An electronic title (E-Title) is a title record that is being held in Electronic status. Typically, when vehicles that are purchased using a loan, the title is held in an electronic form and called an “Electronic Lien Title” (ELT). The only difference between an E-Title and an ELT is that there is a lien on the ELT. In both cases, a paper title has NOT been printed.

For example, Jane Doe purchases a vehicle from a dealer and when the title application is processed, an electronic lien holder is chosen. The title is then held as an Electronic Lien Title (ELT). Jane then pays the vehicle off and the electronic lien holder releases the lien. The title status is then converted to an E-Title and remains so until a request for paper title is submitted.

When a vehicle owner no longer has a lien on a vehicle, he/she can maintain the title in electronic status as an E-title, or request a paper copy of the title.

A vehicle owner will need a paper copy of the ELT or E-Title, if the vehicle is transferring ownership to an individual. Vehicles traded to a Florida dealer are not required to convert the E-title to paper.

A paper copy can be obtained showing proper identification*:

• At the Tax Collector’s office
  • Same day through our “Fast Title” Service for an additional $10 fee.
  • Through the mail by our standard title processing service.
• By visiting the website for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/emt.htm

* If the vehicle owner is present, he/she must show proper identification. If a representative of the owner is present, he/she must show proper identification, and have an original notarized power of attorney.