How to Check if a Car Has a Lien?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to check if a car has a lien: 1. Vehicle Registration Certificate: Check the vehicle registration certificate. When purchasing a vehicle, there is always a vehicle registration certificate. You can check the status on the certificate to see if there is a "lien" notation. 2. Vehicle Management Department: Inquire at the vehicle management department. Only the owner can do this. If it's a used car, you must inquire together with the owner; otherwise, the vehicle management department will not provide the information. 3. Insurance Company: Inquire at the insurance company. The status of the car affects the beneficiary of the car insurance. If it's a mortgage loan, the beneficiary is the bank. 4. Traffic Police Department: Inquire at the traffic police department. You can ask an acquaintance to check the status of the purchased vehicle online through the traffic police department. If it shows "lien," it means the car is under lien. If it shows "normal," then it is not a lien vehicle.
Last time I helped a friend look at a car, I encountered the issue of checking for liens. The most basic method is to directly examine the vehicle registration certificate, commonly known as the 'big green book,' where a section will indicate 'whether there is a lien.' If the seller can't produce it or is evasive, you should be cautious. Another method is to visit the local vehicle management office with your ID and the vehicle identification number (VIN), queue up for a query service—it's inexpensive but provides accurate records. Nowadays, online government platforms like the 12123 official website also support checking lien status by entering the license plate number, saving you a trip. Personally, I believe it's essential to check before purchasing a used car because a car with a lien cannot be transferred, potentially involving debt risks. Additional reminder: checking loan records or insurance policies can sometimes reveal signs of a lien. In short, don't cut corners; a thorough verification brings peace of mind.
