Frequently Asked Questions
Hover over any highlighted words for a definition from the glossary of terms.
Am I able to update listing information when there is a request for a confirmed underwriter relationship with a status of under review?
Yes, the updated information will be immediately available for the Confirming Underwriter
The Underwriter providing confirmation of identity for the Title Agent as an agent with whom the Underwriter has a relationship, usually supported by an underwriting or policy-issuing agreement.
Are there user manuals and resources available for real estate attorneys?
There will be user manuals and resources available at the start of Real Estate Attorney
An individual attorney who performs settlement services, but may not issue the title insurance policy. Attorneys who are also Title Agents and issue policies should submit their Company records for Confirmation by their Underwriters.
Can I see my listing on the ALTA Registry website?
Yes, once at least one of your selected Confirming Underwriter
The Underwriter providing confirmation of identity for the Title Agent as an agent with whom the Underwriter has a relationship, usually supported by an underwriting or policy-issuing agreement.
You can visit the ALTA Registry and search for your Company
An organization record in the ALTA Database and ALTA Business Structure. Companies in the ALTA Business Structure are available to select for an ALTA Registry listing. Companies include Underwriters, Title Agents, and Law Firms.
A 7-digit identification number automatically assigned by the system to each Company and Individual record upon creation in the ALTA Database. The ALTA ID is unique and, once assigned, the number is never re-used or re-assigned.
Do I need to use my ALTA login and password to see my listing in the ALTA Registry?
No, you can perform a search for your Company
An organization record in the ALTA Database and ALTA Business Structure. Companies in the ALTA Business Structure are available to select for an ALTA Registry listing. Companies include Underwriters, Title Agents, and Law Firms.
A Confirmed Underwriter Relationship means that the Underwriter has reviewed the record submitted for listing in the Registry and Confirmed that the record is either a Principal Business Location or a Branch Location for one of their Title Agents.
Does an ALTA Registry listing replace a CPL?
No, the Closing Protection Letter process is enhanced but not replaced. The information available to lenders in the ALTA Registry, especially the unique ALTA ID
A 7-digit identification number automatically assigned by the system to each Company and Individual record upon creation in the ALTA Database. The ALTA ID is unique and, once assigned, the number is never re-used or re-assigned.
How do I contact ALTA Registry staff?
If you need help or more information, email ALTA Registry staff at altaregistry@alta.org or call toll-free at 855-618-2582.
How do I find out the name of the Primary Contact for my company?
To find the Primary Contact
The person selected to represent a Company for all ALTA business purposes, including, but not limited to, billing, membership, receipt of mail, and authorization to make changes to the Company's record within the ALTA Database. Changes to the Company record include such things as address changes, requests to be included in the ALTA Registry and identification of an ALTA Registry Listing Contact Person.
An organization record in the ALTA Database and ALTA Business Structure. Companies in the ALTA Business Structure are available to select for an ALTA Registry listing. Companies include Underwriters, Title Agents, and Law Firms.
You can also reach out to ALTA Staff at service@alta.org if you need help or to update your primary contact.
How do I get access to manage ALTA Registry listings for my company in the ALTA Registry Management System (RMS)?
You must be a Primary Contact
The person selected to represent a Company for all ALTA business purposes, including, but not limited to, billing, membership, receipt of mail, and authorization to make changes to the Company's record within the ALTA Database. Changes to the Company record include such things as address changes, requests to be included in the ALTA Registry and identification of an ALTA Registry Listing Contact Person.
An additional person selected to represent and perform all duties and responsibilities of the Primary Contact. A Company may have multiple Secondary Contacts.
An organization record in the ALTA Database and ALTA Business Structure. Companies in the ALTA Business Structure are available to select for an ALTA Registry listing. Companies include Underwriters, Title Agents, and Law Firms.
An ALTA Business Structure includes a single parent Company and all related Companies under it for the purpose of conducting business with ALTA.
How do I know if my underwriter is ready to confirm my listing request?
Go to this page to see the status of Confirming Underwriter
The Underwriter providing confirmation of identity for the Title Agent as an agent with whom the Underwriter has a relationship, usually supported by an underwriting or policy-issuing agreement.
How do I learn how to use the ALTA Registry Management System (RMS) ?
We have provided many different tools to help you use the ALTA Registry Management System (RMS)
ALTA Registry Management System (RMS) is used by Title Agents, Real Estate Attorneys and Underwriter Direct Offices to request and maintain listing information that appears in the ALTA Registry.
