Dear Valued Partner,

Time flies when you’re having fun — is it really December already?! 

Throughout this past year of growth, all of us here at Vitu remained committed to what matters most: delivering the unmatched service, support and solutions you count on day in and day out. With your continued support, we have also advanced meaningful innovation and supported important regulatory progress across the industry, helping move all of us toward a more modern and connected future.

As we reflect on the past year and look ahead to 2026 and beyond, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for your continued partnership. Your trust drives everything we do, and we will never take it lightly.

Here’s to the progress we’ve made together, and an even more impactful year ahead.

From all of us, a heartfelt Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

As a small token of our gratitude, we’re sharing a very special 2025 holiday story, Title Town and the Winter Wipeout! — a lighthearted read to bring you a smile as we enter the new year. Just click the link below to check it out!

Illinois Secretary of State (ILSOS) has enabled Apple users to carry a digital version of their driver license in their Apple Wallet as a form of proof showing age or identity. This permits users to securely present their ID digitally to select businesses, airports (TSA checkpoints), and in apps protected by Face ID or Touch ID.

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Important considerations

• Physical ID is still needed — You must continue to carry your physical ID, as the digital version is not a replacement, especially for tasks like boarding a plane if you don't have a Real ID
• Security — The process uses your Apple ID with built-in security encryption. Only the information needed for a specific transaction is shared, and you must authorize it with Face ID or Touch ID
• Availability — This feature is currently available for Apple users. Support for Google and Samsung wallet users is expected to be added in early 2026, according to ILSOS

For more information from Illinois SOS, take a look at their website.

To order forms such as secure POAs and blue/white forms, simply send an email to vehicleforms@ilsos.gov.  

Note: A self-addressed shipping label must be included in the order request.

Upon receiving their lender code, lienholders have the option to have their titles electronically released or printed. If electronically released, the lienholder must submit a confirmation to the state in order to receive their ELT. However, if a lienholder code starts with E, D, or DD, an electronic lien is filed. No title is created at this time. 

When a title is released, the lienholder must accept the request from the state to file the electronic lien. When the lien is satisfied, the lienholder electronically releases the lien by sending an electronic message to ILSOS with instructions to print the title without a lien, and by adding a mail-to address (i.e., to the dealer, customer, or any other designated address).

Furthermore, paper lien releases only apply to paper titles, and not ELT. Electronic titles must be released electronically by the lienholder. 

Note: If an application is currently ELT pending, the lienholder must send approval of its release to the state in order to electronically receive the title.

Proper steps for returning inventory

To ensure accurate processing and credit for your returns, please follow these guidelines:

• Complete plate sets — A proper return includes a full set of plates. Single plates will not receive credit without an accompanying police report.
• Certificate stickers — Returns must include the certificate sticker. The barcode certificate alone does not qualify for credit.
• Audit reports — If the barcode certificate cannot be located, include an audit report listing the certificate number.
• Timely returns — All inventory must be returned by the 25th of each month.

For example, any inventory marked as missing, damaged, or void in January must be returned no later than February 25th.

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Returning “Used” status inventory

Please be advised that any inventory in Used status will no longer be housed in the Vitu Office. Because the deal has not yet been voided, the warehouse team does not routinely check the status of these items.

To ensure accurate processing, only inventory in a returnable status should be sent back to the Vitu office — this includes items that are voided, damaged, or being returned.

Maintaining proper return status helps ensure timely and accurate handling of your inventory.

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Step-by-step guide for submitting 2026 certificates

Do not send 2026 Certificates to the Vitu office until the end of February. 

When you are ready to return them, please follow these steps to ensure proper processing:

1. Mark as Damaged — Ensure all certificates are clearly marked as damaged
2. Keep Copies — Take copies or photos of all inventory for your own records before sending
3. Include a Report —Send the accompanying inventory report with certificate numbers to facilitate accurate credit

Following these steps helps ensure timely and accurate processing while maintaining your records.

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Hold onto your 2026 stickers — for now

Please do not send back your 2026 stickers yet. These do not need to be sent in until we’re closer to the middle of the first quarter in the new year. Don’t worry, we’ll let you know when the right time is to return any 2026 stickers, soon.

If you are having trouble logging into Vitu, it is important to know which version of Vitu you need help to access. 

