In California lien-holder holds the title. It is impossible to have a title unless the car is paid off.Go to California's DMV web site and follow the instructions to making an appointment unless you like waiting in an outside line in the hea. It can take up to five business days to process the demand request. If there's still a lien on the vehicle, then you didn't recently buy it. What to provide the buyer with lien sale paperwork. Learn about bills of sale in California for animals, vehicles, firearms, and more.