Frequently Asked ELT Questions

The following questions and answers relate to the different procedures you should be familiar with when using California's electronic lien and title program. After reading through our California Electronic Lien and Title FAQs, should you still have questions, please call 1 (888) 675-7477 or write to us.

FAQ TOPICS general questions definitions procedures live chat REGISTER

How do I know if I need to register for the ELT system?

If you currently finance vehicles and/or place liens on vehicles as a function of your business, or if you derive income from those activities, you need to register. If you are named as the lienholder on a California title you need to register. This applies to vehicle finance companies, credit unions and banks. The mandate excludes vehicle dealerships but dealerships, including Buy Here Pay Here dealers, are strongly encouraged to register in advance of it becoming mandated. Other than that, all businesses are required to register.
What happens after I register for electronic lien and title service with California ELT?

Soon after you register for a California Electronic Lien and Title account with California ELT, we'll email you a form (CA DMV Form 343) to sign and mail back to us. This form is required by the DMV and allows a unique ELT Identification number to be assigned to you. The ELT ID number is used on the California title application.
Can I convert a California paper title that I have to a California electronic title?

Yes. Within your California ELT account you can convert a California paper title to a California electronic title. Write to us or call 1 (888) 675-7477 if you need assistance with this process.
Can I print a title through the California ELT service or must I go to a DMV office or tag agency?

The California ELT system conveniently allows you to request the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to print and mail the title. Upon releasing a lien, the title gets mailed to the customer (or another address if you choose).
How long does it take for an electronic lien to show up in the California ELT system?

After the title application has been properly submitted to the tag agency/tax collector's office it will take three to five days for the electronic lien to appear in your California ELT account. You'll receive an email notification when the lien is in your account.
Can I print the electronic title after releasing the lien?

You have the option to request a printed title from with the California ELT system, but you will not actually print the title yourself. The California ELT system sends a request to the DMV for the title to be printed.
If I'm paying off a lien for my customer that has a paper title, what do I do if there's a lien from another financial institution?

Please write to us or call 1 (888) 675-7477 to speak with an electronic lien and title specialist that can provide guidance for this question.
If I'm paying off the lien for my customer that has an electronic title (stored as an ELT), what do I do if there's a lien from another financial institution?

Please write to us or call 1 (888) 675-7477 to speak with an electronic lien and title specialist that can provide guidance for this question.
I am accepting a trade-in vehicle from a customer, but the customer doesn't have the title. I verified that there is no lien recorded on the vehicle and there is no electronic title. Must I apply for a duplicate title and process the paperwork as usual?

Please write to us or call 1 (888) 675-7477 to speak with an electronic lien and title specialist that can provide guidance for this question.
If there is an electronic lien on a title, must the dealer wait for a paper title to be printed before the ownership can be transferred to a new retail buyer or another dealer?

Please write to us or call 1 (888) 675-7477 to speak with an electronic lien and title specialist that can provide guidance for this question.
I have to do a reposession. What do I do now because I don't have the paper title?

Please write to us or call 1 (888) 675-7477 to speak with an electronic lien and title specialist that can provide guidance for this question.
Who prints the title? Where can I get a printed title? Can the customer print the title at any California DMV office / tag agency?

The California Department of Motor Vehicles is fully responsible for printing all titles. Lienholders who have a California Electronic Lien and Title account with California ELT may request a printed title through the system to convert an electronic title to a paper title. Once a lien is released, the title print is automatically requested and mailed by the DMV.