A judgment lien in Washington will remain attached to the debtor's property (even if the property changes hands) for ten years.
A payoff request allows a third party to receive the current balance due to release a lien or facilitate a business transfer (bulk sale transfer or liquor license). To release a lien or facilitate a bulk sale transfer, businesses must be in good standing to receive a payoff request.
Before you can lien the car, you have to file and serve a notice of lien. Then you have to advertise the car for sale, but before you do that you have to send a certified letter to the known title holder. That would be you if the title were filed with DMV but the registered owner has to be notified as well.
To get a payoff letter, ask your lender for an official payoff statement. Call or write to customer service or make the request online. While logged into your account, look for options to request or calculate a payoff amount, and provide details such as your desired payoff date.
For both residential and commercial projects, general contractors and subcontractors must file a claim of lien at the county auditor's office in the county where the work was performed within ninety (90) days after the last day labor, materials, equipment or services were provided at the site.