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When and how will I receive my vehicle title after paying off my loan, and what should I do if it doesn’t arrive?

Details on process after payoff is fully received and validated.

Updated this week

Receiving Your Vehicle Title After Loan Payoff

Standard Process and Timeline

Once your loan is fully paid off, the process to release your vehicle title is initiated. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Loan Payoff and Lien Release: After the loan balance is settled, the lien on the vehicle is released. This is a key step before the title can be issued or transferred. The release happens on the account's designated "release date."

  • Handling of Titles by Type: - Electronic Titles: If your state uses electronic titles, the title will be electronically released to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can then request a printed title if needed. - Physical Titles: In cases where the title is physical, the DMV mails the paper title to the address on record. Delivery can take approximately 2 to 6 weeks, depending on DMV processing times and state regulations.

  • Processing Variations: Some vehicles may not require a title. Confirm with your state’s DMV or lender whether a title is necessary for your specific unit.

Expediting the Title Process

While the standard procedures follow a fixed timeline, certain steps might accelerate the process:

  1. Paying Off via Overnight Check: By mailing an overnight cashier’s check for the final payoff, the lien can be released in as little as 24–48 business hours compared to the standard 10-day timeline. This can slightly speed up the DMV’s issuing of the title.

  2. Understanding What Cannot be Expedited: Even with prompt lien release after full payment, DMV processing and mailing times cannot be expedited by the lender. The timeline depends on your state DMV’s internal processes.

Troubleshooting Delays in Title Receipt

If you don’t receive your title within the estimated timeline:

  • Check Address on File: Ensure the address linked to your loan account is accurate, as titles are mailed there by default.

  • Request a Duplicate Title: If the title is undelivered or lost, visit your local DMV to request a duplicate.

  • Paper Title Requests: For electronic titles, obtain a copy of the lien release and present it to the DMV if a physical title copy is needed immediately.

Additional Information

  • Payoff Confirmation: You should receive a payoff confirmation letter, often within 24–48 hours via email, confirming that your loan is fully paid.

  • Refund of Overpayments or Warranty Cancellation: Any refunds for overpayments or extended warranty refunds will also be mailed to your address on record, though separate from the title mailing process.

Summary

Receiving your vehicle title after loan payoff involves the steps of invoking lien release, state DMV processing, and mailing timelines. Depending on state-specific policies and electronic or physical title systems, the entire process can take between 2 to 6 weeks. If your title does not arrive within the expected period, contacting your DMV for follow-up or requesting a duplicate is recommended.

If this does not provide the information you need, please chat with one of our associates, email customerservice@roadrunnerfinancial.com, or call (833) 288-1367 during operating hours of:

Mon – Fri: 8AM – 5PM CST

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