Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How do you get your car title after paying off the loan?

After four years and not a single missed payment, I finally finished paying off my car loan. My car was the first sizable financed purchase I made, and I’m excited to own the vehicle officially. How do I get my car title after paying the loan?

avatar
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congratulations! Paying off your
car loan
is a big step, and you should feel proud! The process for getting your car’s title back and removing the
lien
varies by state and lender, but below are the three most common methods:
  • If your lender and state use the Electronic Lien and Title system or ELT system, you shouldn’t have to do anything but make sure the lender has your most recent smiling address on file. Once you make your last payment, the lienholder will automatically send the proper documents to the DMV. The DMV will then process the lien removal and mail you the free and clean title within 30 days.
  • If your lender or state does not use the ELT system, the lender will mail you your title and proof the lien can be removed. Once you receive the documents, typically within 10 days of making the last payment, 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 a free and clear title, let your
car insurance
company know! You may be eligible for lower rates and will no longer need to carry
comprehensive
and
collision
coverage.
If you want to save money on car insurance, the
Jerry
app is a good place to start. As a licensed broker,
Jerry
helps you find and compare quotes from over 50 top providers in minutes. When you find a better rate, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even cancel your old policy!
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.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

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