Which of the following options is NOT considered proof of ownership for a motor vehicle?

A vehicle subject to a lien on the title is not considered proof of ownership because a lien indicates that another party has a legal interest in the vehicle until the debt associated with the lien is satisfied. While the vehicle may be registered in the owner's name, the existence of a lien means that the owner does not have full ownership rights; instead, the lienholder has a claim against the vehicle for the debt owed. Proof of ownership typically requires documentation that fully establishes the owner's rights without encumbrance, such as a title certificate or a signed bill of sale, which show clear ownership.

In contrast, a dealer's ad may describe the vehicle and its attributes but does not serve as documentation for ownership. A signed bill of sale represents a transaction between parties wherein ownership has been transferred, and a title certificate serves as the official record of ownership by the state. Both the bill of sale and the title certificate provide clear evidence of ownership, unlike a vehicle encumbered by a lien.