Michigan Department of State to start Electronic Lien and Title Program (ELT) on March 16,2021

As a reminder, starting March 16, 2021, the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) will allow for the electronic exchange of lien and title information with lienholders in lieu of a paper certificate of title. The Electronic lien and Title (ELT) program will help minimize the threat of fraud and help keep the interest of the financial institutions safe. It eventually will be required for all financial institutions to participate in the ELT program. To participate, financial institutions can apply in one of two ways:

  • Sign up with one of the two approved service providers:
    • Service providers are third-party companies that handle all ELT transactions including adding, releasing, and removing vehicle liens.
    • DDI Technologies and Dealertrack are approved service providers for the state of Michigan.
    • Additional service providers may be approved by the State of Michigan at a later date.
  • Apply through Michigan Department of State online services:
    • An Authorized Requestor Application form will need to be filled out and uploaded through Michigan Department of State online services.
    • The application requires the financial institution’s name, address, and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
      • Entering a Corporate ID number is optional.

Once approved, all financial institutions participating in the ELT program:

  • Will release a lien electronically when the title record is held electronically.
  • Will be assigned a unique ID called a Lienholder ID.
  • The Lienholder ID must be presented to the Secretary of State or dealership at the time of title issuance.
    • If not included on proper documentation during title issuance, the title will be processed as a paper title and printed and mailed accordingly.
  • All liens placed on a title after March 16, 2021, should be submitted using the Lienholder ID so the title is held electronically.
  • Financial institutions can view when an electronic lien in their name has been added, removed, or released.
  • While releasing an electronic lien, a new electronic lien can be added by entering the new Lienholder ID.
  • Once all electronic liens are released, the Secretary of State will print and mail the title to the customer.

For questions contact Debbie Mitin.

Dealertrack, one of the State of Michigan approved service providers for electronic lien and title (ELT), is an MBA Service Corporation Endorsed Partner, and they look forward to being able to offer assistance to our members with their title administration process.  For more information on Dealertrack’s ELT services, read here . Please reach out to Jill Verscheure, MBA Service Corporation Vice President, at 517 342-5681 or jverscheure@mibankers.com.