Selling a car when the DMV is holding your title?

Question

I just learned that after I paid off the load on my car, the Washington State DMV says it would take 6 to 8 weeks to clear the lien on my title and send to me. I have a potential private buyer for my car, but I don't know how to handle the sales without the title in my hand. I'm moving out of country in about a week and must sell before. Any advice?

Answer 1

Do you have a responsible friend you can trust?  If so you may be able to give them power of attorney and they can sign over the title we it arrives.

Is the DMV or the lender holding the title, or is it electronic?

Part of the time may be for the lender to process it. You might be able to call them and have them rush it though or give you more details on if the process can be sped up.

a>

Answer 2

I don't know about washington, but it's kinda the same in nys. What you need and should have gotten when the car was paid off is a "lien release" form from the outfit you borrowed from. Provide the old title you have along with the lien release to the new owner and it should be ok. Thats how it works in NY anyway. If you tossed out the lien release not knowing what it was, just go to the lender and ask for a new one. Tell em you dog ate it.