When a vehicle is originally titled in Maryland, the Certificate of Title is mailed to the owner with the lien recorded on the front. If a lien was recorded, the lien holder either received a Notice of Security Interest Filing (prior to July 2024) or an electronic confirmation.
How does a lien release work?
There are two ways to a
lien release:
1. If the lien holder submitted the lien filing electronically, the lien will be electronically released.
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The owner will receive a letter from the MVA stating the lien was released and they are eligible for a "Gratis Duplicate Title." The vehicle record will reflect this notification.
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The MVA does not automatically print a duplicate title after a lien is released electronically.
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Request a clear title at no additional cost online, using
myMVA account, at a kiosk, or tag and title office.
- Please note: This is a one-time gratis title, the following duplicate titles will have a
fee.
2. If the lien was not electronically filed, the MVA is not notified.
- When a lien is paid in full, the lienholder (financial institution) releases the lien and, if not electronically filed, is obligated to send the following paperwork to the owner:
- Maryland Notice of Security Interest Filing (SIF) for your vehicle, or
- Notarized lien release letter from the lien holder stating that the debt has been repaid in full. See below for more details on what the letter must include.
- These documents constitute a clear title. The owner should keep the SIF or lien release letter along with the certificate of title until the vehicle owner changes or applies for a clear title. If the vehicle is then sold or otherwise transferred, the owner would provide the transferee with both documents.
The lien release letter MUST BE NOTARIZED and include:
-
Secured Party Business Letterhead
- Secured Party Business Name
- Secured Party Contact Telephone Number
- Secured Party Representative’s Name, Signature, and Capacity
- Customer/Debtor Name
- Vehicle Description, including: year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Original Lien Date and Amount
- Original Lien Release Date
If submitting the lien release letter in-person at the MVA, copies of driver’s license or ID for the following individuals would also be required:
-
Owner of the vehicle - if a lien release letter on the lien holder's letterhead is submitted
- Person submitting the lien release - if not the owner
How do I request a clear title?
The easiest way to request a clear Duplicate Title is through
myMVA Online Services, but see below for all the ways to request your title:
1. myMVA Online Services Duplicate Title Request
2. Full-service MVA branch offices by appointment
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Schedule your appointment online - choose the "Vehicle, Tag and Titling Services" option, then "Add or Remove a Vehicle Lien."
- Please note: your title will still be mailed.
3. Mail your request to the MVA's title file unit, address below.
- You must submit the Maryland Notice of Security Interest Filing (SIF) or the lien release letter you received, plus the current title for your vehicle. No other special application form is needed.
- If you do not have your Maryland title, you may submit a completed Application for Duplicate Title (VR-018) along with the lien release and required fee for the duplicate title to obtain a "clear" title. Make sure it is signed by all vehicle owners, with a copy of your driver's license or ID card, your current address on the form, and a copy of the gratis title letter.
- If you want the title mailed to an alternate address, please be sure to check the box that states that this is a new address.
Fees:
There is a
fee for printing a duplicate title. However, if the customer returns the existing Maryland title, there is no fee for the duplicate title.
Contact Information:
MVA
Title File Unit, Room 202
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
For telephone questions:
MVA Customer Service Center: 1-410-768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired: 1-301-729-4563
