Removing a Lien in Louisiana

If you took a loan out on your car and are still in the process of paying it back, there may be a lien on your car title. That means the car does not legally belong to you, and it will be placed under someone else's name.

Once your car loan has been satisfied, however, you can get the lien removed and obtain a lien-free title from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

What Is a LA Lien?

A lien is essentially an insurance policy for a property owner. It protects him or her against the chance that he or she will not receive full payment for a thing they've sold or a service they've performed.

In the case of a car title, a lien will allow the lienholder to repossess the vehicle should you default on your auto loan or fail to continue making payments.

Who Is a Lienholder in Louisiana?

A lienholder is the person who would lose out on the money from a defaulted loan or an unpaid service bill. In the case of a car title lien, the lienholder is the individual or entity responsible for issuing your car loan.

Frequently, the lienholder on a car loan will be a credit union, bank, or other financial institution. Until the time that the loan is satisfied, a lienholder can also be referred to as the legal car owner.

Remove a Lien from Your LA Title

Once you have paid off your car loan, your lender should release the lien hold on your car. You will then be able to obtain a clear Louisiana title.

The following can be submitted by mail or in person at your nearest Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location:

  • Vehicle Application (Form DPSMV 1799).
  • A copy of your current registration.
  • Payment for the $68.50 title and handling fee (check or money order).
    • Fees may vary. Make sure to check with your local OMV office for the most accurate fee information.
    • When writing a personal or company check, include the driver's license number of the responsible party.
    • Businesses may also write the federal employee identification number (EIN).
  • Your title certificate reflecting the lien release.

If the title does not reflect the lien release, get a letter from your lender—written on their letterhead—stating that the lien has been satisfied. The letter must also include the lienholder's:

  • Name.
  • Address.
  • Telephone number.

If you chose to mail in the information, you can send the letter to the LA OMV at:

  • Postal address:
    • Office of Motor Vehicles
    • P.O. Box 64886
    • Baton Rouge, LA 70896
    OR
  • Physical address:
    • Office of Motor Vehicles
    • 7979 Independence Blvd.
    • Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Forms

DPSMV 1799
Vehicle Application
Office of Motor Vehicles application for a Louisiana vehicle title and registration.
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