I'm interested in buying a vehicle but I want to check if it has any liens on it.

I did a lot of searching but PA's DMV site is crap and there is no way to check for liens.

Every site outside the PA DMV wants to charge a fee to find this out.

Anyone in PA know the procedure for checking for liens?

Look at the title.  It will read "X liens recorded" if there is a lien.

HOWEVER, one thing to be aware of:

In NY and some other states, they do not issue a new title after the lien has been satisfied.  Instead, the bank holding the lien will issue a letter clearing the title.  If this is the case, require that the buyer go with you to the DMV on the date of sale so you can transfer the title to your name with him present.  If the DMV refuses, get your money back.

I bought a motorcycle in NY, got the letter of lien satisfaction from the original owner, and went to the DMV.  Turns out, the bank that held the lien was bought out and changed their address, thus I needed a letter from the purchasing bank backing the satisfaction letter!  Let's just say, thank GOD for the little lady at an HSBC branch office in NY.  She's an officer in the loan department, rides a V-Star 650, and was able to pull a few strings and get me a letter while I waited. 

I knew everything was good, but I had a few tense hours!

Thanks for the advice.

I had the title faxed over, but it appears that its the title that was created at the time he bought it (he's the first owner).  It shows 13 miles on the title for an '04. 

Nonetheless, I'll take your advice and make sure eveyrthing's on the up and up before buying.

I finally found the number for the DMV, and because I had the guy's name and address I was able to get a "yes" or "no" to whether or not there were any liens on it.

thanks for the help.