Panel authorizes permissive move toward electronic registration and titling to speed dealer paperwork

Senator Stone introduced a permissive measure that would allow the Department of Finance & Administration to implement an electronic registration and titling system. Greg Kirkpatrick of the Arkansas Auto Dealers and Ricky Hill, District 11, explained dealerships already use digital records internally and the bill would create a secure portal between dealer systems and DFNA to move purchase paperwork electronically.

Kirkpatrick said two documents have historically required wet signatures — a power‑of‑attorney (TRV/TIMA 2) form and an odometer statement — and the bill would allow those to be digitized. He said the change is permissive; the state would not be required to implement digital titles now, but the measure would create authority for DFNA to develop the portal and to accept digital documents. Kirkpatrick and others said interstate connectivity exists in other states and that digital processes have the potential to reduce delays in getting titles and registrations to buyers.

Senators asked about county assessment integration and whether lien release timing would be improved; witnesses said the bill includes language to allow assessment information to be exchanged and that lienholder processing is often the source of delay. The committee approved the bill by voice vote; Senator Hill moved the bill and Senator Johnson seconded.

Supporters said the change is the first step toward a broader digital modernization that could reduce reliance on mailed paperwork and speed up customers receiving permanent registration.