Is there a fee for vehicle release at the DMV?
2 Answers
There is no fee for vehicle release at the DMV. Within 10 working days after the auto loan is fully paid, the vehicle owner can go to the DMV to complete the release procedure. Required documents include: ID card, loan clearance certificate provided by the lending institution, vehicle registration certificate, organization code certificate of the lending institution, and a completed application form for vehicle mortgage registration or pledge filing. The vehicle release process is relatively simple and can be completed within one day. After paying off the auto loan, the owner should complete the release procedure as soon as possible, as only after release can the owner obtain full ownership of the vehicle. Otherwise, the owner only has the right to use the vehicle but cannot sell or transfer it.
As a car owner, I went through the release of lien process, and the DMV did charge a small fee, around 50 yuan, which isn't much. I remember after paying off my auto loan last time, I prepared my ID card, loan repayment proof, and the vehicle's green book (registration certificate), then went straight to the counter. First, I filled out an application form, paid the fee, and the staff reviewed the documents before processing it. The whole process took about ten minutes and was quite efficient. However, it's worth noting that fees may vary by city—larger cities might charge slightly more, while smaller cities could be less. The key is to get it done promptly; otherwise, the vehicle remains nominally mortgaged, which could cause major issues when selling or transferring ownership later. It's wise to call the local DMV beforehand to confirm the fee structure and required documents to avoid unnecessary trips.
