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Auto Data Direct breaks down the ELT exception process and answers your questions about what to do when this happens.

• **WHAT IS AN ELT? **

An Electronic Lien Title (ELT) in Florida has two components: one, the title is held electronically (an e-title) and two, liens listed in the electronic system are e-liens.

• **WHAT IS AN ELT EXCEPTION? **

If a title is electronic and a lien is non-electronic, you have an “ ELT Exception ” governed by the DMV procedure manual TL-69. In rare cases the reverse may also happen, that is, an e-lien on a paper title but that is very unusual.

If the title is not an ELT but is an e-title, it can cause confusion both to the lienholder and to the local tax collector/tag office/DMV branch staff. The DMV branch staff may see that the title is an e-title and insist that the lienholder must go through the ELT system to either mark the lien _Satisfied_ or request a **_Convert to Paper**_ title. However, since the lien is non-electronic, it is not a true “ELT” and will never appear in the electronic lien title system. Therefore it will never be available to the lienholder under the **ELT** tab on your ADD account.

• **WHAT TO DO? **

In such a situation, the DMV database will reflect an e-title and a non- electronic lien. In that case, ADD customers should go to their local tax collector/tag office/DMV branch and ask specifically to speak with a supervisor. Use the term “ ELT Exception ” when referring to the title in question and mention that the procedures are found in the DMV procedure manual TL-69. If you find you still need assistance, please call our toll-free customer support line at 855-300-3455 from the counter at the tax collector/tag office/DMV branch and ask for help.

Once a lienholder has the paper title with the lien on it, the title should be handled like a standard paper title with a lien. The DMV staff may charge a paper title print fee.

• **HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? **

It would be difficult to guess every possibility, but one common occurrence is that the lienholder’s title clerk, or other person completing the title app, does not clearly write the lienholder’s DMV Account Number (also known as your ELT number) on the form in the appropriate place.

Another possible way for an ELT Exception to happen is when a title is transferred with the lien and the title goes from e-title to paper and back to e-title, often the lien is left as a non-electronic lien on the new e-title, thus making it an ELT Exception.

If you have any questions, email ADD or call one of our friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives at (866) 923-3123. Se habla español.