it might have been a lucky day for me or something - but a week ago i titled and registered my 96 tsi i bought from rochester at the depew DMV. title said it had a lien on it, told the lady at the DMV “there wasnt any and the seller said i wouldnt have any problems just titling it” (also said “the lady that gave me the number to wait said you wouldnt have any issues with it as long as it goes through - i asked this before hand so i didnt waste my or your time” 
) - she put it through the system and all was good, got my plates and waiting on the new title -she said the new title would say no liens recorded or w/e.
If you didn’t present a release when you registered it, the title will still have a lien on it, even if it’s fully paid off
The DMV needs verification that the balance has been paid in full in order to issue a clean title
I didnt bump this before, or reply before - but i got my title today - and it says no liens reported…idk if its something they’ve changed recently but i was able to register it with no issues, with just a signed title, bill of sale, and me saying the liens paid off and not needing to prove it because of the age…