To get you started we have a short video on You Tube, or go to Getting Started for material you can view and download.
If you are a Title Agent
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, a Title Agent is a Company that has an agency or underwriting agreement with a title insurance Underwriter to issue title insurance policies. Some Law Firms may also be Title Agents.
Detailed user manuals and other tools are also available in Registry Resource section. Last, you will find lots of helpful information within the RMS itself, including pop up boxes and information icons.
How do I obtain a subscription to the ALTA Registry?
Subscriptions are available only to lending industry organizations such as banks, mortgage lenders, warehouse lenders, community credit unions and their technology vendors. Obtaining a subscription involves the execution of a licensing agreement, payment of an annual subscription fee and the creation of an account.
Contact us at altaregistry@alta.org or call us at 855-618-2582. We will discuss with you the Customer License Agreement and pricing. Once you are ready and your account is active you will be able to search and download the ALTA Registry immediately.
How will the ALTA Registry help my business?
Lenders have long sought a way to precisely identify their Title Agent
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, a Title Agent is a Company that has an agency or underwriting agreement with a title insurance Underwriter to issue title insurance policies. Some Law Firms may also be Title Agents.
Lenders are beginning to require information to accurately identify underwriters in transactions. Lenders are also under increasing regulatory pressure to enhance their third party supplier oversight – the ALTA ID
A 7-digit identification number automatically assigned by the system to each Company and Individual record upon creation in the ALTA Database. The ALTA ID is unique and, once assigned, the number is never re-used or re-assigned.
A Company location that performs work on behalf of or in partnership with a Principal Business Location.
The legal name used by a Company to enter into contracts and file taxes.
Additionally, the ALTA ID number will play a key role in the title agent’s part in the coming electronic mortgage – the ALTA Registry is going to give those with a listing a competitive edge in the very near future.
I am a title agent and when I am in the ALTA Registry Management System (RMS) I cannot change any details. What does this mean?
This means that you are not a Primary Contact
The person selected to represent a Company for all ALTA business purposes, including, but not limited to, billing, membership, receipt of mail, and authorization to make changes to the Company's record within the ALTA Database. Changes to the Company record include such things as address changes, requests to be included in the ALTA Registry and identification of an ALTA Registry Listing Contact Person.
An additional person selected to represent and perform all duties and responsibilities of the Primary Contact. A Company may have multiple Secondary Contacts.
An organization record in the ALTA Database and ALTA Business Structure. Companies in the ALTA Business Structure are available to select for an ALTA Registry listing. Companies include Underwriters, Title Agents, and Law Firms.
An ALTA Business Structure includes a single parent Company and all related Companies under it for the purpose of conducting business with ALTA.
Is the ALTA Registry open to all?
The ALTA Registry is open and free to all who wish to locate Company
An organization record in the ALTA Database and ALTA Business Structure. Companies in the ALTA Business Structure are available to select for an ALTA Registry listing. Companies include Underwriters, Title Agents, and Law Firms.
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, a Title Agent is a Company that has an agency or underwriting agreement with a title insurance Underwriter to issue title insurance policies. Some Law Firms may also be Title Agents.
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, an Underwriter Direct Office is any Company location within the Underwriter’s ALTA Business Structure. Some of these locations may be offices listed in the ALTA Registry.
An individual attorney who performs settlement services, but may not issue the title insurance policy. Attorneys who are also Title Agents and issue policies should submit their Company records for Confirmation by their Underwriters.
Is there a cost or fee to participate as an ALTA Registry Confirming Underwriter?
There is no cost or fee associated with participating as an ALTA Registry Confirming Underwriter
The Underwriter providing confirmation of identity for the Title Agent as an agent with whom the Underwriter has a relationship, usually supported by an underwriting or policy-issuing agreement.
Is there a fee to access or be listed in the ALTA Registry?
We feel that the ALTA Registry is a much needed industry utility, therefore there are no membership fees, licenses or purchases required to be listed in the Registry.
We are a large agency with lots of branches, is there a limit to the number of listings we can have?
No, once your principal business location is established there is no limit to the number of branches you can add.
What does it mean to be Confirmed within the ALTA Registry?
Confirmed means that one or more of a Title Agent
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, a Title Agent is a Company that has an agency or underwriting agreement with a title insurance Underwriter to issue title insurance policies. Some Law Firms may also be Title Agents.
