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Liens on cars and other vehicles

Last updated: 10 January 2024.

Check liens on cars and other vehicles.

Many ask us about the owner of a car and other vehicles. We do not have information about this, but you can find the information by visiting the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s web page.

When you are thinking of buying a car, it is important that you check the vehicle for outstanding liens. If you buy a car that has a lien on it, at worst you risk losing your car if the person who has a mortgage in the car requires it to be compulsory sold or returned.

Check that the registration number is valid before searching for liens

We cannot verify that a registration number is valid. If you search for an invalid number, it will appear as if the vehicle exists and is free of liens. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has an overview of valid registration numbers..

Remember the proof that there are no liens at the time of purchase

If there are no officially registered liens on the vehicle, you can at the time of the purchase print a register transcript from our service where you can search for officially registered legal rights. Should a dispute arise later, you can use this as documentation to prove that you have acted in good faith.

Frequently asked questions about liens

Do I take charge of the previous owner's debt if I buy a car with a lien?

No, the liability for the debt will remain with the person who raised a loan with a mortgage in the car, and will not be transferred to the new owner. If the former owner fails to repay the car loan, the loaner has a legal right to the vehicle which they will repossess and sell to cover the debt.

Why does not the amount of the lien decrease when I pay off on the loan?

We do not update the amount of the lien as you pay off on the loan. If you would like to know how much is left on the loan, you must contact whoever has a mortgage in your vehicle.

I have paid off the entire loan, why is not the lien cancelled?

After the mortgage has been paid off, it will normally take some time for the lien to be cancelled.

You can contact the bank if the lien is not cancelled within reasonable time.

I intend to lend money to a friend so that he can buy a car. What should I think about?

If you lend money to someone in order for him/her to buy a car, it will be a security for you if you register a lien in the car.

Read more about how to lend money for the purchase of a car.

What does it cost to register a security interest?
How do I cancel a lien?

If the lien concerns a security interest, leasing or a mortgage document for business operators, you can contact whoever has a mortgage in the vehicle (often a bank). It is the one who has a lien in the car who has to submit a notification of cancellation in order to remove the lien.

Read more about how to cancel liens.