Friday, December 28, 2012

DDI and ELT in 2012: Year in Review

 

2012 was full of positive growth and change for ELT states and Decision Dynamics, Inc.

With DDI’s support, California, Florida, and Georgia, spent the year preparing for mandatory ELT. (In 2013, these states will require lienholders, with the exception of smaller Georgia lienholders, to participate in an ELT program.)

Wisconsin began expanding its ELT programs in July, and in October, South Dakota implemented its own ELT system. As an approved ELT provider for South Dakota, DDI worked closely with the state’s Department of Revenue as they developed their system.

In September, DDI’s 2,000th customer signed up for ELT services, and the following month the Georgia Banker’s Association renewed its partnership with the company.

What will 2013 bring for ELT? Check back before the New Year to learn more.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

California, Florida, and Georgia mandatory ELT deadline Jan. 1

 
Lenders in California, Florida, and Georgia have approximately three more weeks to enroll in an electronic lien and title program to meet the Jan. 1, 2013 mandatory ELT deadline. DDI has been working closely with lenders in these states and across the country to ensure all are prepared for these deadlines.  To learn more about each state’s program, visit the websites listed below.
 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Georgia mandatory ELT: a closer look


In the 2012 legislative year, the Georgia General Assembly approved HB 865, a bill that requires banks, credit unions, dealers and other financial institutions—security interest and lien holders—receive notice about motor vehicle liens electronically.
Please note that deadlines for mandatory enrollment in an electronic title and lien program, such as Decision Dynamics' Premier eTitle Lien™, vary depending on the number of security interests or liens lenders hold.

Mandatory ELT deadlines
 
·         Lenders with 500 or more security interests or liens on Georgia certificates in the 2012 calendar year must participate in ELT by
January 1, 2013.
·         Lenders with 200 or more security interests or liens in the same calendar year must participate by July 1, 2013.
·         Lenders with five or more security interests or liens on Georgia certificates of title in the immediately prior calendar year or the same calendar year participate by January 1, 2014.
 
While electronic title and lien systems may be new to some security interest and lien holders, the GeorgiaDepartment of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division implemented an electronic liens and titles program in 2008. The program saves taxpayers and lien holders money by cutting associated paper, storage and mailing costs. It also reduces title fraud.
For more information, visit etitlelien.com

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

South Dakota ELT Webinar

 
In order to provide the highest quality service, Decision Dynamics, Inc. (DDI) takes time to thoroughly educate and inform customers about its electronic lien and title (ELT) software, Premier eTitle Lien™. To educate its South Dakotra customers, DDI will conduct a Premier eTitle Lien™ webinar for the South Dakota Independent Bankers Association (SDIBA) today.
During this WebEx webinar, bankers will see Premier eTitle Lien™ in action and learn more about ways in which ELT use can benefit them. Although ELT use is not mandatory in South Dakota, the state implemented its own ELT system on Oct. 1 this year and stopped printing paper titles with liens.
To learn more about the benefits of Premier eTitle Lien™ and DDI, visit etitlelien.com.
 
Image above is of Mt Rushmore

Monday, November 5, 2012

Florida approves mandatory use of Electronic Lien and Title (ELT)




The Florida Legislature unanimously approved HB 1223, a bill that requires the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles electronically transmit vehicle liens and titles to lien holders through its ELT program beginning in 2013.

The money-saving measure will continue to streamline and simplify the state’s electronic titling process. Not only will the bill save taxpayer money by cutting associated paper, storage and mailing costs, but the mandatory shift to electronic titles will also reduce title fraud.

Individuals and lien holders that do not finance vehicles are exempt from participation. However, the bill requires all other lien holders participate by submitting liens and lien satisfactions in the prescribed electronic format. Likewise, the DHSMV will electronically send liens to the first lien holders and notify the holders of additional liens on motor vehicles, mobile homes or vessels.

DDI is already working with Florida banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to ensure they are ready when the mandatory program begins. 

image is of the Florida State Flag

Monday, June 4, 2012

South Carolina: SC Bankers Association and ELT

DDI representatives (not me, unfortunately) will be attending the 2012 South Carolina Bankers Association (SCBA) Annual Convention and Trade Show in Sea Island, GA on June 10-13. As SCBA associate members and preferred vendors, we will be promoting the SC Electronic Lien and Title program as well as answering any questions about the future of ELT in SC and across the country.

Legislation has been proposed now in three different sessions (2010-2012) that would require lenders to participate in the ELT program. Although yet to be approved by the legislature, we understand that the DMV is interested in the cost-saving measures that a mandatory program would allow.

DDI has worked closely with the SCBA since 2006 when we worked with SC lenders to develop our ELT system, Premier eTitleLien™. Because of that partnership, we were privileged to work with the SC DMV to develop their ELT program. Those initial partnerships with lenders like the South Carolina banks are still some of the most valuable sources of input, even as we have expanded our product to a solution for all ELT states and non-ELT states and territories.

