Your car’s title (Certificate of Title) is an official record of ownership, issued by the state government where your vehicle is registered. Since every state has different rules, knowing how your title works can help you stay on top of the process. Here’s what you need to know to confidently navigate your title journey.
How titles work
If your state is a non-title holding state:
Your lender holds onto the title until your loan is fully paid off. Once your balance reaches zero, you’ll receive the title and your lien release.
If your state is a title-holding state:
You’ll get the title shortly after purchasing your vehicle, but it will list your lender as the lienholder. When your loan is paid in full, your lender will send you a lien release to attach to your title.
Since title rules vary by state, your title may be issued in the state where you purchased your vehicle—not necessarily where you live.
Moved to a new state?
If you’ve moved since purchasing your vehicle, your title will be sent to the address used at the dealership. Update your information with the State Titling Division to ensure your title is delivered to the correct place.
Types of titles
Electronic title (ELT)
Many states are using an electronic car title system called an Electronic Lien and Title (ELT), or e-title. An ELT is simply a stored, electronic record in a database that may be converted to a paper title later.
For an electronic title, Santander Consumer USA (SC) will electronically notify your state that the lien has been satisfied. Your State Titling Division will print and mail the title to borrower’s mailing address at time of payoff. Shipping times vary by state, please contact your State Titling Division office for more information.
- California residents will have the title mailed to the current address listed on the state registration.
- Florida residents will need to contact the State Titling Division to request the paper title to be mailed. State fees may apply.*
Paper Title
For a paper title, SC will ship via USPS a physical title to the address provided. Once you receive this document, SC recommends that you take the original title document to your State’s Titling Division to have a new title issued in your name with no lienholder. State fees may apply.* Failure to do so or misplacement of the original title may cause issues with selling or trading in your vehicle.
Release of Lien document
SC will ship via USPS a Release of Lien document to your address. Once you receive this document, SC recommends that you take the original title document(s) to your State’s Titling Division to have a new title issued in your name with no lienholder. State fees may apply.* Failure to do so or misplacement of the Release of Lien may cause issues with selling or trading in your vehicle.
State changes
If you have moved from one state to another, many states will require you to receive an updated title in your new state through your State Titling Division. The process and timing for receiving this title are dependent on your state and title type.
To get started you will need to contact your State Titling Division to make a formal request. Once received from the State Titling Division, that request must be provided by mail or fax to SC.
If you wish to mail your request, please send it to:
SantanderTitles Department
1601 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75201
If you wish to fax your request, please send it to:
214-237-3549
State Change – Electronic (ELT)
Once the request is received, SC will request your electronic title to be printed from the State Titling Division and shipped to SC. This processing time will vary and averages four to six weeks.
After SC receives the printed title from the State Titling Division, SC will begin processing your request. Your new State Titling Division should receive your title within fifteen business days after SC receives the printed title from your prior State Titling Division.
State Change – Paper
Once the request is received, SC will begin processing your request. Your new State Titling Division should receive your title within fifteen business days after SC receives the printed title from your prior State Titling Division.
Review your state-specific guidelines
Your title type, how you update your title, and title release dates will vary based on your state. Review your state requirements below and visit your State Titling Division for more information.
Still have questions? Find answers. How do I request a payoff? What is an electronic title?
*The State Titling Division may charge a fee to maintain, update or release your title. SC retains no part of the fee.