Services
PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Home Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Recent Studies
Comprehensive Data Reports
Reviews
About
FAQ
MenuIcon
BACK

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?

avatar
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Each state and lender has a slightly different process for returning the title and removing the
lien
, 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
sell the car
 and
transfer the title
.
MORE:
How to sell a car for the best price
View full answer 
Jerry user testimonial avatar
rating primary
“My experience with Jerry has been absolutely incredible. It took my car insurance from about $400/month to about $80. The entire experience is seamless.” - Gregory R.
Lower my car insurance too
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.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Find insurance savings

You Might Also Be Interested

card cover

Do You Get a Car Title with a Car Loan?

If you’re financing a vehicle, your lender will be listed as a lienholder. Whether the lienholder or borrower holds the title varies between states.
avatar
Cameron Thiessen
card cover

How to Take a Name off a Car Title, Step-by-Step

To take a name from a car title, the person being removed signs the back of the title as the seller. The name staying on the title signs as the buyer.
avatar
Jason Tushinski
card cover

Buying a Car Without a Title: What You Need to Know

You can buy a car without a title—but you’ll need to research the car’s history, get a bill of sale, and register the car in your name before you can drive it.
avatar
Melanie Reiff

Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry

card cover

What You Need to Know About Tennessee’s Fair Housing Act

In Tennessee, you can’t be denied housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
avatar
Shannon Martin
card cover

My Car Got Keyed. Will Insurance Cover It?

Getting your car keyed is an act of vandalism. Under your comprehensive car insurance policy, car keying is covered.
avatar
Brooke Kottmann
card cover

How to Get a Nebraska Driver’s License Reinstatement

A Nebraska driver’s license reinstatement costs $50 to $125 and may require you to retake the driver’s tests and apply for a new license.
avatar
Cameron Thiessen

What Others Are Asking

Where is the OBD port location in a BMW E30?
I think there’s something wrong with my BMW E30. I don’t have the time to take it to a mechanic, but I think I can diagnose it myself. Where is the OBD port so that I can run a diagnostic?
avatar
Melanie Johnson
How do I check the tire pressure on my 2017 Ford Escape?
I have a 2017 Ford Escape, and the tire pressure on the right side tires looks low. How do I check the tire pressure?
avatar
Andrea Barrett
What is the 2006 Toyota Corolla’s oil type?
I’m planning on changing the oil in my 2006 Toyota Corolla but I want to make sure I do it correctly. What type of oil should I use as the replacement?
avatar
Sean Boehme
Browse All Questions

Browse More Content

Car Repair Resources

Insurance for Your Car

Insurance in Your State

    Insurance In Your City

    Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

    √
    No long forms
    √
    No spam or unwanted phone calls
    √
    Quotes from top insurance companies
    Find insurance savings
    Car Insurance by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Dodge
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Jeep
    Kia
    Lexus
    Mercedes-Benz
    Mitsubishi
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Model
    Chevrolet Silverado
    Chevrolet Malibu
    Ford Escape
    GMC Sierra
    Honda Accord
    Honda Civic
    Hyundai Tucson
    Jeep Cherokee
    Jeep Wrangler
    Kia Forte
    Mazda 3
    Nissan Altima
    Subaru Outback
    Subaru Crosstrek
    Toyota Camry
    Toyota Corolla
    Toyota Tacoma
    Toyota Highlander
    Toyota Rav4
    Volkswagen Jetta
    View all
    Car Insurance by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Insurance by City
    Austin, TX
    Boston, MA
    Charlotte, NC
    Chicago, IL
    Columbus, OH
    Dallas, TX
    Denver, CO
    Houston, TX
    Indianapolis, IN
    Jacksonville, FL
    Las Vegas, NV
    Los Angeles, CA
    Nashville, TN
    New York, NY
    Philadelphia, PA
    Phoenix, AZ
    Portland, OR
    San Antonio, TX
    San Francisco, CA
    Seattle, WA
    View all
    Car Loan by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Chevrolet
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Kia
    Lexus
    Nissan
    Mercedes-Benz
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Company
    AAA
    Allstate
    Aspire Advantage
    Assurance America
    Bristol West
    Commonwealth
    Dairyland
    Encompass
    Infinity
    Kemper
    Mapfre
    Mercury
    National General
    Nationwide
    Plymouth Rock
    Progressive
    Safeco
    State Auto
    Travelers
    Car Loan by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Repair by Service
    AC Compressor Replacement Cost
    Battery Replacement Cost
    Fuel Injector Replacement Cost
    Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
    Ignition Coil Replacement Cost
    Oil Change Cost
    Oil Pan Replacement Cost
    Power Steering Fluid Service Cost
    Rotate Tires Cost
    Spark Plugs Replacement Cost
    Timing Belt Replacement Cost
    Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost
    Water Pump Replacement Cost
    Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost
    View all