What is a VR 278?

Death certificate – The death certificate or the letter (form VR-278 or VR-264P) sent by the MVA notifying the surviving vehicle owner the title must be transferred to remove the deceased owner’s name can be submitted as long as the surviving spouse (or co-owner) is named on the vehicle’s title.

How can I get a lien removed from my car?

Once you have satisfied your car loan, you will be eligible to have the lien released from your car title. The steps to complete a lien removal vary by state but you can expect to work directly with your: Car loan lender. Your local DMV or motor vehicle governing office.

What happens when a first lien is released on a car?

At that same time, the lender notifies the state agency in charge, usually the Department of Motor Vehicles, that the loan has been paid and the lien released. A car owner who does not receive the lien release should ask the lender for one or request proof that the loan has been satisfied.

Can a lender put a lien on your car?

Instead, your lender is considered the legal owner of the car until you no longer owe money on the loan. In order to keep you from acting as the legal owner of the car – and to protect their interests – your lender will put a lien on your car title.

What happens when the person with a lien dies?

In this case, the lender might file a lien to collect late debts, but then die. When this happens, all the lien holder’s financial information passes into the estate of the individual. This estate can collect on the lien and usually will. In some cases, the lien may pass to heirs.

Why is there a lien on my Car title?

In order to keep you from acting as the legal owner of the car – and to protect their interests – your lender will put a lien on your car title. Once you have satisfied your car loan, you will be eligible to have the lien released from your car title.

What should I do if I inherited a car?

First, determine if there are any liens that may exist for the vehicle. If a lien exists, pay the balance to get a “free and clear of lien” note for the vehicle. Next, you would want to get liability insurance under your name if you’re the heir. This is to protect you from any issues later on and help people see the value of the vehicle.

Can you sell a car with a lien on it?

Because you’re not the sole owner of the car until you do, which means you can’t sell it. Fortunately, removing a lien usually means paying off the debt and then going to the DMV or court to remove the lender’s name from the title.