Image above is from The Georgia Sea Island Singers.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Virginia ELT

I've provided some updates to our Virginia ELT site: VAeTitleLien.com including an updated FAQ page and some history about the ELT program in Virginia which I found interesting. (Doesn't everyone think ELT history is interesting?)

Cheers!

Image above is "kaleidoscope car" of a Chevrolet Stylemaster in Virginia by Ariel.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Meeting with California Credit Unions

Earlier this month DDI travelled to California to visit with the Credit Union Bay Area Executive Coalition (CUBAEC). Over 20 California credit unions attended the event to learn about the mandatory California ELT program that requires participation from credit unions and other lenders by January 1, 2013. (Note, though, that the last sign up date is September 11, 2012.)

Jessica Shand shared briefly about the features of the California ELT program, how they are implemented in our ELT solution, Premier eTitleLien™, and the extra features we incorporate that would be of value to CA credit unions.

Jessica also shared about the national trends with ELT, as more states are implementing ELT programs (South Dakota, Maryland, Indiana, and Iowa all have plans to implement ELT in 2012) and requiring participation either directly (in addition to California, Florida and Georgia will both be requiring participation on January 1, 2013) or indirectly (South Dakota will stop printing titles with liens when their program goes live later this year).

Jessica concluded by discussing how customer service is very important to us and the various ways we try to make things simple and effective for our customers from the contract to training to ongoing assistance with any kind of lien or title issue.

We look forward to working with more California credit unions and other lenders.

Image above is from Golden Gate Bridge marks 75 years since opening against steep odds.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Georgia: GBA Annual Meeting and ELT

We will be participating in the Georgia Banker's Association (GBA) 2012 Annual Meeting in Asheville, NC on June 10-13. As part of our relationship with the GBA we will be on hand to answer questions about the newly signed legislation in Georgia making the Georgia Electronic Lien and Title program mandatory.

The mandatory legislation bill was signed into law on May 1, 2012. The bill begins requiring participation in ELT as of January 1, 2013, though it does allow for the Motor Vehicle Division to phase in the program.

DDI has been processing Georgia electronic titles since the beginning of the ELT program in July 2008.

Image above is of Chimney Rock State Park in Asheville, NC.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Ohio Non-Printed Titles

We recently made a few changed to our Ohio ELT information site: OHelt.com including the addition of a FAQ page. One interesting point about electronic or non-printed titles:

I understand that titles are not automatically printed by the BMV after I release my lien. How does my customer get a printed title?

Ohio uses the term "non-printed" to designate electronic titles. An owner should request a printed title in person from a county office. There is a fee as this request generates a replacement title.

Note that a "non-printed" title can be requested by anyone in Ohio: owner or lienholder. A paper title is not required for every transaction. For instance, Ohio answers the question "My title is an electronic title. How may I sell my vehicle to a dealer?" by explaining

The dealer can complete a BMV 3772 form to allow the transfer to or from a motor vehicle dealer. It has a provision for stating mileage and power of attorney.

Image above is an "Advertisement for the Army Press from the Cincinnati Type Foundry Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, about 1862" from the National Museum of American History at the Smithosonian.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Nebraska Frequently Asked Questions

We recently updated our Nebraska information site, NEelt.com, with some additional information about the Nebraska ELT program. Some of the questions from our FAQ page:

Are lenders required to participate in the Nebraska ELT program?

No. However, the state does not send paper titles with liens or other confirmation messages to non-ELT participants.

How do I sign up for the ELT program?

You need to complete the "ELT Lender Application" form. Find copies on etitlelien.com.

Are boats included in the ELT program?

Yes. The ELT program applies to anything titled by the DMV. See the Certificate of Title: Motorboat page.

Image above is Orange Kayak on a Nebraska Lake by boatbuilders.us.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Florida ELT Mandatory in January 2013

Florida House Bill 1223 (CS/CS/HB 1223) titled Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles was implemented into law by the Florida legislature and Approved by the Governor on 4/27/2012. The bill changes the language of the Florida statues to require participation:

Section 22. Subsection (8) of section 319.24, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
319.24 Issuance in duplicate; delivery; liens and encumbrances.—
(8) Notwithstanding any requirements in this section or in s. 319.27 indicating that a lien on a motor vehicle or mobile home shall be noted on the face of the Florida certificate of title, if there are one or more liens or encumbrances on the motor vehicle or mobile home, the department shall may electronically transmit the lien to the first lienholder and notify the first lienholder of any additional liens. Subsequent lien satisfactions shall may be electronically transmitted to the department and must shall include the name and address of the person or entity satisfying the lien.

and

Section 23. Subsection (7) is added to section 319.27, Florida Statutes, to read:
319.27 Notice of lien on motor vehicles or mobile homes; notation on certificate; recording of lien.—
(7) The department shall establish and administer an electronic titling program that requires the electronic recording of vehicle title information for new, transferred, and corrected certificates of title. Lienholders shall electronically transmit liens and lien satisfactions to the department in a format determined by the department. Individuals and lienholders who the department determines are not normally engaged in the business or practice of financing vehicles are exempt from the electronic titling requirement.

