ALTA Opens Public Comment Period for Proposed Best Practices 5.0 Revisions

July 14, 2026

ALTA has opened a public comment period on proposed revisions to its Best Practices Framework, marking the next step in the development of Best Practices 5.0.

The ALTA Board of Governors approved the proposed revisions on June 23. Industry stakeholders now have an opportunity to review the changes and provide feedback before the framework is finalized. The public comment period runs through July 31. Comments may be submitted through July 31 to [email protected].

The proposed ALTA Best Practices Framework 5.0 revisions and associated redlines may be downloaded here under the section titled “Best Practices – for Public Comment – Not Published | Not Final.” 

The revisions are designed to help title agents and direct operations continue to strengthen financial controls, data security and operational stability while providing lenders with confidence that industry standards are being met.

Among the proposed changes are:

  • Converting the framework to an outline format to improve usability and make it easier to reference specific requirements.
  • Adding a formal definition of "vendor" to support expanded vendor management requirements.
  • Introducing new guidance under Pillar 1 related to demonstrating compliance with ALTA Policy Forms License requirements.
  • Moving consumer complaint management from Pillar 7 to Pillar 4.
  • Establishing Vendor Management as a standalone Pillar 7, reflecting the growing importance of third-party risk management.

Vendor management has become an increasingly important area of focus for the industry, building on supplemental vendor guidance released in 2025.

Additional resources are also planned to support implementation of Best Practices 5.0, including updated Best Practices Assessment Procedures and a new Best Practices Bootcamp through the Land Title Institute later this year.

The framework remains subject to change based on feedback received during the public comment period.


Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].