How to Check Vehicle Mortgage Information?
2 Answers
You can check the status on the motor vehicle registration certificate to see if there is a "mortgage" notation. However, only the vehicle owner can perform this inquiry. The status of the vehicle affects the beneficiary of the car insurance. If it is a mortgage loan, the beneficiary is the bank. If it displays "mortgage," it means the vehicle is mortgaged; if it displays "normal," then it is not a mortgaged vehicle.
I remember when I was considering buying a used car a while ago, I really wanted to know if it had any outstanding loans to avoid being chased by the bank after the purchase. I went directly to the local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) to inquire. By bringing my ID and the vehicle identification number (VIN), I could check the registration certificate—that green booklet would detail any lien status. Some places even support online checks, like using the Traffic Management 12123 app—just enter the license plate information, and it’s clear at a glance. The whole process was quite simple but required some time waiting in line. Looking back now, checking in advance was really important because many friends got scammed by not verifying liens, especially in private transactions. If a lien is found, it’s best to confirm with the seller whether it has been released; otherwise, future transfers or resales could be troublesome. If still unsure, you can use third-party platforms for assistance—it costs a little but offers more peace of mind.
