In an effort to make certain all your submitted title applications are processed, paid for,  and returned to you in a timely fashion, review this checklist of the reasons that applications are most frequently sent back to you:

•     The fees submitted are not enough to pay for the number of deals.

•      You can eliminate this by joining our Electronic Funds Transfer account procedure. Please contact me if you would like further details on the ETF application.

•     Mileage errors:

•      mileage is recorded lower on title assignment or odometer statement than on the front of the title

•      mileage is recorded with erasures or changes

•      mileage is recorded as actual but the previous title was branded “exceeds mechanical limits” or “non-actual”

•      mileage is missing

•      mileage is recorded in kilometers and needs to be converted to miles

•     Signatures and notary stamps are placed so that other important information is covered or obscured

•     The title or MCO is not the vehicle on the application

•     Writing on the application is illegible

•     Social Security and/or Employer Identification Number are missing—or there are 2 owners but only one social security number.

•     Out-of-State assigned titles, reassigned out of state titles:

•      The wrong seller is recorded on the application

•      Many out-of-state titles are reassigned; please use the last seller on the assignments as the seller on your title application

•      The buyer has not signed on the actual out-of-state title

•      The sale date is not recorded

•      The mileage area on the out-of-state title is missing

•      The VIN on the title does not match the application

•      The out-of-state inspection is more than 30 days old or is missing

•     Dealer permit numbers and or Leasing permit numbers missing

•     MCO issues

•      Always include an application for title with any manufacturer’s certificate of origin, plus all supporting documents such as odometer, power of attorney or sworn statement.

•     Affidavits and replacements

•      If you are requesting a correction or correcting something on your paperwork, the sworn notarized statement must accompany the paper work

•      If you are requesting a replacement title, always include a signed application and check the replacement box on our application

The Franklin County Clerk’s office is always willing to do what we can to help ensure an easy title transaction. However, like any legal document, the proper procedures must be followed to the letter. A periodic review of these procedures with your sales, F& I, and titling staff can help ensure this process operates smoothly for everyone.

Article provided by Robert Posey, Dealer Services Liaison, John O’Grady, Franklin County Clerk of Courts.  Robert may be reached at (614) 462-3090.