Before exchanging any money, you must confirm the status of the lien:
Use the VIN to search your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to identify the lienholder. buying a car with a lien
Buying a car with a lien is common but requires careful coordination between the buyer, the seller, and the lienholder (typically a bank or lender) to ensure you receive a clear title. A lien is a legal claim on the vehicle used as collateral for a debt; until it is paid, the lienholder technically has a legal interest in the car, and you cannot register it in your name without a lien-free title. Before exchanging any money, you must confirm the