DDI attended a presentation by the Florida HSMV in May 2012. They made it clear that the law would be implemented on January 1, 2013 without a grace period. They have not yet released a list of exempt lenders but are unlikely to make exceptions for anyone normally engaged in lending. This requirement means that the HSMV will reject applications for liens from lenders who have not yet enrolled in the ELT program.

I'd like to encourage lenders not to wait until the end of the year to enroll. Florida does not charge an enrollment fee. The application process for ELT was taking 2-3 weeks, but has increased lately to 3-4 weeks because of the increase in applications to Florida.

For more information about our product, Premier eTitleLien™, and instructions on enrolling in Florida, please visit www.etitlelien.com.

Image above is Palm Tree decals from Dezign with a z.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Wisconsin Expanding ELT

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be expanding their ELT program beginning July 1, 2012. The ELT program builds on the mandatory electronic lien filing program put in place July 1, 2010. We have been working with Wisconsin providing them input and feedback as they develop the specifications for their new goals.

From the Wisconsin DOT site:

Title to lien holder
Effective July 1, 2012, Wisconsin will become a title to lien holder state. Any title with a lien will be sent to the lien holder rather than the owner. Lien holders can choose to have either paper titles or electronic titles.

If a vehicle has multiple liens, the liens will be listed on titles in date order. The title will be delivered to the lien holder whose loan was listed first; however, each lender will have equal repossession rights to the vehicle. Each lender will continue to receive a Confirmation of Security Interest (Lien) Perfection notice.
Electronic titles
On July 1, 2012, Wisconsin will also become an electronic title state. When a lien is listed against a vehicle, lien holders are encouraged to receive titles electronically via electronic service provider. The advantage to electronic delivery is that, in these cases, Wisconsin would not be issuing a paper title to the lender/financial institution or owner of the vehicle until the lien is satisfied. WisDOT is currently developing methods for the delivery of titles electronically. Please check back within the coming weeks or sign up for our lender mailing list for continuing updates.

Our ELT solution, Premier eTitleLien™, already works well with the WI ELT program. These upcoming changes will help further improve Wisconsin Electronic Lien and Titles.

Image above is 2006 New Beetle cabrio convertible by Nathan Wells.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Record Growth and a New Look

A great press release about our company and Premier eTitleLien™:

Decision Dynamics, Inc. (DDI) Reports Record Growth in First Quarter 2012 and Announces Premier eTitleLien™'s New Look for Electronic Lien and Title (ELT)

Decision Dynamics, Inc. (DDI) surpasses 1,800 customers and introduces a new look to Premier eTitleLien™, a cost-effective, user-friendly, solution for streamlining vehicle titling.

Lexington, SC, May 04, 2012 -- Decision Dynamics, Inc. (DDI) has unveiled the most recent version of Premier eTitleLien™, which introduces users of the electronic titling software to a fresh new look complete with innovative, state-of-the-art features, exclusive to the system. This news comes as DDI has surpassed 1,800 customers, and achieved record sales growth during the first quarter of 2012. The month of March alone brought growth at a rate of 30% for DDI. Glenn Thames, President and CEO of DDI remarked, "The record growth experienced by DDI is a direct result of the personal commitment to customer service that DDI offers lenders by providing a secure, user-friendly, web-based application utilizing the latest technologies, while only charging for the transactions a customer actually processes, and never locking a lender into a contract."

Premier eTitleLien™ is a secure, web-based application which allows lienholders to participate in a state's ELT program and remain in complete control of their title portfolio. Premier eTitlieLien™ offers lienholders a wide array of value add features, including: VIN Inquiry, Lien Alert, generating customized State Forms, NADA and other valuations. Lienholders are able to manage vehicle titles electronically, and receive an electronic record of a lien in lieu of a paper title. With Premier eTitleLien™, lenders have access to their electronic records and the tools needed to streamline the titling process. DDI also offers solutions for complete title management, including paper title services.

The electronic titling program benefits motor vehicle agencies, lienholders, and vehicle owners. Motor vehicle agencies benefit by providing more timely data exchange, improving data accuracy, and reducing and controlling the use of secure forms. Electronic titling benefits lienholders by reducing mailing costs, reducing physical storage requirements, and deterring the inherent fraud associated with duplicate titles and paper title releases. Vehicle owners benefit by receiving clear titles upon the release of the lien of the electronic title.

"A newly added DDI customer insisted that it was the service she received during the selection process that set DDI apart from other ELT service providers and drove her to choose DDI." Thames adds,

"Serving over 1,800 customers nationwide is a tremendous achievement for DDI, and I am confident that this number will only accelerate as DDI strengthens its commitment to being the Premier ELT service provider in the nation, delivering the most effective ELT solution with the highest level of customer service."

