Electronic Liens and Titles (ELT)

Electronic Titles

An electronic title provides the same information as a paper title and requires the same documents as a paper title when applying for one. Title documents and applications for electronic titles are handled in the same manner as paper titles. Electronic titles are maintained in the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles database pursuant to section 319.24, Florida Statutes. An electronic title record is stored in FLHSMV’s database until a paper title is requested for the purposes of selling a vehicle or transferring title to another state or country.

If you are an ELT provider or participant, please visit the FLHSMV’s Authorized Service Providers page, to learn more about lien satisfaction and how the ELT system works. If you are not an ELT participant, dealers and other organizations can become one, as outlined on that page.

Electronic Liens

On an electronic title, lien notifications and satisfactions are transmitted electronically between FLHSMV and the lienholder. When an electronic lien is satisfied, the title will remain electronic until a request for a paper title is received.
FLHSMV has implemented an Electronic Lien and Titling system (ELT) designed to assist lienholders, as well as vehicle owners. The ELT system reduces the handling, storage and mailing costs associated with paper titles by replacing them with electronic titles. Lienholders who join the program and customers that maintain an electronic title may enjoy the following benefits:

• Reduced title fraud
• Reduced chances of a lost title
• Faster notification of lien satisfaction
• Reduction in storage of title documents
• Access to expedited title printing
• Better customer service
• Reduced costs

Convert an electronic title to paper online

Owners with electronic titles (and no lien) can request an electronic title be converted to a paper title through the department’s online services website MyDMV Portal for a fee of $4.50. Once the request is completed online, the converted paper title will then be mailed to the address reflected on the owner’s motor vehicle record. Paper titles are generally received within 3-4 weeks.

Please note: Titles cannot be printed at home, and they cannot be picked up in a Florida county tax collector’s office or service center after a title transaction has been completed online.

Miscellaneous

You do not need to request a paper title prior to trading your vehicle with a Florida dealership.

If your title is currently in paper format, you will need to take your paper title with you if trading your vehicle in at a dealership.

If your title is currently in paper format and you are selling your vehicle, rather than trading it in at a dealership, you will need your paper title to transfer ownership to a buyer. FLHSMV recommends conducting the sale and transfer in a Florida county tax collector’s office or service center to ensure your name is removed from the vehicle ownership record.

If your title status is paper format, but you no longer possess it, a duplicate paper title must be requested at a Florida county tax collector’s office or service center. See more here: Paper Titles and Liens

If you are a military service member or veteran, please visit the department’s Military and Veteran Information page for title information specific to your military or veteran status.

Additional Resources:

• Buying or Selling a Vehicle?