Who keeps the title when I still have a car loan?

When you have a car loan, your lender is usually listed as the lienholder and, depending on the state, either holds the paper title or keeps an electronic lien on file with the DMV. Once the loan is paid off, the lender releases the lien and either mails you the title, sends a lien release, or updates the electronic record. Rules differ by state, so check your state DMV's website for how titles and lien releases work where you live.