Decision Dynamics, Inc. (DDI) is a software technology company that provides electronic titling services and software solutions for lienholders in the United States. DDI now serves over 1,800 lenders throughout the US.

Image above is Luxury train Deccan Odyssey on tracks again with completely new look.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

California DMV Improvements

Dan Walters wrote an opinion piece for the Merced Sun-Star praising improvements at the CA DMV. "The DMV has become a model of consumer friendly service and the intelligent use of technology that seems to escape other agencies." He goes on to quote a February 24, 2012 article from the California Legislative Analyst's Office:

"Over the last 10 years," the report says, "DMV has made efforts to improve customer service and increase efficiency, so that customers have additional options for renewing their vehicle registration." In addition to access via home computers, the agency maintains self-service kiosks in its field offices, and has contracts with a number of private businesses for electronic transactions.

The LAO report cites the ability that auto dealers have to electronically handle vehicle registrations and titling transactions (through California's BPA program) as an example of direct cost savings and efficiency improvements. The report notes that registration renewals through business partners increased 18 percent over the previous year.

We are expecting similar efficiency gains as the ELT program becomes mandatory in January 2013. In addition to printing fewer paper titles, enforcing electronic transactions for titles with liens will help reduce fraud and save additional trips to DMV offices.

May all your DMV visits be pleasant!


Image above is from the Peace Pedalers.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Help Your Bank Prepare for Mandatory ELT in Georgia

The Georgia Bankers Association (GBA) published their May 11, 2012 edition of the GBA E-Bulletin today. In it, they notified newsletter readers of the newly passed and signed legislation mandating participation in Georgia's ELT program.

Legislation for mandatory Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) in Georgia was signed by Gov. Nathan Deal earlier this month. Wording in the bill requires participation in the GA ELT program as of Jan. 1, 2013. No exceptions to the requirement are listed.
GBA is pleased to announce the renewal of GBA's endorsement of DDI as a GBA Strategic Partner and as GBA's preferred provider of ELT. If your bank makes any auto loans, you'll want to give Decision Dynamics, Inc. (DDI), a call.
DDI can help make compliance with the new law easy for your bank. DDI's Premier eTitleLien™ product allows banks to start electronic vehicle titling with the Georgia Department of Revenue with no upfront costs, support fees, software to install or monthly minimums. For more information about how Premier eTitleLien™ works, please contact Ann Gunning at 803.808.0117.

Image above is an unissued 1850s bank note from The Bank of Athens, Georgia.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

RE: DDI (DMV) Reference

From: Prospective Premier eTitleLien™ Customer
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 10:04 AM
To: Current Premier eTitleLien™ Customer
Subject: DDI (DMV)

Hello Mr. [Adams],

I was given your name and e-mail information as a reference from DDI (Decision Dynamics, Inc. Can you give me some of your thoughts regarding their program. If you could let me know what you like and dislike about them that would be very helpful. We do only auto loan is California.

I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate any comments you may have.

Regards,

[Emily Baker]
[Community FCU]
[555-555-5555 x555]


From: Current Premier eTitleLien™ Customer
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 1:30 PM
To: Prospective Premier eTitleLien™ Customer
Subject: RE: DDI (DMV) Reference
Importance: High

Hello [Emily],

We have been using Decision Dynamics, Inc., [DDI Technology] since Fall 2010, and they are WONDERFUL! They have been very helpful in the set-up phase, their software/documentation is easy to follow, they offer training webinars, and their ongoing support is proactive. For our California registration they coordinated with the DMV so that any potential "speed bumps" were minimized. We are currently live in the five states where most of our members reside.

Further, their pricing structure is per-transaction based and there are no hidden fees, nor minimum usage requirements. At various times I have spoken with Ann Gunning (their CIO), Angela Younginer, and Jessica Shand -- each contact has exemplified their commitment to excellent customer service. Your e-Titling needs will be in good hands with DDI.

Best wishes,
[Thomas]

[Thomas Adams]
[Director of Finance]
[Another Community FCU]

Image above is a letter from Henri Matisse to a friend in Venice from henri-matisse.net.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

South Dakota Implementing ELT in 2012

South Dakota is on schedule to implement their new ELT program on July 1, 2012. DDI has been working with the South Dakota DMV providing input and feedback about their program, including sharing the recommendations on AllAboutTitles.com, the site we maintain as a resource for state DMVs.