An organization record in the ALTA Database and ALTA Business Structure. Companies in the ALTA Business Structure are available to select for an ALTA Registry listing. Companies include Underwriters, Title Agents, and Law Firms.
ALTA Registry Management System (RMS) is used by Title Agents, Real Estate Attorneys and Underwriter Direct Offices to request and maintain listing information that appears in the ALTA Registry.
What ensures that the ALTA Registry will be current and error-free when a lender or third party seeks information from it?
The ALTA Registry record is established and maintained by either the Title Agent
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, a Title Agent is a Company that has an agency or underwriting agreement with a title insurance Underwriter to issue title insurance policies. Some Law Firms may also be Title Agents.
An individual attorney who performs settlement services, but may not issue the title insurance policy. Attorneys who are also Title Agents and issue policies should submit their Company records for Confirmation by their Underwriters.
A 7-digit identification number automatically assigned by the system to each Company and Individual record upon creation in the ALTA Database. The ALTA ID is unique and, once assigned, the number is never re-used or re-assigned.
What if I am both a Law Firm and Title Agent?
You are encouraged to first submit your requests for your Confirmed Underwriter Relationship
A Confirmed Underwriter Relationship means that the Underwriter has reviewed the record submitted for listing in the Registry and Confirmed that the record is either a Principal Business Location or a Branch Location for one of their Title Agents.
An Individual record in the ALTA Database and ALTA Business Structure. Individuals are attached to Companies and may be employees and serve as Primary or Secondary Contacts for a Company. Individuals are also available to select for the ALTA Registry as an ALTA Registry Listing Contact Person or a Real Estate Attorney.
An individual attorney who performs settlement services, but may not issue the title insurance policy. Attorneys who are also Title Agents and issue policies should submit their Company records for Confirmation by their Underwriters.
What is the ALTA Registry Management System (ALTA RMS)?
The ALTA Registry Management System (RMS)
ALTA Registry Management System (RMS) is used by Title Agents, Real Estate Attorneys and Underwriter Direct Offices to request and maintain listing information that appears in the ALTA Registry.
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, a Title Agent is a Company that has an agency or underwriting agreement with a title insurance Underwriter to issue title insurance policies. Some Law Firms may also be Title Agents.
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, an Underwriter Direct Office is any Company location within the Underwriter’s ALTA Business Structure. Some of these locations may be offices listed in the ALTA Registry.
An individual attorney who performs settlement services, but may not issue the title insurance policy. Attorneys who are also Title Agents and issue policies should submit their Company records for Confirmation by their Underwriters.
What is the ALTA Registry?
The ALTA Registry is a web based industry utility created by the American Land Title Association that utilizes the ALTA ID
A 7-digit identification number automatically assigned by the system to each Company and Individual record upon creation in the ALTA Database. The ALTA ID is unique and, once assigned, the number is never re-used or re-assigned.
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, a Title Agent is a Company that has an agency or underwriting agreement with a title insurance Underwriter to issue title insurance policies. Some Law Firms may also be Title Agents.
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, an Underwriter Direct Office is any Company location within the Underwriter’s ALTA Business Structure. Some of these locations may be offices listed in the ALTA Registry.
An individual attorney who performs settlement services, but may not issue the title insurance policy. Attorneys who are also Title Agents and issue policies should submit their Company records for Confirmation by their Underwriters.
What login do I use to access the ALTA Registry Management System (RMS)?
To access the ALTA Registry Management System (RMS)
ALTA Registry Management System (RMS) is used by Title Agents, Real Estate Attorneys and Underwriter Direct Offices to request and maintain listing information that appears in the ALTA Registry.
What sort of information is available to users of the ALTA Registry?
The ALTA Registry provides company and contact information for confirmed Title Agent
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, a Title Agent is a Company that has an agency or underwriting agreement with a title insurance Underwriter to issue title insurance policies. Some Law Firms may also be Title Agents.
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, an Underwriter Direct Office is any Company location within the Underwriter’s ALTA Business Structure. Some of these locations may be offices listed in the ALTA Registry.
An individual attorney who performs settlement services, but may not issue the title insurance policy. Attorneys who are also Title Agents and issue policies should submit their Company records for Confirmation by their Underwriters.
What will happen if I am only confirmed by one underwriter and I change to another?
As soon as you and your original underwriter have ended your business relationship, your listing in the ALTA Registry will no longer show that specific Confirmed Underwriter Relationship
A Confirmed Underwriter Relationship means that the Underwriter has reviewed the record submitted for listing in the Registry and Confirmed that the record is either a Principal Business Location or a Branch Location for one of their Title Agents.
