How to Check and Remove a Lien on a Vehicle in Kazakhstan
If you’re buying a used car, it’s important to make sure it’s “clean” — meaning it has no legal restrictions (encumbrances). What is a lien on a vehicle? It refers to a situation where the owner cannot fully dispose of the car — for example, sell or gift it. A typical example is when the vehicle is pledged as collateral for a loan. Other forms of encumbrance include the car being stolen (under investigation) or seized due to debts.
Before signing a purchase agreement, you need to confirm that the car has no “debts.” So, where can you check for a lien on a vehicle in Kazakhstan? And how can you remove it?
A car loan for up to 7 years, up to 45 million ₸, with an annual rate starting from 21.7%. Down payment – from 10%.
How to Check for a Lien or Seizure
Kazakhstani citizens can now access complete vehicle ownership history through the "Vehicle History" service on Egov.kz and the "Vehicle Ownership History" service in the eGov Mobile app. On the Egov.kz portal:
- 1. On the homepage, go to “Services.”
- 2. Select “Vehicle History.”
- 3. Открывается вкладка «История владения авто».
- 4. Enter the license plate number and the vehicle registration certificate number (located at the bottom of the document, including letters).
- 5. Click “Continue.”
The system will provide detailed information about the vehicle, including:
Car make and year of manufacture
Engine capacity, body color, and additional equipment
Initial registration date in Kazakhstan
Total number of previous owners (without personal data)
Presence of a lien or other legal encumbrance
How to Check via eGov Mobile
1. Log in to eGov Mobile.
2. Go to “Services” → “Driving and Transport” → “Vehicle Ownership History”
3. Enter the license plate number and registration certificate number
4. Tap “Search”
5. View the full report on the vehicle
How to Remove a Lien from a Vehicle in Kazakhstan
A vehicle lien (encumbrance) can be removed only after all debts are repaid — for example, a car loan. In other words, you must fully settle the debt before beginning the removal procedure.
You can remove a lien online via the Egov.kz portal, but there’s an even more convenient option — through the bcc.kz mobile app from Bank CenterCredit. Here's how:
1. Open the bcc.kz app.
2. From the bottom menu, select the “Services” tab.
3. Go to “Government Services.”
4. Choose the “Certificates” section, then select “Lien Removal Certificate.”
5. The document will be issued electronically, and you can print it if needed.
Even though vehicle registration rules were updated on April 23, 2024, and now require a notarized ownership document to register a car at a Special Public Service Center (SpetsTsON), this process includes a lien check by the notary during the purchase agreement.
Alternatively, you can complete the sale without a notary using digital signatures (EDS) from both parties — but only through eGov.kz or banking apps, which automatically verify the car's legal status for you.
Checking for liens before purchasing a vehicle helps avoid future legal and financial complications and ensures your car ownership experience starts smoothly.
This article has been translated from its original language using neural network-based translation technology.