So far the SD DMV has shared two drafts of their ELT specifications with us and it looks like a good program. The DMV has taken a lot of lender feedback into account. Some key points about the program as we understand it:

  • The planned implementation date is July 1, 2012 (yes, less than 2 months away)
  • South Dakota will not require participation, but they will immediately stop printing titles with liens. (I'll be adding them to the list of states that "compel" participation in ELT.)
  • Lenders who do not participate in ELT will use a form to release their lien (since there will be no printed title with the lien printed on it). Lenders in the ELT program will be required to release their liens electronically, a fraud prevention measure.
  • All lenders will have access to a public inquiry site to verify that their lien was correctly placed. This allows individuals and businesses who do not normally place liens to validate the lien placement and lien release.

We will provide more details as the program rules are finalized.

Image above is Ft. Pierre, South Dakota: 4th of July Parade, 2002.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

GA ELT: Mandating Legislation

On 3/29/2012 the Georgia House and Senate passed legislation (and sent it to the Governor on 4/10) requiring participation in their ELT program. The legislation (changed language is in bold italics):

SECTION 2.
Code Section 40-3-26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to delivery of certificate, notice to junior security interest holders and lienholders, and disposition of certificate when first lien or security interest satisfied, is amended by revising paragraph (2) of subsection (a) as follows: "(2) The commissioner may enter into agreements with any such security interest holder or lienholder to provide a means of delivery by secure electronic measures of a notice of the recording of such security interest or lien. On or after January 1, 2013, the commissioner shall require that security interest holders and lienholders receive notice of recordings of security interests and liens electronically. Such requirement may be phased in based on criteria designated by the commissioner through duly adopted rules and regulations. Such security interest or lien shall remain on the official records of the department until such time as the security interest or lien is released by secure electronic measures or affidavit of lien or security interest release; after which release, or at the request of the lienholder or security interest holder, the certificate of title may be printed and mailed or delivered to the next lienholder or security interest holder or as otherwise provided by paragraph (1) of this subsection without payment of any fee provided by Code Section 40-3-38."

Image above is "New Cars" by JannaR.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Arizona Drivers Licenses: Fraud Alert

The Arizona Department of Transportation is concerned about Arizona residents falling victim to fake transactions for driver license services.

The Motor Vehicle Division of the Arizona Department of Transportation wants to alert customers that there are various Internet-based fraudulent schemes operating with the goal to illegally charge an individual's credit card account for bogus driver license services. The fraud occurs by scam artists using the Internet to falsely advertise the ability to provide driver license services that in Arizona are only available through http://servicearizona.com.

Please be diligent to contact your state DMV for Driver License or vehicle title services. Some states, including Arizona, do allow certain transactions through third party or tag agent providers. Arizona provides a list of authorized third parties at www.azmvdservices.com

Image above is Phoenix Arizona Fake Cactus Cell Towers.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

California Mandatory ELT: Really?

We received some feedback from a California credit union today regarding the mandatory California ELT program. The officer at the CU said they called the CA DMV and were told they would not be required to process ELTs when the deadline is implemented in January...they can continue to do paper.

Not wanting to provide misleading information, we double-checked with our DMV contact. Their response:

Oh wow!! This is completely not true. They will have to enroll in the ELT program in order to conduct business on California Titled Vehicles.

Please note that the enrollment process for California is staggered; new participants are brought on once a quarter. You must meet their application dates in order to be scheduled for the next live date.

One implication that worries us: if a lender does not apply to join the program before the mandatory participation period begins on January 1, 2013, the next opportunity to place a lien on a title in California will not occur until July 2013.

2012 Implementation schedule for joining California's ELT program:

Quarter Due date for applications Due date for contracts Implementation
1st December 13, 2011 December 27, 2011 March 30, 2012
2nd March 13, 2012 March 27, 2012 July 2, 2012
3rd June 12, 2012 June 26, 2012 October 1, 2012
4th September 11, 2012 September 25, 2012 December 31, 2012

Full instructions for signing up for the program are posted on our website at http://www.etitlelien.com/eltCA.aspx.

Image above is Wizardry -- Mount Diablo Summit, California (HDR) by Reno Moeller.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Florida ELT Program Questions

As we anticipate Florida's ELT program becoming mandatory, I thought it might be helpful to answer a few questions for lenders.

How will ELT change what we do today?
The primary change is that you will no longer receive a paper title. (There is a long list of reasons why this is good.) The forms you use today ("Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration" (FL 82040) and the "Application for Notice of Lien / Reassignment of Lien" (FL 82139)) and the fees and documentation required for the forms do not change.

How do I release an ELT lien?
All electronic liens must be released (satisfied) electronically. Florida provides this instruction to vehicle owners:

A title has an electronic lien, but the owner brings in a lien satisfaction from the lienholder. Can a paper title be printed for the $10 fast title fee at a Tax Collector's Office?
No. The ELT lienholder must satisfy the lien electronically.

How long will it take the DMV to print a title when a "release" is issued?
Florida normally does not print titles, preferring to leave them as electronic titles. Premier eTitleLien™ offers lenders the ability to request that a printed title be sent to the owner, they may leave it up to the owner to request a printed copy when needed. Once requested, titles "are generally mailed within two (2) days of receipt of the request."

