You are ready to sell your home or trade in your vehicle but you've been told you have to obtain a "Release of Lien" first.  Normally, you would go back to the bank or Savings and Loan and ask them to prepare a release for you.  But, where do you go if the bank or Savings and Loan has failed?

The FDIC may be able to provide you with a Release of Lien on your home, vehicle, boat or other personal property if:

• The lienholder is a Bank or Savings and Loan Institution that failed and has been placed in FDIC receivership. Also, in some cases, if the lienholder is a Subsidiary of a Failed Bank or Savings and Loan. If you're not sure, please call the DRR Customer Service Center toll-free at 888-206-4662.

• The loan was paid off before the Institution failed.

• The loan was paid off to the FDIC after the Institution failed.

A request for a Release of Lien must be made in writing and must detail exactly what you want.

• You can mail your request to: FDIC, 1601 Bryan Street, Dallas TX 75201 Attention: DRR Customer Service Center/Bryan or e-mail your request to: cservicefdicdal@fdic.gov  OR it can be faxed to 703-812-1082.

• Customer Service Lien Release Request Inquiry.

  If you have already requested a lien release and would like to know its current status.

  Due to the large volume of incoming release requests we receive, we ask that you either fax your request OR mail it in.

  The fee for a lien release is $50.00. The FDIC accepts payment either by check or you may pay online using www.pay.gov Developed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Pay.gov enables individuals and businesses to securely and easily send electronic payments to the Federal Government. Pay.gov's service allows you to pay by debit/credit card or to authorize an ACH debit of your savings or checking account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Specific Instructions by Property Type:

• Release of Lien on Real Estate
  Homes, Buildings, Improved or Unimproved Land, Mechanic's Liens

• Assignment of a Real Estate Lien
  When an Assignment is needed to complete a chain of title

• Release of Lien on a Vehicle
  Cars, Trucks, Trailers, RV's

• Release of Lien on a Boat
  Also Outboard Motors, Personal Watercraft

• Release of Lien on a Mobile Home
  Single wide, Double wide, etc.

• Release of Lien on Aircraft
  Also Aircraft Engines, Propellers, etc.

• Release of Lien on a UCC
  Business Equipment, Business Property, etc.

• Release of an Assignment of a Life Insurance Policy
  

Failed Financial Institution Information
These pages contain useful information for the customers and vendors of institutions for which the FDIC has been appointed as receiver.  This includes information on the acquiring institution (if applicable), how your accounts and loans are affected, and how vendors can file claims against the receivership.