Vehicle Liens

Understanding vehicle liens helps protect you when buying or selling a vehicle. A lien means someone else has a financial interest in the vehicle until a debt is paid off.

Check for Liens Before You Buy

Protect yourself by checking for liens and unresolved financial obligations on any Arizona-titled vehicle you're considering. Use the title viewer service on AZ MVD Now—it's free and gives you peace of mind.

Note: New liens are added daily. Check the record and complete the title transfer the same day to avoid surprises.

What You Need to Know About Liens

If you're buying a vehicle that has a current lien, the lien must be paid off or you need written permission from the lienholder before you can transfer the title into your name.

There are two main types of liens:

Financial Liens

These are loans from banks, credit unions, or other lenders used to purchase the vehicle.

Arizona uses Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) for faster, more secure processing. Here's how it works:

• Lienholders handle liens electronically through approved service providers except for lienholders
• No paper titles are printed while a lien exists
• When you pay off your loan, the lienholder sends MVD an electronic message releasing the lien
• MVD automatically notifies you 

View a list of ELT providers

Other Liens

These liens can potentially prevent title transfers:

• Child Support liens: For unpaid child support obligations
• Operation of Law liens: For unpaid court fines or fees

These liens must be resolved before you can transfer your title to someone else.

Note: If you have a lien on your vehicle, you are not eligible for eTitle Transfer.

If You Miss Loan Payments

If you don't meet your loan conditions or return the vehicle when required, your lienholder can:

• Suspend your vehicle registration
• Prevent other registration and title services until the issue is resolved

Tips for Vehicle Buyers

Protect yourself when buying a vehicle by following these steps:

1. Check for liens first: Use the title viewer service on AZ MVD Now before you buy
2. Go together to transfer the title: Visit an MVD or Third Party office with the seller to complete the transfer. Many third-party offices are open evenings and weekends for your convenience.
3. Verify before you pay: Don't pay for the vehicle until you've confirmed the title can be transferred into your name.
4. Act quickly: Complete your title transfer and purchase on the same day—new liens are added daily.

Tips for Vehicle Sellers

Make the sale process smooth for your buyer:

1. Pay off your loan first: Contact your lender to release the lien before listing your vehicle.
2. Get proper documentation: Confirm your lien release on AZMVDNow.gov before meeting with potential buyers.
3. Use eTitle Transfer when possible: For qualifying vehicles, use eTitle Transfer to complete the sale online—it's secure and convenient.
4. Submit a Sold Notice within 10 Days: After completing the sale, submit a Sold Notice to protect yourself from liability. You may do this online on AZMVDNow.gov. 

Note: If using eTitle Transfer, your sold notice is automatically submitted.