What is required (technology-wise) for a lender to participate?
An ELT provider (such as DDI) will provide all necessary software for the lender. DDI's solution is Premier eTitleLien™, a web-based application that does not require any special installation.

Image above is Technology Quilt from the South Florida Fair 2011 by t.bosky.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Georgia ELT: Mandatory Legislation Passed

Prepare now for Mandatory ELT in Georgia!

Legislation for Mandatory ELT in Georgia has been passed by both the House and the Senate and is now awaiting signature from the Governor. This bill is expected to be accepted as law. The wording in the bill requires participation in the GA ELT program as of January 1, 2013 though provision is allowed for phasing in mandatory participation. No exceptions to the requirement are listed.

If you have any questions about the Georgia ELT program, please contact Jessica.Shand@dditechnology.com

Georgia is the latest of a number of states currently compelling participation or planning to in some way compel participation in ELT:

Image above is from the Georgia Digital Signature Task Force site (last updated 1/30/97) :)

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Texas ELT: Common Questions

Texas DMV has indicated that at some point in the future they will compel participation in their ELT program. The legislation enabling this future mandatory ELT program was signed into law on 6/17/2011. This has resulted in renewed interest in the Texas ELT program. Some common questions:

Are lenders required to participate in the Texas ELT program?

DDI is following the progress of the ELT program in Texas carefully. Texas has provided clarification to us about requiring participation in their ELT program. One such conversation included these comments: "Although the department fully supports the ELT program we do not anticipate implementing mandatory ELT in the near future. I anticipate it will be quite some time before we even begin discussing this project. When we do begin the process we intend on meeting with industry partners to identify any entities and/or transactions that should be considered for exemption." They have not yet set a date for mandatory participation.

Can a title be released and sent to an address other than the owner's address?

Yes, in Premier eTitleLien™ an address can be changed so that when the title is requested to be printed, it will be mailed to the correct payoff address, such as a dealer, lender or insurance company.

How long with title information be available through the ELT system?

The completed title application will be able to be viewed/edited in your system perpetually or as long as your license agreement with DDI is in effect. All information about a title including information received from the Texas DMV and entered by your company's users will be retained for your future reference.

How long does it take for us to receive ELT information? For example, our customer books a loan here and a few days later we receive a payoff check from a dealership. Now the dealership is requesting the title that we just processed. The TX DMV is not showing our lien has been perfected yet because the process has not completed through the state yet. When should we expect to receive the title so that it can be released?

The county courthouse offices are working as agents of the DMV, so they are using the Texas DMV system to process title paperwork, and thus there is no communications lag. The electronic title, therefore, will appear in your Premier eTitleLien™ system the day after the courthouse processes the paperwork. If you book a loan on 3/1, and the courthouse processes the paperwork on 3/2, you will receive the ELT in your system on 3/3. If you receive certified funds from a dealer on 3/3, you can log into to your ELT system on 3/3 and direct the DMV to release your lien and have the clear title mailed to the dealer. The dealer should receive the clear title in the US mail in 3-5 business days.

Image above is "The afternoon in Austin Texas after some rain" by Jeffrey Spencer.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Prepare now for Mandatory ELT in Florida!

Prepare now for Mandatory ELT in Florida!

Legislation for Mandatory ELT in Florida has been passed by both the House and the Senate, and now is awaiting signature from Governor Scott. This bill is expected to be accepted as law, and will require all Florida lienholders to participate in the FL ELT program as of January 1, 2013. To ensure you are compliant with the latest statute, please contact Jessica.Shand@dditechnology.com

Image above is Winds of Change by Cecilia Lueza donated to the Florida Department of State art collection.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

States Planning to Compel Participation in ELT

A series of questions in which our writer attempts to answer simple-sounding questions without saying things like "Well, yes, they do have ELT but..." Let the reader understand that these are simplified answers. ;)

See the other posts in this short series: Electronic Title States, Upcoming Electronic Title States, States Compelling Participation in ELT, and States Planning to Compel Participation in ELT (this post).

Which states have said they intend to compel participation?

Florida has indicated to us in person as well as through legislation that their long-term plan has been to require participation. See a further explanation on States Compelling Participation in ELT post.

Although the MA RMV has indicated to us that they do not have plans to make their ELT program mandatory, the Massachusetts legislature has (at least twice) introduced legislation requiring participation.

South Carolina has had legislation introduced twice to allow the DMV to require participation. The South Carolina DMV has indicated that it intends to make the program mandatory only after developing a plan with industry stakeholders.

In our discussions with South Dakota about their new (2012) ELT program, they mentioned that their plans are to make the SD ELT program mandatory from the beginning using a no-printed-titles-with-liens policy.

Texas passed legislation in 2011 that allows the DMV to make the program mandatory. They have indicated to us in person that they intend to gather feedback from industry partners before implementing any requirements.

