DMV won't register my car... how can I fix this?

So, here’s the deal. The title of my car is in my name, and I paid off the lien that was in my late dad’s name (he passed away in 2011). I even have the paid-off loan document. But when I went to the DMV in South Carolina to register it, they said the lien still shows as open because the payoff letter isn’t in my name. Has anyone dealt with something like this before? How do I get this sorted?

That sounds frustrating. Have you tried contacting the bank that issued the loan? Maybe they can help update the lien details.

Foster said:
That sounds frustrating. Have you tried contacting the bank that issued the loan? Maybe they can help update the lien details.

Yeah, I was thinking of calling them. Do you think they’ll issue a new letter with my name on it since I’m the one who paid it off?

Foster said:
That sounds frustrating. Have you tried contacting the bank that issued the loan? Maybe they can help update the lien details.

They might if you explain the situation. You’ll probably need to show them the death certificate and other docs proving the car’s in your name.

Foster said:
That sounds frustrating. Have you tried contacting the bank that issued the loan? Maybe they can help update the lien details.

Make sure to ask for a lien release letter specifically. Sometimes they word it differently, which can cause issues at the DMV.

Wait, what’s a lien release letter? Is that different from the payoff document?

Hadi said:
Wait, what’s a lien release letter? Is that different from the payoff document?

Good question! A lien release letter is official proof that the lien has been fully cleared. The payoff document might not mention that explicitly.

Hadi said:
Wait, what’s a lien release letter? Is that different from the payoff document?

Ohhh, I see now. Thanks for explaining. I’ll ask the bank for that instead!

You might also need to provide written instructions to the bank about what exactly you need for the DMV. They sometimes need things spelled out.

Barrett said:
You might also need to provide written instructions to the bank about what exactly you need for the DMV. They sometimes need things spelled out.

Good point. I’ll write everything down before I call them so there’s no confusion.

I dealt with something similar when I moved states. The DMV here in SC can be really particular about documents. Double-check what they’ll accept.

Rey said:
I dealt with something similar when I moved states. The DMV here in SC can be really particular about documents. Double-check what they’ll accept.

That’s helpful to know. I’ll call them too and confirm what they need exactly.

If the bank can’t update the lien release, you might need a lawyer to help sort this out with the DMV. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that.

PixelPioneer said:
If the bank can’t update the lien release, you might need a lawyer to help sort this out with the DMV. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that.

Yeah, I’m hoping it doesn’t get that complicated. Fingers crossed the bank can fix it!