What to do if a car was bought with a transfer of title application but previous owner paid off car but never took the lien release to dmv in california?

If you bought a car with a transfer of title application but the previous owner didn't provide a lien release, you should first contact the previous owner and request that they obtain a lien release from the lender and submit it to the DMV. If that’s not possible, you can apply for a "Statement of Facts" at the DMV, explaining the situation, and request a lien release through a formal process. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of purchase and any documentation related to the loan payoff. Consulting with the DMV directly or seeking legal assistance can also help navigate this process.