Buying & Selling

Iowa Senate File 2273, which was approved on April 7, 2010, established a study committee regarding the implementation of electronic registration and titling of vehicles. This committee published the results of their findings on December 1, 2010, and recommended a phased approach to implementation of electronic transactions for titling and registration. Phase one consisted of facilitating electronic communication between the DOT and lenders for lien notations and releases. The Iowa ELT program is expected to result in faster notification of lien notations and releases, eliminate storage of paper titles, reduce fraud, reduce costs for mailing of paper titles, improve data accuracy, and reduce administrative burdens for all.

The Iowa ELT program is a method by which the Iowa DOT and lending institutions (lienholders) can exchange vehicle and title information electronically. The electronic exchange of information eliminates the need to print and mail paper titles. Once a lien has been released, the lienholder sends an electronic message releasing the lien on the title at which point the Iowa DOT releases the lien on its record. The title remains electronic unless a paper title has been requested by the lienholder or vehicle owner. This process eliminates much of the paper handling involved in the vehicle titling process.

Any ELT program allows lienholders to reduce the handling, storage and mailing costs associated with paper titles by replacing them with electronic titles. ELT participants also benefit in the following ways:

• Lienholders will receive fast, electronic confirmation that the lien has been recorded.
• Lienholders who participate in the ELT program will release liens electronically eliminating the need to hand-release liens on the paper title.
• Faster notification of lien satisfactions.
• If a paper title is desired, it can be printed and mailed with the lien intact or printed and mailed at the time of lien release.
• Reduction in title fraud by elimination of the paper title that is subject to tampering, counterfeiting, or other manipulation.
• Reduction in lost titles and the need to order duplicates.
• Better protection for dealers against failed financing.
• Reduction in the time needed to obtain release of a lien against a trade vehicle which helps to avoid delays that threaten timely completion of the sale and disposition of the trade vehicle.
• Vehicle owners who have satisfied their loan obligations will receive paper titles faster, after the lienholder has electronically notified the Iowa DOT that the lien has been released.
• Overall reduced costs.