How do I get the title to my car?

When you borrow money against a vehicle the lender places a lien on the Certificate of Title.  This is called taking a security interest, where the vehicle becomes collateral, guaranteeing you will repay the loan.  A security interest allows the lienholder to repossess the vehicle if you do not make your payments on time.  That seems fair.

What happens after you pay all the money you owe?

In Illinois, the lienholder has 21 days to release its lien and give you a clean title, or that lienholder has to pay you $150 damages, plus the attorney fees you incur enforcing your rights.  That is not only fair, IT’S THE LAW.