Title Assistance & Resources

Everything you need to know about obtaining titles for lien sale and auction vehicles.

For Towing Companies (Sellers)

Before You List

  • Verify that the statutory lien period has fully expired
  • Send all required notices to the registered owner and lienholder
  • Document all towing and storage fees with itemized records
  • Take clear, detailed photos of the vehicle (all sides, VIN, interior)
  • Note all visible damage, missing parts, and mechanical issues

Documentation Checklist

  • Tow ticket / impound authorization
  • Storage invoices with daily rates
  • Certified mail receipts for owner notifications
  • DMV lien sale confirmation or authorization
  • Newspaper publication proof (if required by state)
  • Photos of the vehicle at time of listing
Check Your State's Requirements

For Buyers

What to Expect

  • Most lien sale vehicles do not come with a title
  • You will receive a bill of sale and lien sale documentation
  • You must apply for a new title through your state's DMV
  • Processing typically takes 2–8 weeks depending on your state

Title Options

  • Standard DMV Title Application — Submit lien sale paperwork directly to your local DMV
  • Bonded Title — Purchase a surety bond to obtain a title when documentation is limited
  • Vermont Registration Method — Register the vehicle in Vermont (no title required for 15+ yr old vehicles), then transfer to your state
  • Title Service Companies — Third-party services that handle the title process on your behalf
Important: Always verify the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN on your lien sale documentation before completing a purchase. Run a VIN check to look for theft records or unresolved liens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a clean title for a lien sale vehicle?

Yes, in most cases you can obtain a clean title for a lien sale vehicle. When a towing company follows the proper legal process — including notifying the registered owner, waiting the required statutory period, and filing the correct paperwork — the previous owner's claim to the vehicle is legally extinguished. You can then apply for a new title in your name through your state's DMV. The resulting title may be branded as "Lien Sale" in some states, but it is a valid, transferable title that allows you to register, insure, and resell the vehicle.

If the original owner had an outstanding auto loan, the lienholder (bank or finance company) must be notified as part of the lien sale process. Once the statutory notification period has passed and the lienholder has not claimed the vehicle, the lien is typically cleared. However, some states handle this differently. It is important to verify that the towing company properly notified the lienholder before purchasing. A VIN check can also reveal if any financial liens remain on the vehicle's record. If a lien is still active, you may need to resolve it before a title can be issued in your name.

The timeline varies depending on your state and the method you choose. A standard DMV title application typically takes 2–6 weeks. Bonded titles may take 4–8 weeks due to the additional step of purchasing a surety bond. The Vermont registration method can take 3–6 weeks for the initial registration, plus additional time to transfer to your home state. Title service companies often expedite the process and may deliver results in 2–4 weeks, though they charge a service fee. Plan ahead and factor in processing time before you need to drive or resell the vehicle.