Titles FAQ

Topics & Questions

  • I received a letter stating my loan had been purchased and/or is being serviced by SCUSA. What does that mean with regard to my title?

    Click on the name of your previous lien holder:

  • DRIVE FINANCIAL SERVICES, HSBC, ROAD LOANS, and TRIAD FINANCIAL SERVICES

    If you previously addressed your payments to Drive Financial Services, HSBC, RoadLoans or Triad Financial Services, your loan has been purchased by Santander Consumer USA Inc. To you, the consumer, the most significant change will be the address to where you will send your payments.

    The available title and/or titling documents have been transferred to SCUSA's possession. Any required transaction regarding the title to your vehicle can and will be completed as efficiently and effectively as possible, per the SCUSA guidelines.

    FLAGSHIP AUTOMOTIVE and UNITED AUTO CREDIT CORPORATION (UACC)

    Santander Consumer USA Inc. purchased a small portfolio of loans from both Flagship Automotive and United Auto Credit Corporation (UACC). To you, the consumer, the most significant change will be the address to where you will send your payments.

    The available title and/or titling documents have been transferred to SCUSA's possession. Any required transaction regarding the title to your vehicle can and will be completed as efficiently and effectively as possible, per the SCUSA guidelines.

    CITIFINANCIAL AUTO and GEMB

    Santander Consumer USA Inc. (SCUSA) purchased a small portfolio of loans from both CitiFinancial Auto and GEMB. The portfolio and remainder of the loans for CitiFinancial Auto and GEMB are being serviced by SCUSA. To you, the consumer, the most significant change will be the address to where you will send your payments.

    The available title and/or titling documents have been transferred to SCUSA's possession. Any required transaction regarding the title to your vehicle can and will be completed as efficiently and effectively as possible, per the SCUSA guidelines.

    SOVEREIGN BANK

    The Sovereign Bank portfolio of loans is serviced by Santander Consumer USA Inc. (SCUSA). While your payments, correspondence and questions are directed to SCUSA, the title for your vehicle is still held and managed by Sovereign Bank.

    For Relocations, name changes, and/or copies of titles

    Sovereign Bank requires any request for a title or copy of a title be made in writing, directly to Sovereign Bank. The request must be signed by the registered owner and either mailed or faxed to:

    • Sovereign Bank
    • 450 Penn Street
    • Mail code 10-421-ct2
    • Reading, PA
    • Fax: 888-433-8779

    Releasing the title for accounts that are paid in full

    SCUSA processes title releases daily, per the rules and regulations of each state. The title release information is sent to Sovereign Bank where it is then released per the instructions provided by SCUSA. If you have had a change of address, or if the title is to be mailed to a third party, you must provide the correct release information to SCUSA so it can be forwarded to Sovereign Bank.

    Requests for release of lien

    If you have misplaced your title and need a release of lien to apply for a duplicate title, this request should be made through the SCUSA title department. You can do so by calling 800-526-0157 or by faxing your request to 214-237-3549.

  • I recently paid off my vehicle and am wondering when I can expect my title.

    Santander Consumer USA Inc. (SCUSA) releases its lien on accounts that have been paid in full based on individual state rules and regulations. The release of lien may be a separate document or it could be the original vehicle title, with the lien signed off on the front. All titles and releases of lien are sent via regular, first-class mail.

    ORIGINAL TITLES

    If you receive the title from SCUSA, it is recommended that you visit your local DMV or tag office and apply for a clear title. A lien remains attached to the VIN in the state's system of record until you, the registered owner, request that it be removed and show proof that the lien has been paid. If you choose not to apply for a lien-free title, and the title is misplaced or damaged in any way, you will then need to contact SCUSA for a release of lien before you will be able to apply for a duplicate title from your state. The fee to apply for a lien-free title varies by state. In most cases, there will also be a fee to obtain the release of lien.

  • What exactly is a release of lien? How do I get one?

    A release of lien is a document stating a lender's interest in a vehicle has been satisfied and it may be sent in lieu of a title document for many reasons, such as title-holding states, titles never received from state DMVs and misplaced or damaged titles. Where an original title is available the lien is satisfied on the title and is forwarded to the appropriate party. In such cases an additional release of lien will not be issued for a minimum of 30 days.

    The states listed below are known as title-holding states. Title holding states are those which the DMV forwards the title to the registered owner versus the lien holder. If you reside in one of these states and have never received the title for your vehicle, you will want to call your local DMV or tag office to inquire about the process to apply for a duplicate title.

    • Kentucky
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • New York
    • Oklahoma
    • South Dakota

    Occasionally, titles are lost in the mail, misplaced or damaged. In these cases, a release of lien is created and forwarded in lieu of the title document. Once received, the release of lien should be taken to your local DMV or tag office where you can apply for a lien-free title.

