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.
The owner will then need to contact the lender to have the lien released. Before applying for a duplicate title, the applicant may request a lien release form from the Tax Commissioner's office.
Before applying for a duplicate title, the applicant may request a lien release form from the Tax Commissioner's office. After taking it to the lienholder to complete, the owner gives it to the Tax Commissioner's office at the time he/she applies for a duplicate title.
Without a vehicle title, you have no way to prove you've obtained the vehicle legally and have a right to sell it. Whenever a vehicle is sold, each buyer must fill out and sign the title properly to prove ownership. Buying or selling a vehicle without proof of ownership is illegal in most places.
You can sell it with the original notarized lien release stapled to the title. You'll have to talk to your buyer to see if they're good with that, they may want to retitle with the lien cleared first.
A lien or security interest release is not required: If recorded on the title for four years from the title's issue date for a vehicle that is 12 model years old or older.