If you don't have a title in hand you'll have to process the lien release before you can sell it.
Only a court order can substitute for a lien release if the company will not offer one. Typically, you'll need to sue the lender but also the DMV. As the court order must include the DMV as a party so that they can enforce it. You will find it in your local courthouse and include your state's DMV.
NJMVC requires the following items to remove a lien from a title: Vehicle Title, Vehicle registration, insurance card or declaration page, Bill of Sale, Certified record title search, DO-22 (by mail only, $15), Or, a certified record vehicle registration, DO-11A (can be obtained same day at a full-service agency, $15).
Wyoming, Texas, and Mississippi are the only states that require a person signing a lien waiver to have it notarized. The notarization requirement does not apply in Washington and Oregon, the two states we primarily serve at Northwest Lien.
To remove a lien recorded on a paper title, you will need: the vehicle title. a release of lien letter and/or other notifications from the lienholder(s) currently named on the vehicle title. a completed Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U)
If you want to sell a car that has a lien on the title, you'll need to take a few extra steps. If you trade your car in with a dealer, they'll handle the process. If you sell to a private party, you'll need to handle getting the lien released. You can do this at the lender's office or hire an escrow company to help.