How to Submit a Late Title Unwind

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?

A vehicle unwind occurs when a transaction is canceled due to a seller’s failure to deliver a negotiable title by the Final Deadline. While a buyer does not have to submit their Late Title Notice at the first point a title is late, we do recommend connecting with your Account Support Rep to request information from the seller on a title timeline. A late title unwind can be initiated by the buyer placing a 48 hour notice to inform the seller they are intending to get out of the deal. 

• 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. 

2. Under What Conditions Can a Vehicle Be Unwound?

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

• A Negotiable Title was not received by ACV by the Final Deadline
• The buyer has paid for the vehicle
• The buyer is in possession of the vehicle
• The vehicle is in the same or substantially similar condition as when it was delivered, and has not been repaired or modified after delivery
• The vehicle’s odometer reading has not increased by 300 or more miles since the inspection date.
  

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

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.

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