The Electronic Lien and Title Program (ELT) is a method by which the State of Colorado and participating lending institution (Lienholders) can exchange vehicle and title information electronically. The State transmits essential identifying information electronically to the Lienholder which eliminates the need to print and mail paper titles. Once the loan has been satisfied, the Lienholder sends an electronic message releasing the title at which point the State prints and mails a paper title the vehicle owner. 

This process eliminates most of the paper handling involved in the vehicle titling process. Both the lending organizations and the State benefit from lower costs associated with processing, mailing, filing and receiving paper titles.

Summary of Legislation

House Bill 13-1289 Electronic Motor Vehicle Information Transfer provides authority to the Department of Revenue to establish a system to allow the electronic registration and titling of motor vehicles and electronic transmission of motor vehicle lien information. The title certificate is considered to be held by the mortgage or Lienholder when an electronic mortgage or lien is used. A copy of the electronic mortgage or lien is admissible as evidence in judicial or administrative proceedings The Department is authorized to accept gifts, grants, or donations into the electronic motor vehicle registration cash fund.

C.R.S. 42-3-113.5(1) The Department may establish a system to allow the electronic transmission of registration, lien and titling inform for motor or off-highway vehicles. The Department may adopt rules necessary for the implementation of this section.

ELT Communication Flow

Process

Title applications with a lien are processed with an ELT E-Number instead of Lienholder name and address. After verification, the title becomes electronic and no title prints. Until a lien release is received by the State, the Certificate of Title is held electronically by the State. Transactions during the life of the lien that do not include a statutory fee are processed electronically.

1. The Service Provider completes a contract with the Department of Motor Vehicles (“Department”). 

2. The Lender completes DR 2843 Colorado Electronic Lien and Title Application to register and obtain an “E” number.  

   • Lender contracts with the Service Provider. 

   • Participating Lenders and Approved Service Providers can be found on the DRIVES Intranet and here.

3. The State audits and verifies the file.

4. The Electronic File is sent to the Service Provider.

Transaction Included

• Lien Release – The Lender will notify the Service Provider who will notify the State, and the State will issue a printed title. Whether by error or payoff. The printed title can be mailed to the Registered Owner or a Third Party.

• Correction of Owner or Lienholder information – The lienholder will notify the Service Provider who notifies the State and the file is updated.

• Request for Paper Title – A Lienholder can request a printed title by electronic notification.

Transaction Not Included

Transaction that includes a statutorily required fee are not able to be processed electronically. However, the county will not need a printed title to process.

• Lien Extensions – The extension must be filed at the county, using form DR 2393 Certification of Extension of Chattel Mortgage, noting eh Lender’s ELT E-Number.

• Lien Assignment

• Hypothecation

• Substitution of Collateral

• Transfer of Equity / Assumption

Differences

• The ELT E-Number will be on the Title application instead of Lienholder Name and Address

• Correction can be made electronically

ELT Action Codes

Action codes in DRIVES:

Action codes that DRIVES send to ELT in the ELT Out File:

Counties can contact DOR_ELT@state.co.us for assistance with ELT records, troubleshooting, or general questions.