How to Request and Get an NYS DMV Lien Release Fast

A DMV lien can be a helpful tool for purchasing a vehicle if you do not have the cash to pay for it in full upfront, but it can complicate the process if you decide you no longer want the vehicle before you have completely paid off your car loan. If getting a DMV Lien Release in New York sounds like a task that you wish to avoid, we can make your life easier with a couple of helpful tips. Here is an overview of what a DMV lien is and how DoNotPay can help you get a NYS DMV lien release to help you sell your car sooner.

What Is a DMV Lien?

A DMV lien allows a vehicle dealership to legally retain ownership rights to a vehicle until a car loan is paid in full by the purchaser. Vehicles with a lien may be reclaimed by the dealership if the purchaser falls too far behind in payments. Although this is a standard practice with many major purchases, such as houses and cars, it can present problems if the purchaser chooses to sell the property before completing the payment.

You might also have completed payment of the vehicle but if you do not have the DMV lien release, your potential buyer could be discouraged from purchasing from you.

DMV Liens in New York 

New Yorkers can file a lien for any vehicle, boat, or manufactured home (MFH) with a current title. There is a $5 fee for each lien that is filed, which must be paid by the lender.

How to Check if You Have a DMV Lien 

Knowing whether a vehicle you are interested in buying or selling has a current DMV lien is a must to make sure that the sale is completed properly with the correct paperwork filed to disclose or remove the lien. Your first step in checking for DMV liens in New York should generally be searching for the vehicle identification number (VIN) through the New York State DMV. You can also find out if a vehicle has a current DMV lien by checking its car title or vehicle history report.

Can a Vehicle Be Bought or Sold With a Lien? 

In New York, vehicles can be bought and sold with a lien as long as the dealer properly discloses the lien on their Vehicle Registration/Title Application for Dealer Sales. For private sales, the purchaser must file a Notice of Lien (MV-900) form to ensure that this obligation is met. Vehicles with a lien cannot legally be sold without taking the proper steps to make sure that all parties involved are aware of and accept the terms of the lien.

Under most circumstances, it is preferable for the seller to have the lien removed before attempting to sell the vehicle to make sure there are no complications during the process. This is typically done by paying off the car loan, but there are other methods for having a DMV lien removed under certain circumstances.

Does a DMV Lien Hurt My Credit Score?

Much like a loan, the impact of a DMV lien on your credit score largely depends on the circumstances surrounding the lien and whether you handle it responsibly. Liens that you voluntarily add to your vehicle or other property typically will not harm your credit as long as you pay them on time, while statutory or judgment liens generally do have a negative impact on your credit score.

How to Remove a DMV Lien in New York State

You will need to fill out a DMV Lien Release Form to remove a DMV lien in New York. Although the state does not require this process to be completed prior to selling a vehicle, it can help make the process easier for you and your buyer. Once you have paid off your loan, you can have the lien released by sending the NYS DMV Title Services:

• Proof that the loan was paid in full
• Your current title
• A $20 check or money order to cover the lien release fee

For further information, you can reach out to the New York State DMV through:

Successfully Remove a Lien With DoNotPay

DoNotPay aims to empower its users with simpler and easier DIY options. No more hours of researching guidelines and drowning with paperwork.

All you have to do is follow these three easy steps:

1. Search for remove my lien on DoNotPay. 
2. Start our Remove My Lien product. 
3. Answer some questions about your specific lien and let us help you craft a letter to your creditor to resolve the issue. 

And that’s it! DoNotPay will go through the hoops of getting your NYS DMV lien release for you. No need to waste countless hours in figuring out the process. We will do all the paperwork for you.

DoNotPay Works Across All Entities With the Click of a Button

DoNotPay makes releasing any type of lien easier and more convenient. We are here to help you determine what paperwork needs to be filled out and get in touch with the necessary parties on your behalf to help you speed up the process of getting rid of any lien and moving forward with a sale, including:

1. A DMV lien
2. A property lien
3. A state tax lien
4. Tax lien on a credit report
5. Any other type of lien

What Else Can DoNotPay Do? 

We can also help you solve dozens of other problems once you get your DMV lien taken care of. Some of our other services include:

• Suing anyone in small claims court
• Contacting customer service
• Closing bank accounts
• Cleaning up your credit report
• Setting up automatic payments on your bills
• Reducing your property taxes
• Learning about the release of liability
• Increasing your credit limits

At DoNotPay, we are here to make sure your DMV lien does not keep you from selling your vehicle when you want to. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you release your New York State DMV lien the easy way or to get started!