Lien - Discharge

AUTHORITY: Tenn. Code Ann. Sections 55-3-114(c) and 55-3-127

DESCRIPTION: The removal of a lien on a motor vehicle or real property after the claim has been satisfied is referred to as a “discharge of lien”.

REQUIREMENTS: Please note all lien discharges should be sent to the State of Tennessee Vehicle Services Division.

When the debt is satisfied, the lienor must discharge the lien, mortgage or encumbrance with the State of Tennessee Vehicle Services Division by doing one of the following things:

• Submit to the State of Tennessee Vehicle Services Division (VS Division) a copy of the certificate of title with the date of discharge and signature reflected thereon.
  
  
  MAILING ADDRESS:
  Tennessee Vehicle Services Division
  500 Deaderick Street, 7th Floor
  Nashville, TN 37242
  
  
  
• Submit to the VS Division the tear away portion at the top of the new 8 ½” x 11” title form with the date of discharge and signature reflected thereon.
• Submit to the VS Division a lien release on letterhead containing the correct and complete VIN with a signature and date of discharge. The lienholder must match VS Division records.

The lienor is required to deliver the certificate of title to an owner within seven (7) business days of the owner’s request after the lien has been discharged unless the certificate of title shows on its face one (1) or more liens still outstanding, in which event the certificate of title shall be delivered to the next prior lienor, either in person or by registered mail

The lienor must report the discharge of lien to the VS Division within 72 hours of the discharge by registered mail with return receipt requested