Is there a fee for vehicle release at the DMV?
4 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.
I have handled inquiries about vehicle lien release. It's common for the DMV to charge fees, typically ranging from 20 to 80 yuan for processing costs. The reason is simple: these fees cover the costs of manual review and system updates. I recommend that car owners check the local fee standards online before going, as some local official websites clearly publish this information. Don't overlook the details: incomplete materials may require additional fees, and delays could risk late fees. For safety, after completing the process, check whether the registration has been fully released to avoid potential disputes affecting vehicle ownership.
I recently went through the process of releasing my vehicle from lien for the first time, and a friend reminded me that the DMV would charge a small fee. Sure enough, I paid about 40 yuan when I went, mainly for the registration procedures. Just bring your ID, loan clearance certificate, and the green vehicle registration book. Newcomers shouldn't worry—the process isn't complicated, and you can always ask the staff while waiting in line. I found that handling it promptly is important, otherwise the vehicle's status won't change, which might affect future insurance or transactions.