    Some states offer and/or require electronic title programs. If you reside in one of the following states, click here for more information on how you can expect to receive your title once your loan is paid in full.

    • Arizona
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Massachusetts
    • Nebraska
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • South Carolina
    • Texas
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Wisconsin

  • I was thinking about trading or selling my vehicle. What do I do about the title?

    PRIVATE SALE OF YOUR VEHICLE

    If you are considering selling your vehicle to another individual, you will need to pay off your loan and obtain the title or release of lien first. If you received an original title, you may transfer ownership and remove the lien in one transaction by signing over the title to the new owner on the back.

    If you live in one of the states listed below, you should have received your title from the state shortly after you purchased your vehicle. You can attach the release of lien document received from your lender to the title and sign over ownership of the vehicle. Again, the transfer of ownership and removal of lien holder can be done all in one transaction. If, however, you did not receive or have misplaced the title, you will need to apply for a duplicate title before moving forward with the sale of your vehicle.

    • Kentucky
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • New York
    • Oklahoma
    • South Dakota

    If you've received a release of lien and do NOT live in one of the states listed, you will need to apply for a duplicate title before moving forward with the sale of your vehicle

    TRADING OR SELLING YOUR VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP

    If you are considering trading or selling your vehicle to a dealership, the dealership will typically take care of a loan payoff and title collection as part of the transaction. Once the payoff is received, title release documents will be forwarded directly to the dealership that paid off the loan.

    AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYOFF

    Please use this form if the title needs to be sent to anyone other than the registered owner of the vehicle. Without authorization to do so, SCUSA may mail the title to the address on file for the registered owner. Please mail form with final payment.

    If you have additional questions regarding how to transfer the title of your vehicle, visit your state website or local DMV or tag office. If you are unsure how to access the website for your state, you can use www.dmv.org or www.anydmv.com to be directed to your state's vehicle title and registration information. From these sites, you can access and download forms you may need, get general information regarding standard transactions, and/or obtain contact information for your local DMV or tag office so you may ask more specific questions.

  • I've moved to a different state and need to register my vehicle. What should I do?

    The first step is to visit the website or local office of the state to which you recently located. There you can obtain information regarding individual state requirements and/or time frames in which the transfer of registration must be completed. If you are unsure how to access the website for your state, you can use www.dmv.org or www.anydmv.com to be directed to your state's vehicle title and registration information. From these sites, you can access and download forms you may need, get general information regarding standard transactions, and/or obtain contact information for your local DMV or tag office so you may ask more specific questions.

    Many states require the existing title be surrendered in order to reissue a new title. If this is a requirement of your new state of residence, ask the title clerk at your local DMV or tag office to send SCUSA a request for the title. The request can be mailed to:

    • Santander Consumer USA
    • Title dept
    • PO Box 25120
    • Lehigh Valley, PA 18002
    • or faxed: 214-237-3549.

    Once the request is received from the DMV or tag office, SCUSA will arrange for the title to be mailed. The title will be mailed directly to the DMV or tag office making the request. Because of the lengthy process in pulling and preparing the title, please allow a minimum of two weeks for the DMV or tag office to receive the title. All requests for title are sent via regular, first-class mail.

    If the state in which your vehicle is currently titled is listed below, you should have received the title directly from the state DMV shortly after purchasing the vehicle. If you previously resided in one of these states and do not have the title, you will need to contact the DMV or tag office in your former state of residence in order to obtain a duplicate title.

    • Kentucky
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • New York
    • Oklahoma
    • South Dakota

    Some states offer and/or require electronic title programs. If you reside in one of the following states, click here for more information on how relocation requests are processed.

    • Arizona
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Massachusetts
    • Nebraska
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • South Carolina
    • Texas
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Wisconsin

    If you have additional questions regarding a relocation request, you may contact the SCUSA title department at 800-526-0157.

  • I have recently changed my name (marriage, divorce, court order, etc) and need to update my title and registration. What do I need to do?

    The first step is to visit the website or local office of the state in which you reside. There you can obtain information regarding individual state requirements and/or time frames in which the transfer of registration should be completed. If you are unsure how to access the website for your state, you can use www.dmv.org or www.anydmv.com to be directed to your state's vehicle title and registration information. From these sites, you can access and download forms you may need, get general information regarding standard transactions, and/or obtain contact information for your local DMV or tag office to ask more specific questions.

    Many states require the existing title be surrendered in order to reissue a new title. If this is a requirement of your state of residence, ask the title clerk at your local DMV or tag office to send SCUSA a request for the title. The request and above mentioned legal documents can be mailed to:

    • Santander Consumer USA
    • Title dept
    • PO Box 25120
    • Lehigh Valley, PA 18002
    • or faxed: 214-237-3549.

