How a buyer can submit a notice to cancel a deal for a late title

Learn how and when to initiate a Late Title Unwind if a seller fails to deliver a negotiable title on time. This guide outlines the steps, qualifying conditions, and your responsibilities as a buyer when canceling a sale due to a late title.

1. What is a Late Title Unwind?

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If ACV doesn’t get a negotiable title 2 calendar days before the “Title Receipt Deadline,” the buyer has a one-time right to submit a Late Title Notice (through MyACV) before 88 days from the sale date.

• Late Title Notice (LTN) can be placed either as soon as the title is considered past due, or up until Day 88. After day 90 a deal can not be cancelled so the notice needs to be placed by day 88. 
  
  • Title with Deal (TWD)- 7 days until past due
  • Title Absent (TA)- 30 days until past due
  • California seller TA-45 days until past due

2. Under What Conditions Can a Vehicle Be Unwound?

A buyer may cancel a vehicle purchase if the following criteria are met:

• Title still isn’t received by the Final Deadline
• Buyer has paid for and possesses the vehicle
• Vehicle is in same or similar condition as delivery (no repairs or modifications)
• Odometer hasn’t increased by 300+ miles since the original inspection date
• Buyer hasn't revoked their Late Title Notice

3. How Does a Buyer Submit a Late Title Notice?

Late Title Notices must be submitted through MyACV on the ACV platform.

Once a Late Title Notice is received:

• A member of the ACV Late Title Notice Team will contact the buyer to request evidence to verify the unwind
• The seller will be informed of the notice and given a Final Deadline to submit the title

4. What Happens If the Seller Fails to Provide the Title by the Final Deadline?

If the title is not received by the Final Deadline, the buyer may cancel the transaction by notifying ACV promptly after the passing of 48 hour notice.

Once canceled:

• ACV has no obligation to pursue the title from the seller.‍

5. What Are the Buyer’s Responsibilities if a Transaction Is Canceled?

If a valid Late Title Notice is submitted, the title is not received by the Final Deadline, and the transaction is canceled, the buyer agrees to:

• Use reasonable efforts to safely store the vehicle on its lot for a period of up to 7 days
• Not charge ACV or the seller any storage fees
• Not claim ownership or possession of the vehicle
• Allow pickup of the vehicle during business hours or another reasonable time

Be responsible for any damage or loss while the vehicle is on their property.

6. Are There Cases Where a Late Title Notice Cannot Be Submitted?

Yes. Buyers cannot submit a Late Title Notice or withdraw their offer if the seller disclosed specific title conditions in the condition report, including:

• The vehicle will not come with a title
• The vehicle was Previously Canadian
• The title is branded (rebuilt, salvage, total loss, junk)
• The seller will provide permitted Transfer Documents instead of a U.S. title
• Submitting a Late Title Notice is a one time right, you can not submit notice on the same deal more than once. 

In these cases, it is the buyer’s responsibility to confirm that their state will accept the transfer document or branded title provided.‍

7. Can I Cancel a Sale Based on Third-Party Vehicle History Reports?

No. A buyer cannot submit a Late Title Notice or cancel a transaction based solely on data from third-party reports such as CARFAX, AutoCheck, or NMVTIS.

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FAQs & Common Issues

Q: Are there cases when I cannot submit a Late Title Notice?
A: Yes. If the condition report disclosed any of the following, you may not submit an LTN:

• No title included
• Permitted transfer documents instead of U.S. title
• You do not have possession of the vehicle.
• The vehicle is in substantially different condition than when purchased.

Q: Can I cancel based on a CARFAX or AutoCheck report?
A: No. Late Title Notices cannot be submitted based solely on third-party vehicle history reports.

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Need Help?

Call:  1-800-553-4070 Option: 2
Email:  Titles@acvauctions.com

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