Registration & Titling
Registering and Titling
Registering and titling your vehicle with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the last step to owning your new car.
While the title proves you own the car, the registration is permission from the state to operate it on the road and will come to you with license plates to display on the vehicle. Depending on whether you purchased a vehicle from a dealer or a private individual will determine the actions you'll need to take.
Submitting a Title to FirstLight
Within 3 months of purchasing or refinancing your car, motorcycle, truck, or leisure vehicle, a Certificate of Title or other proof of ownership indicating FirstLight Federal Credit Union as the first lienholder must be obtained by FirstLight.
Dealer Purchase
- If you purchased your vehicle from a dealer, they may complete your registration paperwork and send it to your local DMV. The DMV will then register the vehicle in your name, issue license plates, and send the lien-recorded title to FirstLight Federal Credit Union.
- If there is a delay in receiving the title, contact your dealer to confirm they have submitted the necessary paperwork to the DMV. If they already have, contact your state DMV to resolve.
Private Seller or Self-Titling
If you purchased your vehicle from a private seller or are titling the vehicle yourself, FirstLight will collect the documents and fees required, FirstLight will send these documents to the proper DMV for processing. Once the DMV has the necessary documents, the DMV will then register the vehicle in your name, issue license plates to FirstLight to be provided to you and send the lien-recorded title to FirstLight Federal Credit Union.
Refinance From Another Financial Institution
If you refinanced from another financial institution, verify with them that the title was mailed to FirstLight Federal Credit Union. FirstLight will obtain proper documents and fees from you during your loan origination.
If it has been more than 2 months since purchasing your vehicle and FirstLight has not received the title, call us at 800.351.1670 to notify us of the steps you have taken to secure the title and any issues you have encountered.
The dealer, DMV or other financial institution should submit all paperwork to:
FirstLight Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 24901
El Paso, TX 79914-9001
Receiving a Title From FirstLight Federal Credit Union
In most situations, your title will be released within ten (10) business days of FirstLight receiving your payoff, and it can take up to 7 to 10 business days for delivery of the title or lien release. If the title is electronic or other conditions apply, our letter will detail the process to obtain the physical title and ensure that the lien release is properly recorded. Your state's processing requirements may also affect the timeline, as some states process titles electronically, while others do not. Contact your local titling or registration authority for more information about their processes and timelines.
You may request your title for the following reasons:
- Temporary Release for Registration in Another State: The DMV in the new county will forward their request to FirstLight to release the title to the DMV. Once updates are completed, the DMV will send the updated title back to FirstLight.
- Temporary Release to Add or Delete Name(s): Contact FirstLight to request the changes needed to the title. FirstLight will obtain the proper documents and fees from you and process the change.
- Lien Release: This release is for a loan that is paid in full and has FirstLight still listed as lien holder with the state. This document certifies that there is no outstanding secured obligation by FirstLight.
Questions About Title/Proof of Ownership
If you have questions about your title or proof of ownership, contact us by:
- Sign into mobile banking, click on "More" and then select "Secure Email Support" under Contact Us.
- Call us at 800.351.1670.
- Visit an engagement center