Frequently Asked ELT Questions

Electronic Lien and Title in California has many elements that may be challenging at times for vehicle and vessel lienholders to fully grasp. The following questions and answers include general questions lienholders often have about the electronic lien and title system in California. It should help clarify the basic procedures and concepts of our California ELT 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.

*Please note that these questions and answers have been created with the assistance of the California Department of Motor Vehicles and represent California ELT's understanding of the way the California DMV intends for the California Electronic Lien and Title system to function. They are provided as a general guide but should not be relied on as a substitute for your counsel. Please consult with the dmv.ca.gov website and attorney to clarify any outstanding questions or queries and to check for updated policies. You can rely on the California ELT system always being up-to-date and fully 100% compliant with California DMV ELT rules.

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  • How do I know if I need to register for the California ELT electronic lien and title service?

    If your business is named as the lienholder on a California title you need to register and use the California Electronic Lien and Title service. Likewise, if you are a California licensed financial institution (licensed by the California Department of Business Oversight, formerly known as the California Department of Corporations and Department of Financial Institutions) that holds a security interest in a California titled vehicle, you are required to enroll in the mandatory ELT Program. The CVC does not require vehicle and vessel dealerships to use ELT but they are strongly encouraged to register. Register with us for electronic lien and title service online and comply with California DMV mandates.


  • What happens after I register for electronic lien and title service with California ELT?

    Soon after you register online for a California Electronic Lien and Title account with California ELT, we'll email you the California DMV ELT Registration Form 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 Form 343.


  • Why should I choose California ELT as my California Electronic Lien and Title provider?

    USA ELT powered by Auto Data Direct, the provider of California ELT, is very well suited and capable of providing outstanding service for California electronic liens and titles and relied upon by thousands of lienholders throughout the entire United States.
    We have industry leading software developers that make the system(s) you use reliable, easy and efficient, the friendliest and most knowledgeable support staff, and strong management that work to continuously enhance service offerings that help you comply with state regulations and focus on your business.


  • Is California ELT safe and secure?

    The California ELT system is the safest and most secure way to store your liens and titles electronically in the state of California. Many lienholders have expressed concern and doubt as to whether or not the system is secure and reliable enough to hold such sensitive data. California ELT secures access and modifications to your account in many ways and has several controls in place to ensure that lien information is stored securely. Never share your user ID and password with anyone. If you need to add additional users, please go through the proper steps in the Settings > Add Users section of the system.

    California ELT is a certified provider of electronic lien and title service for the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Lienholders can rest assured that data is being held in strictest accordance with California DMV regulations and the highest and best security and programming practices are used, including routine security scans and data backups.


  • Do you provide ELT service in other states?

    Auto Data Direct provides ELT access to GA, CA, FL, LA, NC, NV, AZ, SC, MI, MA, MD, KS, NE, NY, ID, IA, IN, OH, PA, ND, SD, TX, WA, WV, WI. Learn more about ADD’s ELT program and benefits.

    Read about Florida ELT electronic lien and title.
    Read about Georgia ELT electronic lien and title.
    Read about Nevada ELT electronic lien and title.
    Read about North Carolina ELT electronic lien and title.
    Read about South Carolina ELT electronic lien and title.
    Read about Virginia ELT electronic lien and title program.



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