Removing a Lien in Missouri

If you borrowed money to pay for your car and are still in the process of making loan payments, you may have a lien on your car title. That means, legally speaking, the car does not belong to you.

Once your car loan is paid in full, you will be able to release the lien from your car title through the Missouri Department of Revenue and assume legal ownership of the vehicle.

What Is an Auto Lien?

A lien is a form of collateral for a property owner or service provider, to ensure he or she will receive full payment for property they've sold or a service they've rendered.

In the event that you are unable to fulfill your car loan, a lien on a car title will allow the lienholder to repossess the vehicle in order to recoup any lost payments.

Who Is a Lienholder in Missouri?

A lienholder is usually the person or company at financial risk, should a loan or bill go unpaid. In the case of your car title, the lienholder is the individual or entity responsible for writing your car loan. Oftentimes, a bank, credit union, or other financial institution will be a lienholder on a car title.

Until the loan is satisfied, the lienholder's name will appear on the title, and the title will likely be in their possession. The lienholder may also be referred to as the legal car owner until the loan is paid off.

Removing a Lien a Your MO Title

In Person

Once you've completed paying off your car, you can have the lien released with the MO Department of Revenue from your title by visiting your local DOR office with:

• Your current title (if in your possession).
• Payment for the $14.50 fee.
• EITHER:
  • The Notice of Lien, Lien Release, or Authorization to Add/Remove Name from Title (Form DOR-4809), sent to you by your lienholder.
    OR
  • A notarized statement on your lienholder's letterhead stating that the lien is released.

It is important to keep a copy of the lien release for your records. A new title, printed with your name on it, will be issued and mailed to you within 5 business days.

By Mail

You can also apply for a new title by mail. Include:

• All of the documents and fees listed above, PLUS:
• A completed and signed Application for Missouri Title and License (Form DOR-108).
  • If you don't have your current title, you must have your signature notarized.

Typically, it could take up to 6 weeks to process a mail-in title application.

Mail the forms and fees to:

Missouri Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Bureau
301 West High Street – P.O. Box 2046
Jefferson City, MO 65105

NOTE: The notarized lien release submitted for a new title will not be returned to you. It is recommended to keep the original release for your personal records and submit a copy to the Missouri DOR.