MVD | Lien or Security Interest Release

**MVD Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday excluding state holidays **

Lien or Security Interest Release

When a recorded lien or security interest holder's interest in a vehicle is satisfied, the holder should complete the spaces provided on the title for releasing their interest to include:

The lien or security interest holder's authorized agent's signature,
The name of the lien or security interest holder, as recorded on the title, and,
The date released.

After releasing, the title should be mailed or delivered to the next recorded lien or security interest holder within five-days (5) of the date their interest is satisfied. If there are no additional lien or security interest holders recorded, the title should be mailed or delivered to the vehicle owner(s).

The owner may retain the title with the liens and security interests released until they sell or transfer the ownership. Satisfied liens or security interests are not removed from the state's records until a new title is applied for and issued. If the title becomes lost or stolen, a new lien or security interest release may be required to obtain a replacement title. See information below on when a lien or security interest release is not required.

When the Title Is Not Available

When the title is not available at the time of release, the lien or security interest holder or their authorized agent should provide the owner with a properly completed and signed T-4 lien or security interest release form. Please read important information located at the bottom of the T-4 lien or security interest release form before completing and signing this form.

When a Lien or Security Interest Release is Not Required

Except for liens and security interests recorded on Georgia titles for mobile homes, cranes and vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, any lien or security interest recorded on a Georgia title for ten-years (10) from the title's issue date shall be considered satisfied and a release shall not be required.

To protect their interest, any lien or security interest holder obtaining a new security agreement should promptly apply for a new title showing the new security interest information.

Lien or Security Interest Holder Out-of-Business

If a lien or security interest holder is out-of-business, a motor vehicle owner is not required to submit a release to secure a new title; provided, the owner(s) obtain and submit a letter from the appropriate regulatory agency (see below) that states the lien or security interest holder is no longer in business or is unlicensed.

If the regulatory agency states that the company is unlicensed, a letter should be sent, registered mail, return receipt requested, to the lien or security interest holder, at their last known address as shown on the state's title records. The returned undeliverable letter must be submitted with the green postal card intact along with the signed letter from the regulatory agency stating the lien or security interest holder is unlicensed, the title, and other applicable documents and fees required for title issuance.

The above procedure does not include individuals who are lien or security interest holders, companies who have merged with other companies and are operating under a different name, or a company not regulated by a state agency. The name and address of the majority of regulatory authorities for lending institutions in this state is listed below:

State Credit Unions, Banks & Savings & Loan Associations	Used Motor Vehicle Dealers	Credit Unions
Secretary of State Corporations Division 2 Martin L King Jr Dr Suite 315 West Tower Atlanta, GA 30334 (404) 656-2817	State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers Secretary of State 237 Coliseum Drive Macon, GA 31271-3858 (478) 207-1460	National Credit Union Associations 4807 Spicewood Spring Road Austin, TX 78759 (512) 231-7900
Georgia Charter/Banks Dept. of Banking & Finance 2990 Brandywine Road, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30041-5565 (770) 986-1655

Lien or Security Interest Holder Deceased

The executrix, executor or heir of a deceased's estate may complete the lien or security interest release section on the title when the recorded lien or security interest holder is deceased and the following documents are submitted:

Who Can Release Lien or Security Interest When the Holder is Deceased?	Circumstances When Executor, Executrix or Heir May Release
The executor or executrix of the deceased's estate can complete the lien release section on the title or complete and sign a T-4 lien or security interest release form on the deceased behalf when they attach a certified copy of the Letters of Testamentary appointing him or her as the executor or executrix.	The deceased's Will has been probated and Letters of Testamentary issued appointing an executrix or executor.
The heir can complete the lien release section on the title or complete and sign a T-4 lien or security interest release form on behalf of deceased when they attach a certified copy of the deceased's death certificate, a copy of the non-probated Will with limited assets and a completed T-20A Affidavit of Inheritance - Non-probated Will With Limited Assets	The deceased lien or security interest holder left a Will but is contains limited assets and the Will is not to be probated.
The heir can complete the lien release section on the title or complete and sign a T-4 lien or security interest release form on behalf of deceased when they attach a certified copy of the deceased death certificate and a completed T-20 Affidavit of Inheritance.	The deceased lien or security interest holder left no Will.

If the title is not available for release, the executor, executrix, or heir of the deceased lien or security interest holder may release the deceased's interest in a vehicle by providing the owner with a completed and signed T-4 lien or security interest release form and the documents listed above authorizing him or her to release the lien or security interest on the deceased behalf.

When applying for a new or replacement title, the above documents must be submitted with the title application, required supporting document(s) authorizing the executor, executrix or heir to release and other applicable supporting documents (i.e. title when not applying for a replacement) and fees.