    Once the request is received from the DMV or tag office, SCUSA will arrange for the title to be mailed. The title will be mailed directly to the DMV or tag office making the request. Because of the lengthy process in pulling and preparing the title, please allow a minimum of two weeks for the DMV or tag office to receive the title. All requests for title are sent via regular, first-class mail.

    If the state in which your vehicle is currently titled is listed below, you should have received the title directly from the state DMV shortly after purchasing the vehicle.

    • Kentucky
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • New York
    • Oklahoma
    • South Dakota

    Some states offer and/or require electronic title programs. If you reside in one of the following states, click here for more information on how relocation requests are processed.

    • Arizona
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Massachusetts
    • Nebraska
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • South Carolina
    • Texas
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Wisconsin

    If you have additional questions regarding a name change request, you may contact the SCUSA title department at 800-526-0157.

  • My vehicle was previously repossessed, but I have it back and am having difficulty renewing my registration. What should I do?

    Some states require a title be placed in the lender's name when a vehicle is repossessed. This may be the case with your title. While SCUSA makes every effort to place the title back into the registered owner's name upon reinstatement of the loan, there are occasional situations which prevent us from doing so without participation of the registered owner.

    If you are unable to renew the registration of your vehicle and it has previously been repossessed, contact the SCUSA title department at 800-526-0157.

  • I would like to have my name removed from the title and registration of my vehicle. How do I do that?

    The first step is to download, print, review and complete the SCUSA name removal form. This form must be completed, signed, notarized and faxed to 214-237-3549 along with the request from the DMV for the original title.

    To obtain the required forms, visit the website or local office of the state in which you reside. There you can obtain information regarding individual state requirements for name removal. If you are unsure how to access the website for your state, you can use www.dmv.org or www.anydmv.com to be directed to your state's vehicle title and registration information. From these sites, you can access and download forms you may need, get general information regarding standard transactions, and/or obtain contact information for your local DMV or tag office to ask more specific questions.

    Many states require the existing title be surrendered in order to reissue a new title. They may also require a letter of permission from the lender before removing a registered owner's name. If either, or both, is a requirement of your state of residence, ask the title clerk at your local DMV or tag office to send SCUSA a request for the title. Once the request is received from the DMV or tag office, SCUSA will arrange for the title mailed. The title will be mailed directly to the DMV or tag office making the request. Because of the lengthy process in pulling and preparing the title, please allow a minimum of two weeks for the DMV or tag office to receive the title. All requests for title are sent via regular, first-class mail.

    If the state in which your vehicle is currently titled is listed below, you should have received the title directly from the state DMV shortly after purchasing the vehicle. It is likely, even though you hold the title for the vehicle, the state will request a letter of permission from your lender before removing a name from the title and/or registration. If this is the case, please include this information upon faxing the SCUSA name removal letter, along with where the permission letter should be faxed, emailed or sent.

    • Kentucky
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • New York
    • Oklahoma
    • South Dakota

    Some states offer and/or require electronic title programs. If you reside in one of the following states, click here for more information on how name removal requests are processed.

    • Arizona
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Massachusetts
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • South Carolina
    • Texas
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Wisconsin

    If you have additional questions regarding a relocation request, you may contact the SCUSA title department at 800-526-0157.

  • I would like to have another person added to the title and/or registration of my vehicle. How do I do that?

    The person you want to add would have to be on the original contract when the vehicle was purchased or refinanced. If not, they will not be able to be added to the title.

    Additionally, if the person you want to add to the title has previously been removed, Santander allows for only one change to be made to the title through the life of a loan. The second person will not be able to be re-added to the title.

    If the person you wish to add to the title is on the contract and has not been previously removed, visit the website or local office of the state in which you reside. There you can obtain information regarding individual state requirements for adding a name to a title. If you are unsure how to access the website for your state, you can use www.dmv.org or www.anydmv.com to be directed to your state's vehicle title and registration information. From these sites, you can access and download forms you may need, get general information regarding standard transactions, and/or obtain contact information for your local DMV or tag office to ask more specific questions.

    Many states require the existing title be surrendered in order to reissue a new title. They may also require a letter of permission from the lender before another person can be added as owner. If either, or both, is a requirement of your state of residence, ask the title clerk at your local DMV or tag office to send SCUSA a request for the title. Once the request is received from the DMV or tag office, SCUSA will arrange for the title to be mailed. The title will be mailed directly to the DMV or tag office making the request. Because of the lengthy process in pulling and preparing the title, please allow a minimum of two weeks for the DMV or tag office to receive the title. All requests for title are sent via regular, first-class mail.

