Think back to 2021 at the 107th MTADA Family Conference when we were all in Helena. During that event – and it was a blast – John Brueggeman from Vitu talked about a completely digital process for Dealer Title Only (DTO) transactions. That was a year and a half ago. But even back then, we all looked forward to a new, faster and better way for DTO and other things. Vitu understood it. MTADA wanted it. As Montana Dealers, I think the collective response was, “Give it to me now!”

All kidding aside, you know the pain of titling vehicles in your dealership’s name. Yeah, sealing the deal for your buyers is kind of easy. It’s just that trade-in you need to worry about. To protect your buyer and your dealership, the correct chain of ownership and liability are always the top priority.

But as we all know, titling a vehicle takes time, paperwork and patience.

Maybe you hire a runner or have one of your staff head down to the local MVD? Or maybe you mail in the paperwork? This is where the time comes in and as we all know too well, time equals money. Needless to say, we’ve all been there. And it’s not to say MVD isn’t doing its best, but let’s face it, waiting at the local MVD isn’t the best use of anyone’s time.

Then there’s the paperwork. You either have to drop it off at the MVD or mail it. Either way, time keeps ticking away, and the expenses keep adding up.

And lastly, how much patience do you have? Acquiring a title can take time. And the theme of all this is: “time equals money.” You have a vehicle and want to sell it, but it has to be titled to ensure a proper chain of ownership. So, you’re stuck waiting.

There’s a new way to DTO
Beginning in 2021 and continuing through 2022, we at Vitu worked closely with the MVD, MTADA and your dealerships to fully implement a completely digital DTO process. And yes, it’s here. In fact, you may have had some of our team – like Heather or Jonah – drop by your dealership over the past few months to get you set up.

We understand you may have some questions about this new way to DTO. Let’s try to knock some out.

What is Vitu’s DTO solution?
DTO is designed for ease of use and data accuracy to help digitally process your Dealer Title Only transactions and ensure the vehicle is titled in your dealership’s name. What you end up with is a completely digital transaction. Enter the information, submit the request and scan and upload your documents. It’s that easy.

What happens after I submit my DTO request?
We will receive your scanned documents and perform an audit – looking for any errors in the paperwork. Vitu audits deals on a first-come, first-serve basis. Audits typically occur within 24-48 hours. Once an audit is completed and approved, the transaction information is submitted to MVD. MVD releases the title digitally. That’s it. If desired, a printed title is generated the next day and ships to the location designated by your dealership.

What vehicles are supported with DTO?
The following vehicles are supported: used passenger vehicles, trucks, SUVs (including rugged terrain) and vans.

How do I know if my DTO is processed?
Here’s the great part – you won’t be left in the dark. From start to finish, you can easily track the status of each submission with color-coded and easy-to-read badges such as “Audit Pending,” “Pending,” and “Complete.” It’s simple and straightforward and visible on-screen for each transaction.

Do I have to run an NMVTIS check?
Short answer, yes. An NMVTIS check is required for each DTO transaction. If any brands come up for the vehicle, Vitu guides what to do next. If NMVTIS does not return a record, you can still process a DTO transaction; however, MVD requires an MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) for the titling state to be included in the paperwork.

How long is my dealership required to keep the original documents?
Remember, this is all digital. You scan the necessary documents and upload them into Vitu; from there, the process is completely digital. But it’s true. Once scanned, keep the original titling documents for 16 business days after processing the DTO transaction.

How is Vitu supporting DTO?
If you have any questions, our Montana support team is ready to help you out 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

How much does DTO cost?
Below is a brief breakdown of the fees associated with DTO transactions:

• • DTO – $22.66
  • NMVTIS Lookup – $2.00
  • Replacement Title – $10.30

When your dealership signs up with Vitu, we’ll ensure everything is listed in your agreement. Think back to what was brought up above about time and money. When you look at the amount of time you are saving – and remember, time equals money – it’s a no-brainer.

How can my dealership get started?
Your dealership can start using DTO – the new, digital DTO – almost instantly. Our Montana team is based in Helena but is also spread across the state. We’re here to help.

How did Vitu get involved with Digital Titling?
Vitu is always at the forefront of technology regarding all things vehicle-to-government, and moving away from outdated paper-based processes is embedded in our cultural DNA. Titling a vehicle is the first or often repeating milestone in its lifecycle. Vitu strives to reinvent existing legacy processes into modern, digital experiences that not only make your lives easier but also our government partners. The Vitu Montana team worked closely with MVD, MTADA and dealers across the state to bring you the new DTO process. Now it’s time for you to take advantage of it and show the rest of the country how a digital titling process makes life easier for you, your customers, and your business.

Things to remember:

• Vitu has established a completely digital process to title vehicles for Montana Dealers.
• Vehicle titles are digitally transferred to your dealership’s name in record time.
• If desired, new physical titles can be sent to your dealership – or anywhere in the US – with any preferred shipping service and method of delivery.
• AAMVA guidelines for in-state and interstate eTitling are carefully followed.
• This service complies with NHTSA’s guidelines for the use of digital signatures in the vehicle titling process.

Contact us at Vitu, 406-285-8280 or by emailing us at mtsupport@vitu.com.