Vehicle Titles

Liens on a Title

When you pay off a vehicle loan, the lender will either release the lien:

• Manually by marking that the lien was discharged on the front of the title and then sending you the title showing the lien as satisfied

  OR

• Electronically if your lender participates in Ohio’s Electronic Lien and Title Program.

For a Lien Released Electronically

If your lender participates in Ohio’s Electronic Lien and Title Program, it will electronically release the lien and BMV records will no longer show a lien on the vehicle.

• You will need to apply for a paper title with the County Clerk of Courts Title Office and pay for title fees. Please see How to Title – Replacement for instructions.
• When all requirements are satisfied, you will be issued a new (paper) title

For a Lien Released Manually

If your lender does not participate in Ohio’s Electronic Lien and Title Program, the lender will mark that the lien was discharged and mail the paper title to you. To remove the lien from BMV records:

• Take the title to any County Clerk of Courts Title Office