If you are a lender and would like a greater explanation of these differences, please contact DDI. If you are a state or would like more technical details, you may also visit our AllAboutTitles.com site.

Image above is from Kazoobie Kazoos.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

States Compelling Participation in ELT

A series of questions in which our writer attempts to answer simple-sounding questions without saying things like "Well, yes, they do have ELT but..." Let the reader understand that these are simplified answers. ;)

See the other posts in this short series: Electronic Title States, Upcoming Electronic Title States, States Compelling Participation in ELT (this post), and States Planning to Compel Participation in ELT.

Which states compel participation in their ELT program?

This is one of the most complicated questions to answer, and the wording for the question was chosen carefully to accurately include all the states above. We intentionally did not phrase the question "What are the Mandatory ELT states?" or even "Which states never print titles with liens?"

There are four basic methods that States are currently using to "compel" participation:

  • Mandatory ELT: by law lenders must participate in the program. This applies to PA, LA, CA, and AZ. Each state allows for certain exemptions, particularly for individuals listed as lienholders. Arizona required immediate participation and would not process lien applications without enrolling in the program. Pennsylvania (the first state to make ELT mandatory) used a gradual enforcement process. Louisiana, while always maintaining that ELT participation is required, is also gradually enforcing their law. California's law went into place in 1/1/2012 but the law allowed them to determine schedule and exemptions. At this point we are expecting them to implement the ELT participation mandate in September 2012 as Arizona did, requiring participation to even file a lien.
  • Phase out the paper title: Florida is the author and authority of this method which basically involves changing policies to make vehicle transactions easier without a paper title - the paper title just becomes obsolete. Florida is not on our list above because they do not require participation in ELT nor do they restrict the printing of paper titles. They do intend to require participation in the near future.
  • Fees for non-electronic processing: Wisconsin charges lenders fees for not participating. There is always an extra $5 processing fee for manual transactions. In addition, "if a financial institution is not exempt, it will be assessed a $20 surcharge for each application submitted to DMV for processing that can be completed electronically...."
  • No paper titles with liens: Nebraska and Kansas both leave it to the lender's preference about participating in their ELT programs, but do not print and mail titles with liens as part of their normal process.

If you are a lender and would like a greater explanation of these differences, please contact DDI. If you are a state or would like more technical details, you may also visit our AllAboutTitles.com site.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Upcoming Electronic Title States

A series of questions in which our writer attempts to answer simple-sounding questions without saying things like "Well, yes, they do have ELT but..." Let the reader understand that these are simplified answers. ;)

See the other posts in this short series: Electronic Title States, Upcoming Electronic Title States (this post), States Compelling Participation in ELT, and States Planning to Compel Participation in ELT.

Which states are actively working on an ELT program?

We expect both Iowa and South Dakota to implement their programs this year. DDI is working with both states as they implement their programs.

Which states have said they intend to develop an ELT program?

  • Alabama
  • Connecticut
  • Indiana
  • Mississippi
  • Tennessee
  • West Virginia

These states have all indicated to us (in person) that they have a goal to implement ELT. In most cases for these states, it is a matter of available resources to implement needed technical changes.

If you are a lender and would like a greater explanation of these differences, please contact DDI. If you are a state or would like more technical details, you may also visit our AllAboutTitles.com site.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Electronic Title States

A series of questions in which our writer attempts to answer simple-sounding questions without saying things like "Well, yes, they do have ELT but..." Let the reader understand that these are simplified answers. ;)

See the other posts in this short series: Electronic Title States (this post), Upcoming Electronic Title States, States Compelling Participation in ELT, and States Planning to Compel Participation in ELT.

Which states currently have an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) program?

Please note the following:

  • The Kansas Electronic Lien and Title program does not currently accommodate direct interaction with service providers like DDI.
  • In New York, the program is known as the Electronic Lien Transfer (ELT) Program, since there is no electronic title. Even with liens, owners retain titles in New York state.
  • The Utah E-Liens (Electronic Lien Transfers) program does not currently accommodate direct interaction with service providers like DDI.
  • The Wisconsin program does not currently meet our definition for a full ELT program, since as in New York, owners retain the paper title and the state does not electronically notify lenders when the lien has been recorded. However, they do require lenders to participate in their lien recording program, e-MV Agent. Wisconsin DOT expects to change to a full ELT program in the Summer of 2012. ("On July 1, 2012, Wisconsin will become an electronic title state.")

If you are a lender and would like a greater explanation of these differences, please contact DDI. If you are a state or would like more technical details, you may also visit our AllAboutTitles.com site.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Wisconsin Will Become an Electronic Title State

The Wisconsin DOT recently posted this update on their Financial Institutions page:

What's new for Wisconsin lenders
On July 1, 2012, Wisconsin will become an electronic title state. When a lien is listed against a vehicle, Wisconsin will not be issuing a paper title to the lender/financial institution or owner of the vehicle until the lien is satisfied.
WisDOT is currently developing methods for the delivery of titles electronically. Please check back within the coming months or sign up for our lender mailing list for continuing updates.

