SUT 4). If the buyer is assuming the unpaid balance of the loan and was not on the original contract, the lien holder should satisfy the existing lien and record a new lien for the buyer. The buyer pays the 3% sales and use tax based on the unpaid loan balance plus any additional amount paid to the seller, whether or not the lienholder files a supplemental lien.

For additional information, refer to Mechanic's or Storage Lien (MSL).