    If the state in which your vehicle is currently titled is listed below, you should have received the title directly from the state DMV shortly after purchasing the vehicle. It is likely, even though you hold the title for the vehicle, the state will request a letter of permission from your lender before adding a name to the title and/or registration. If this is the case, please fax a request for the permission letter to SCUSA. Be sure to include the information regarding where the letter should be faxed, emailed or sent.

    • Kentucky
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • New York
    • Oklahoma
    • South Dakota

    Some states offer and/or require electronic title programs. If you reside in one of the following states, click here for more information on how requests to add a name are processed.

    • Arizona
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Massachusetts
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • South Carolina
    • Texas
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Wisconsin

    If you have additional questions regarding your request, you may contact the SCUSA title department at 800-526-0157.

  • I have been informed my title is electronic. What does that mean?

    Some states offer and/or require lenders to participate in electronic title programs, called ELT (Electronic Lien and Title) or e-title programs. If you reside in one of the following states, it is possible the no paper title for your vehicle has been created. Instead, the title is held as an electronic record and will only be printed upon request of the lien holder and/or registered owner.

    • Arizona
    • California
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Hawaii
    • Idaho
    • Kansas
    • Louisiana
    • Massachusetts
    • Nebraska
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • South Carolina
    • Texas
    • Virginia
    • Washington
    • Wisconsin

    How does an ELT or e-title program affect you, as the registered owner of the vehicle? You will see very little impact, unless you relocate to a different state, want to change your name on the title, or need a photocopy of your title for any reason. In these cases, a paper title must first be requested from the state, which adds to the time before the title can be forwarded to the requesting party. Once the title is printed and mailed back to the lender, it can then be forwarded to another DMV or tag office for updates, or a copy forwarded to you, the registered owner.

    If my title is an ELT or e-title, how will I get my title once my loan is paid off?

    Each state with an ELT or e-title program varies slightly in how title transactions are processed once a loan is paid in full. See below for information on the various states.

    • Arizona―an electronic notification from the lender is sent to the state. Once received, the lien information is removed from the title record. A free and clear paper title is printed in the registered owner's name and forwarded to the appropriate recipient/address. As of May 2010, Arizona is a mandatory ELT state, requiring all lenders to participate.
    • California and Massachusetts―an electronic notification from the lender is sent to the state. Once received, the lien information is removed from the title record. A free and clear paper title is printed in the registered owner's name and forwarded to the appropriate recipient/address. IMPORTANT NOTE―if the title is being sent to the registered owner, California and Massachusetts will send the title to the address listed on the current vehicle registration. If you have moved within the state and did not update your address, your title will be sent to the most recent address the state has recorded for you.
    • Florida, Ohio and Texas―an electronic notification from the lender is sent to the state. All Florida, Ohio and Texas titles remain an electronic record unless a paper title is specifically requested. If your loan is paid in full, you may request your paper title through the appropriate BMV/DMV website or by visiting a local tag office. State fees apply.
    • New York―New York is the only ELT state that holds an electronic lien but issues a paper title and forwards the paper title to the registered owner. In addition to the lender sending an electronic transmission notifying the state of a satisfied lien, a release of lien must also be attached to the title. SCUSA will create and forward a release of lien document upon satisfaction of the lien.
    • Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin―an electronic notification from the lender is sent to the state. Once received, the lien information is removed from the title record. A free and clear paper title is printed in the registered owner's name and forwarded to the appropriate recipient/address.

  • How much additional time should you add when an ELT or e-title needs to be changed into a paper title?

    This varies by state and the time of year. As with many other things, title offices have their busy seasons, and during busier times of the year it may take longer for a paper title to be issued. Once a request for a paper title has been submitted to the respective state, waiting for the document can add as little as one day or as long as six weeks to any process for which the paper document is required.

  • The state DMV sent me the title to my vehicle. Is there anything I need to do?

    Some states are known as title-holding states. These are states which forward a vehicle title to the registered owner, versus the lien holder. They include:

    • Kentucky
    • Maryland
    • Michigan
    • Minnesota
    • Missouri
    • Montana
    • New York
    • Oklahoma
    • South Dakota

    A lender's lien information is still recorded on the front of the title and the lender receives a separate document, reflecting interest in the vehicle. Some states refer to such documents as lien entry forms, lien cards, security interest filings, etc. Once a loan is paid in full, the lender will forward either the respective document or a release of lien to the registered owner or other interested party. This document will need to be attached to the title in order to complete any future transactions with that title.

    If you do NOT reside in one of the states listed above and received your title prior to paying off your loan, contact SCUSA immediately at 800-526-0157.