The Underwriter providing confirmation of identity for the Title Agent as an agent with whom the Underwriter has a relationship, usually supported by an underwriting or policy-issuing agreement.
What would the ALTA Registry bring to the table that existing regulatory oversight and statutory requirements do not already provide?
We believe that ALTA ID
A 7-digit identification number automatically assigned by the system to each Company and Individual record upon creation in the ALTA Database. The ALTA ID is unique and, once assigned, the number is never re-used or re-assigned.
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, a Title Agent is a Company that has an agency or underwriting agreement with a title insurance Underwriter to issue title insurance policies. Some Law Firms may also be Title Agents.
Where would that data reside and what security protocols would be put into place to secure the data?
All Company An organization with a subscription to the ALTA Registry that includes access to data and features not available to public users without a subscription. ALTA Registry customers must execute the Customer License Agreement, agreeing to terms and conditions such as the permitted uses of the ALTA Registry Data. Typical customers would include mortgage lenders and organizations involved in real estate transactions on behalf of lenders.
An organization record in the ALTA Database and ALTA Business Structure. Companies in the ALTA Business Structure are available to select for an ALTA Registry listing. Companies include Underwriters, Title Agents, and Law Firms.
ALTA Registry Management System (RMS) is used by Title Agents, Real Estate Attorneys and Underwriter Direct Offices to request and maintain listing information that appears in the ALTA Registry.
The system that stores ALTA data and processes changes to that data. The tables store information for Company and Individual records.
A Confirmed Underwriter Relationship means that the Underwriter has reviewed the record submitted for listing in the Registry and Confirmed that the record is either a Principal Business Location or a Branch Location for one of their Title Agents.
Who at my company can access the ALTA Registry Management System (RMS)?
Anybody can view your information in the ALTA Registry as it is open to all.
However, only the Primary Contact
The person selected to represent a Company for all ALTA business purposes, including, but not limited to, billing, membership, receipt of mail, and authorization to make changes to the Company's record within the ALTA Database. Changes to the Company record include such things as address changes, requests to be included in the ALTA Registry and identification of an ALTA Registry Listing Contact Person.
An ALTA Business Structure includes a single parent Company and all related Companies under it for the purpose of conducting business with ALTA.
An organization record in the ALTA Database and ALTA Business Structure. Companies in the ALTA Business Structure are available to select for an ALTA Registry listing. Companies include Underwriters, Title Agents, and Law Firms.
An additional person selected to represent and perform all duties and responsibilities of the Primary Contact. A Company may have multiple Secondary Contacts.
A Company location that performs work on behalf of or in partnership with a Principal Business Location.
Who would maintain the data and information related to the title agent’s status and whether or not they are in good standing? Would it be the title agent, lender, ALTA, or another party that maintains this information?
As always, the underwriter maintains this information. Only the underwriter can indicate that a Title Agent
For purposes of the ALTA Registry, a Title Agent is a Company that has an agency or underwriting agreement with a title insurance Underwriter to issue title insurance policies. Some Law Firms may also be Title Agents.
A 7-digit identification number automatically assigned by the system to each Company and Individual record upon creation in the ALTA Database. The ALTA ID is unique and, once assigned, the number is never re-used or re-assigned.
Why does the ALTA Registry Management System (RMS) ask me to provide my unique agency ID?
Your unique agency ID, while not required, may assist a Confirming Underwriter
The Underwriter providing confirmation of identity for the Title Agent as an agent with whom the Underwriter has a relationship, usually supported by an underwriting or policy-issuing agreement.
Your agency ID and the ALTA ID
A 7-digit identification number automatically assigned by the system to each Company and Individual record upon creation in the ALTA Database. The ALTA ID is unique and, once assigned, the number is never re-used or re-assigned.
Will this data ever be for sale and if so, what entities would be allowed to buy this information? If it is for sale, how much would it cost and who would receive the fees paid for the information?
The data within the ALTA Registry will not be for sale. Your lender clients can access the ALTA Registry by subscription, but will not be permitted to share the contents with third parties.
Would this information be provided to lenders or others on an “as needed” basis when a transaction is pending or would it be available regardless of whether or not a transaction is pending?
The ALTA Registry will be open and available for access at all times. Because the ALTA Registry acts as a phone book, it is important to make listings available for search at all times.