Vehicle plates, lien changes

Auto dealers will be given extra flexibility when it comes to license plate and tab storage if they’re using the optional computerized vehicle registration system, and they can help customers acquire a lien release.

Several years ago the auto dealers, deputy registrars and Driver and Vehicle Services Division in the Public Safety Department created a computerized vehicle registration system whereby the dealer and deputy registrar do the paperwork for the customer on a vehicle title. By using the optional system, the consumer receives their title usually within a week to 10 days.

However, the number of dealers using the system has reached a plateau. Among reasons cited by those not participating is state statute that requires the plating and stickering of cars at the time of sale. Supporters hope more dealers will join the system by removing the requirement that the vehicle plate and registration sticker be attached to the vehicle at the time of sale when using the CVR system. They believe this will allow dealers to have better control over their license plate and sticker inventory and in turn wanting them to be part of the CVR system.

This part of a new law, signed April 18, 2012, by Gov. Mark Dayton, is effective the next day.

Effective Aug. 1, 2012, the law also allows auto dealers to help customers more quickly get a lien release from a previous lien holder.

Currently, if a vehicle owner has fully paid their lien but cannot locate the hold to obtain a lien release, the person can obtain a lien release on liens at least seven years old by sending a certified letter to the lien holder. The letter then serves as evidence of an attempt to contact and can be used to obtain a clean title from the Department of Public Safety. The law allows dealers to obtain a lien release in the same manner on behalf of their customer.

Rep. Bruce Vogel (R-Willmar) and Sen. Al. DeKruif (R-Madison Lake) sponsor the law.

HF2187*/ SF1791/CH174