How Long to Get a Car Title After Payoff (2024)

How to get the title after paying off a car loan

After you pay off your car loan, how you get the title typically depends on if your state is considered a "non-holding state" or a "holding state." Either way, you'll need to work with your BMV or DMV to get a new title that reflects you as the sole owner.

Non-holding states

Non-holding states allow borrowers to be listed as the primary owner of the car, with the lender (lienholder) listed separately, so you may already have received the title when you purchased the car. Once you pay off your loan, your lienholder will send you an official release of lien letter. You'll take that to your state BMV or DMV (or, in some cases, to your local city/town clerk's office) along with your current title and apply for an updated title. Note that the BMV or DMV may already have your title if you don't have it. It can take anywhere from two to four weeks to receive your new title.

Title holding states

In holding states, the lienholder is listed as the primary owner on the title, and they keep the title until your car is paid off. Your name is mentioned separately on the title. When you pay off the loan, the lienholder will provide a notification of the ownership change through one of these methods.

Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) system: If you live in a state that uses the ELT, your lienholder may choose to notify your state of the change in ownership electronically. The lienholder may wait up to two weeks after receiving your final payment to do this. Once they receive the ELT notification from the lender, the BMV or DMV may automatically send you a copy of your new title. Note that some states may only give you a paper copy if you specifically request it.

Manual (non-ELT) notification: In states where the change in ownership isn't electronically reported, the lienholder may send a paper notice to the BMV or DMV about the change, or they may send you the current title along with a release of lien letter. If they send a notice directly to your BMV or DMV, find out from yours whether they'll send you the new title or if you must file paperwork to get it yourself. If the lienholder sends you the title and a release of lien letter, you'll have to take those to your BMV or DMV and fill out paperwork to get a new title reflecting the change in ownership.

How long does it take to get your car title from the bank?

Generally, it takes two to six weeks, but it will depend on your state's processes. For the specifics of how long it takes to get your car title from the bank or lender once you pay off your car loan, check with your BMV or DMV. While your lender or bank plays a role in the process, you'll ultimately need to get your new title through the BMV or DMV.

Loan payoff and car insurance

Once you've paid off your car loan and found out how to get your new title, you should let your auto insurance company know about the change in ownership. Lienholders are listed on auto insurance policies, and they can be removed once the loan is paid off. Generally speaking, you don't have to wait to receive the new title before notifying your insurer.

This change alone likely won't affect the price of your insurance. However, you might decide to drop comprehensive and collision coverages that your lienholder required you to carry. Dropping car collision coverage and comprehensive auto coverage or decreasing your limits may lower your car insurance premium.

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How Long to Get a Car Title After Payoff (2024)

FAQs

How Long to Get a Car Title After Payoff? ›

How long does it take to get your car title from the bank? Generally, it takes two to six weeks, but it will depend on your state's processes. For the specifics of how long it takes to get your car title from the bank or lender once you pay off your car loan, check with your BMV or DMV.

What happens once you pay off your car? ›

Your car's title is either physically held by the DMV, or in an electronic form - called an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) - in states where an ELT is legal proof of vehicle ownership. Once there's no longer a lien on your vehicle, the DMV is the one who prints and mails the lien-free title to you.

What happens after you pay off your car in NJ? ›

After paying off your car loan in New Jersey, you'll receive a lien release letter from your lender. This signifies the car title is free and clear. To obtain the updated title with your name on it, you have two options: visit a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) agency or mail in the required documents.

How to get car title after paying off loan nj? ›

Requesting the Re-Issuance of a Lien Free Title

A request to re-issue a title can be made at a motor vehicle agency or through the mail. In either case, the new title will be issued without the lien holder noted.

How do I get a title for my car in NJ? ›

How To Get A Title For A New Vehicle
  1. Titles may be acquired at a MVC Vehicle Center. ...
  2. You must show the Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) displaying the sales tax-satisfied stamp. ...
  3. If you purchase a vehicle in New Jersey, you must pay sales tax and complete the sales tax section stamped on the title.

Is it smart to fully pay off a car? ›

Generally, you should pay off your car loan early if you don't have other high-interest debt or pressing expenses to worry about. But if that money could be better spent elsewhere, paying off your car loan early may not be the best choice.

How much does your credit score increase after paying off a car? ›

Does paying off a car loan help credit? This can vary from person to person. In the short term, paying off a debt and closing credit accounts can result in a drop in credit scores. But over time, it can improve a person's DTI ratio, which lenders may look at when considering your credit application.

Who holds the car title in New Jersey? ›

During the transaction for a new car, the dealership or other seller typically provides information for the title, listing you as a beneficial owner and the lienholder as another owner. The lienholder retains the title as long as you owe money on that loan.

How long does it take to get a title from the DMV in NJ? ›

There are various situations that may require you to request a duplicate title. The best way to do so is to get an appointment to visit a motor vehicle agency. In some situations, you may be able to request one by mail, but that can take 8-12 weeks. Questions, contact us.

How do I check the status of my car title in NJ? ›

Fill out the Title Search form (DO-22) – you will need your driver's license number and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Note: Ensure both pages 1 and 2 are completed. You may either print the form on both sides of a single sheet or print two sheets.

Do you get a title when you finance a car in NJ? ›

When your car is financed with a loan, the lender will typically keep the title until the loan is paid off. Only at that point do you become the legal owner of the vehicle. Because your lender technically owns the car until the loan is paid, you usually don't get the title until the loan has cleared.

Do I need an appointment at NJ DMV for title transfer? ›

Appointments are required for: Registration/title transfer for private sale of a new vehicle, boat or trailer. New registration/title.

How to do a title search in NJ? ›

If you own a property in New Jersey and wish to learn more information regarding the title, you can usually find this information at the registry of the deeds office within your county. If you are still paying your mortgage, there won't be a deed, but you will be able to find the record of ownership.

Does NJ have electronic titles? ›

TRENTON – Today, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) announced that it is implementing legislation signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in November 2021 to offer an electronic proof of vehicle registration that can be used or displayed by New Jersey motorists.

How do I sell my car without a title in NJ? ›

Selling a Car Without a Title in New Jersey:

If a seller has lost or misplaced the title, they must apply for a duplicate title before proceeding with the sale. The process involves: Submitting an application to the MVC. Providing necessary identification and documentation.

How to register a car without a title in New Jersey? ›

Contact your local DMV.

First, contact your DMV and tell them you'd like to apply for a New Jersey car title, explaining why you don't have the original title. Follow their process to register your car and get a new title.

Does insurance go down after paying off a car? ›

Is car insurance cheaper if you own your car? Car insurance premiums don't automatically go down when you pay off your car, but you can probably lower your premium by dropping coverage that's no longer required. Banks and financing companies who loan you money for your car are called lienholders.

Do you get money back if you pay your car off early? ›

Paying off a car loan early can save you money in interest in the long term. When you pay off a car loan early, you also reduce the total amount of money that you owe, which may boost your credit score. Some lenders charge prepayment penalties that can offset what you would save in interest.

Why did my credit score drop after I paid off my car? ›

It might reduce the types, or 'mix,' of credit you have

Let's say you just made the final payment on your car loan. Your payment history is perfect and you keep credit card balances low. But now you have one less account, and if all your remaining open accounts are credit cards, that hurts your credit mix.

Do you pay less interest if you pay off a loan early? ›

Paying off a personal loan early can save you money on interest, but you have to be careful when it comes to prepayment penalties. It's also possible that paying off debt ahead of schedule could temporarily ding your credit score, so time an early payoff carefully if you're looking to obtain credit in the near future.

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