§17A-3-12. Commissioner to issue certificate of title; signatures on certificate; certificate of title to be delivered to owner or lienor.

(a) The commissioner, if satisfied that the applicant for a certificate of title is the owner of such vehicle, or otherwise entitled to have the same registered in the applicant's name, shall issue an appropriate certificate of title in either an electronic or paper format. The certificate of title in an electronic format shall contain all of the information required by this section.

(b) The certificate of title shall contain upon the face thereof the date issued, the name and address of the owner, the description of the vehicle as determined by the commissioner, and a statement of the owner's title and of all liens and encumbrances upon the vehicle therein described and whether possession is held by the owner under a lease, contract of conditional sale or other like agreement, and shall bear thereon the seal of the division.

(c) The certificate of title shall contain upon the reverse side a space for the signature of the owner and the owner shall write his or her name with pen and ink in the space upon receipt of the certificate. The certificate shall also contain upon the reverse side forms for assignment of title or interest and warranty thereof by the owner with space for notation of liens and encumbrances upon the vehicle at the time of a transfer.

(d) The commissioner, upon issuing a certificate of title, shall deliver same in either an electronic or paper format to the person who holds legal title to the vehicle described on the face of said certificate: Provided, That when a certificate of title is issued showing upon the face thereof a lien or encumbrance of liens or encumbrances, the certificate of title shall be delivered to the lienholder in either an electronic or paper format in order of priority. It shall be unlawful and constitute a misdemeanor for a lienor who holds a certificate of title, as hereinabove in this section provided, to refuse or fail to surrender the certificate of title to the person legally entitled thereto within ten days after the lien or encumbrance or liens or encumbrances shown on the face thereof shall have been paid and satisfied.