Wisconsin has required lenders to participate in their electronic process since July 1, 2010 or face additional fees. They have indicated to DDI that this is a step toward no longer printing titles with liens. Lienholders who process more than 48 liens in a year will be required to participate in the electronic delivery. All lienholders are eligible. DDI currently supports lenders filing and releasing liens in Wisconsin within Premier eTitleLien™. We're looking forward to these changes - it will simplify the process for lenders and reduce costs for the DOT.

Image above is Xanadu in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Friday, January 20, 2012

California posts updates about mandatory ELT requirement

California has updated their website with details about the ELT program. Particularly, there have been questions about how the CA DMV will interpret the requirement for lienholders who must participate in ELT. From the page:

7 Q. When will the mandatory ELT requirement take effect?
A. We anticipate that the ELT program will begin mandatory participation in the Spring of 2012. DMV is currently accepting voluntary participation applications. All mandatory ELT participants must apply to be enrolled in the program between spring 2012 – December 31, 2012.

8 Q. Who is required to enroll in the mandatory ELT Program as a lender?
A. All licensed financial institutions that hold a security interest in a California titled vehicle are required to enroll in the mandatory ELT Program, excluding businesses licensed to engage in the sale of automobiles and/or vessels. Please note: there is no mandatory threshold of vehicles/vessels required for mandatory ELT participants.

10 Q. Do vehicle dealers need to be enrolled in the mandatory ELT Program?
A. No. However, dealers may become a voluntary participant.

11 Q. Can Financial Institutions (i.e., banks or credit unions) be exempt from the mandatory ELT Program if they finance only a few vehicles a year?
A. No. Financial Institutions are not exempt from participation in the mandatory ELT Program based on the number of vehicles financed in a given time period. If a lender offers the service of vehicle financing to customers, the lender must enroll in the mandatory ELT Program in order to be recorded as a lienholder on California title records.

12 Q. Are out–of–state lienholders required to participate in the mandatory ELT Program?
A. Out–of–state lienholders engaged in the business or practice of financing vehicles purchased by California residents, to be titled in California, must participate in the mandatory ELT Program. Out–of–state lienholders who finance vehicles to be titled only in other states by non–California residents are not required to participate. California will record existing lienholder information appearing on non–California titles when a new California resident applies to transfer a vehicle title. Those lienholders will be issued paper titles if they are not enrolled in the ELT program.

We are anticipating, based on the information above and from conversations with the DMV, that the final signup date for the program will be 9/11/2012 (not a joke). That means participants would be live on 12/31/2012. After that point, we expect that any non-participating lenders will be unable to place liens until their go live date. The published schedule for 2012 sign ups is:

Quarter Due date for applications Due date for contracts Implementation
1st December 13, 2011 December 27, 2011 March 30, 2012
2nd March 13, 2012 March 27, 2012 July 2, 2012
3rd June 12, 2012 June 26, 2012 October 1, 2012
4th September 11, 2012 September 25, 2012 December 31, 2012

Full instructions for signing up for the program are posted on our website at http://www.etitlelien.com/eltCA.aspx.

Image above is Spring Beginnings by Ellie T. Freudenstein from an exhibition at the California Art Club.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Mandatory ELT Legislation Proposed in Florida

Florida has been making steady progress in simplifying and streamlining their processes related to vehicle titles. Florida already provides one of the best public title inquiry services for getting information about your vehicle. Recent bill introduced in the Florida Senate will allow the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Administration to take their next steps forward with the ELT program, including requiring participation. From the bill text:
...requiring that the department establish and administer an electronic titling program that requires the recording of vehicle title information for new, transferred, and corrected certificates of title; requiring that lienholders electronically transmit liens and lien satisfactions to the department; providing exceptions; amending s. 328.16, F.S.; requiring that the department electronically transmit a lien to the first lienholder and notify such lienholder of any additional liens; requiring that subsequent lien satisfactions be electronically transmitted to the department; amending s. 328.30, F.S.; authorizing the department to issue an electronic certificate of title in lieu of printing a paper title; authorizing the department to collect electronic mail addresses and use electronic mail for the purpose of providing renewal notices in lieu of the United States Postal Service; amending s. 713.78, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; providing effective dates.

Image above is titled "Old School" taken at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum by Jo Jakeman.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Customer Call

Last Friday we received a call from a customer who was away from her office but needed to release a lien for her customer ASAP. She was in a bit of a panic until I guided her through logging into Premier eTtileLien™ remotely. You can be away from your office and still provide service to your customers because Premier eTitleLien™ is a web based system. You can handle your business anytime of the day, regardless of your location. You only need access to the internet and have your login information.

- Charleen Smith