how do i find who has a lien on a vehicle, if any?

Question

my buddy abandond his car at my house six months ago because it cost to much to fix. I want it gone. I want to give it to the junk yard but I dont have the title. How do i check for liens, apply for the title, ect

Answer 1

Check your DMVs website, most states have a procedure to file for an abandoned vehicle title, they mail a letter to the owner of record who has a certain amount of time to claim the car or the title is given to you automatically. They will be able to tell you if there is a lien. If you don't care about getting money for it, call your local police dept and explain the situation to them, they'll remove it to the impound and if its not claimed it will be forfeited.

Answer 2

There are a couple of ways you can do this. Each state is different. If it were me I would just push or tow it someplace where the local authoritys will just remove it. Like a no parking zone etc. You friend will get the summons. The other is to call a local repair shop they run into this often with customers that can't pay the repair bill and they would know your local laws. You could also stop by the local police pct with the vin number of the car and tell them your story. They are the experts on local law and can advise you to your options. Many states, like NY, only ship a duplicate title to the name and address on the title. The local dmv will often have a web site where you can obtain the information you are looking for. The police may also be able to give you the information as to liens etc. Law regarding access to that information varry greatly from state to state.

Answer 3

carfax.com? actually, the DMV would have records of all that, based on the VIN number, and you can apply for a new title at the DMV if there is none, with form MV-902.
Funny thing--I had a car recently that had a lien on it. The car was a 1978, but since the lien was to a bank that was no longer in existence, the lien was still on the title, but we put the car in our name without having to clear the lien (it was still on the title, though).

Answer 4

To hell with that. If you want it gone, push it out onto the street and leave it parked there. Sonner or later, it will get towed away. I promise. Unless you want to keep the car but you already said you want it gone, then why should you worry about liens or anything to do with it? P H U C the piece of junk. It isn't in your name. Let it go. Push it out in the street and I promise, local law enforcement and a tow truck will be along soon to take the problem off your hands.

Answer 5

Go to your local DMV, with the VIN in hand. Tell them the situation, I have a hunch there is a lienholder. Since it is on your property, I'm confident you'll be able to get it removed by abandonment laws in your state. You will probably be told to send a certified letter, with return postage, to the last known owner on record, could be your friend, but maybe not. The letter will describe the car, the VIN, and it's location.

Answer 6

Most of the time, if a vehicle is abandoned and the license plates are expired, you can call the local municipal government and have them tow it away.