It’s important for your business, and reputation to get title work completed on time and without errors. Refresh yourself on the basics with this expert-level review.
As a former dealer myself, I know first hand how frustrating, as well as time-consuming, it is to have title work rejected. Now that we are moving into full electronic filing, paperwork has to be perfect. This can be a struggle for some dealers and title clerks. Errors are not as easy to fix as before. Getting work rejected can be harmful to the dealership, in more ways than one. A good agency will have a 3 to 5 day turnaround time for processing.
When work gets rejected and sent back to the dealership for corrections, whether EFS or drop-off, it adds to the overall amount of time it will take to be finalized. The state allows 30 days to complete the customer’s title work, if you go over this timeframe you will be charged a late fee as well as send up a red flag that your dealership is not complying with the state law. In addition to that, for reasons of customer service, you want to have the work done in those 30 days. Customers get unhappy when it takes longer, and they don’t understand. And that is your reputation.
Education is definitely the key to ensuring rejections are kept to a minimum. Title and Registration classes are offered all over the state and the fees are usually minimal. These classes are good for beginners as well as a refresher for seasoned clerks. I have composed a list of the most common rejection reasons we see in our agency in hopes of helping to educate everyone and hopefully decrease the amount of title work that is rejected.
Most Common Reasons For Title Work Rejections
Information on all forms does not match.
For example weight on the title or MCO & what is listed on the 82040. Sales tax amount on 82994 and what is listed on the 82040.
Missing printed names.
The printed name of the person signing for the dealership must be on title/MCO, the 82994 and 82995. Can not be just a signature next to the dealership name.
Missing dealer addresses for previous dealer reassignments.
Missing or incorrect date in part C of the 82995.
This is not the sale date, rater the date the title work is being completed by the title clerk.
Not writing “by POA” when signing with a Power of Attorney.
This must be done.
Missing dealer/agent signature in section 7 of the 82040.
Missing form 83146 when replacing a plate.
This is only applicable to walk in and dropped off work. Not EFS.
Missing dealers Sales Tax # on the 82994.
Missing lease company Sales Tax # in section 9 of the 82040 or in the system
No physical address listed only a PO Box.
Must have a Florida Physical address in section 1 of the 82040.
Missing date of birth / Florida drivers license # / address on 82053 or 82040
No GVW listed on the 82040 when truck or cargo van is over 5000 lbs
Plate information in section 2 of the 82040.
If you are transferring a plate you must list the plate #. If this is left blank a new plate will be issued.
Lien not being released on title.
Use of white-out, erasure tape or strikeovers on any of the forms.
Even trade or trade down information not given in section 9 of the 82040 when no sales tax is collected.
Incorrect previous owner for electronic titles (82994) And / Or left blank but on the 82040 and marked in the system as OR.
This is fine if it’s in the system as AND.
Missing van use in section 2 of the 82040.
If other is chosen a GVW will need to be listed on anything over 5000 lbs
Failing to complete the VIN Verification in section 8 of the 82040 for out of state titles.
Must be complete with date VIN number, dealer name, printed name and signature. Also the dealer license #.
Need two documents 82993 and affidavit on dealer letterhead from the seller to correct mileage alterations or discrepancy.
If you’re having trouble with your work, we are always ready to walk you through any transaction and provide complimentary training to your staff. Contact us today.