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Vitu RTS

If your dealership was previously with DealerTrack and is primarily located in Wisconsin, your login to Vitu RTS looks like this image below. You can contact 800-211-3643 for password assistance. 

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Secure.vitu.com

If you are logging into secure.vitu.com, then please contact 312-883-2332 for further assistance. 

Did you know that Vitu’s Accelerated Title product enables your dealership to process electronic payoffs, release liens, and receive titles in as little as 4–6 business days? Today, the majority of franchised dealers nationwide rely on Accelerated Title to quickly pay off the largest lenders and credit unions. To take a look at our list of lenders, simply click the image below.

Accelerated Title helps reduce short and over-payments, eliminate inefficient paper checks, and streamline lien payoffs and title release — typically within 4-6 business days. Our simple, easy-to-use interface minimizes administrative hassle for your dealership and reduces friction for your customers, while improving your inventory turn and profitability.

If you’re already benefiting from Accelerated Title, thank you. If not, we invite you to learn more about how Vitu’s Accelerated Title can support your dealership. To contact Aaron Palmer and schedule a demo, click the image below.

Soon, we’ll be sending out our 2026 Due Date Submission Calculator “Calendar” Wheels to all dealerships! These handy tools allow you to quickly pinpoint crucial deadlines you need to hit on all your title and reg work. Just reach out to your Vitu Account Executive if you’d like to request a wheel and take it for a spin!

Welcome back Warriors! This is the finale of our series all about YOU.

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'Tis the Season… of YOU!

December, sweet December... not that long ago, you seemed so far away, yet here you are, rushing in with a fierce velocity that takes us all by surprise! Wow! How did this happen? Okay, let's focus here. December is a time to celebrate the holidays. Things went sideways once Halloween hit, admit it! This month is moving too fast! Like a sled going downhill, we are picking up speed as we head towards the end of the month, and the end of our year together. So let's take a moment and just enjoy this day, this moment.

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Calm in the chaos

As we prepare for the holidays and stock up on sparkling apple cider for the new year, take a few moments to enjoy the peace and calm and joy of the season. I know, I know, you don't have time to relax… work is calling, home chores are calling, your Aunt Sally is calling… it's going to be okay.

• Enjoy your surroundings — Slow down for just a few minutes, and look around you. There are beautiful jewel tone colors EVERYWHERE! As you walk or drive through your neighborhood, you see so many lights! Wreaths adorn people's front doors, you see them in shop windows. Some businesses have beautiful winter-themed artwork painted on their windows or brightly lit trees in view as you walk down the sidewalks or drive by. Holiday music is playing in the malls, and of course Santa's Workshop is working at full speed, kind of like you are! My hope for all of you is that you take some time to just wander and enjoy the many sights and sounds of this season.
• Take a breather — There’s a lot going on in the month. Work parties, Secret Santa gifts, ornament exchanges, parties at your kids’ schools, special meals — it can all get overwhelming and take the “happy” out of happy holidays. Before that happens, take a deep breath. Stretch. A nice stretch will do wonders to loosen up those muscles that just tightened up thinking about everything that you have to do. Chill out, it is going to be okay. These are all little moments that make lasting memories. Enjoy them while they’re here.
• Sweets and a show — Okay, now let's get down to the nitty gritty! Who has watched at least one Hallmark movie? I can’t be the only one! There are so many holiday movies out now; it is so fun to see old movies that you've grown up with along with new favorites! It is simply the BEST time of year! And the holiday treats too! How many of you have taken some time and enjoyed a nice peppermint hot chocolate? Perhaps a little eggnog and a cookie? It’s the best time of the year to treat yourself, so grab a movie, grab some treats, and relax.

December is a month of madness, of complete chaos, of happiness, of joy, of family, of friends, and is a time to make memories. It is also a time of giving, of love, of hope, and of faith. Let's bring ourselves back to some calm amidst the chaos of this month.    

Remember Warriors, you are stronger than you think — you are capable, you are amazing, and you can do this! Life is more about experiences and special moments than it is about ‘things’. Things are great, but memories are better. Enjoy every moment of every day. And remind yourself daily how truly awesome and blessed you are.

As 2025 draws to a close, look back at all of the months of YOU. 2025 has been a journey all about YOU, and how incredibly awesome you are! 2026 is right around the corner — I wonder what it will bring? 😉

Happy Holidays, Warriors! Here's to an amazing 2026! ☃️🎄🧑‍🎄🎉🥂