This is a normal-typical process for DCU and one that dealers accept, no problem. I purchased a new/used 1 year old car 12.31.14 (wife's) after pre-qualifying with DCU around 12.10.14 - once the dealer faxes the sales and purchasing agreement to DCU, they'll send a check that you drop off at the dealer. No reason to pay for fedex, dealers accept a 5-7 day turn around (no problem at all on the car purchase 12.31.14).
Add to that "older" experience, I got a preapproval through DCU for $30k for a new car purchase (for my car) on 1.4.16 which I expected to use quickly, well the first couple of deals fell through because I didn't get the deal I wanted. The pre-approval is good for 45 days - found a car and a deal through TruCare and after a bit off back and forth on the trade and purchased a new car 2.8.16 ($41k list, out the door including tax/title/prep/etc for $29,800). Told the dealer to fax the documents to DCU and they'd send me a check. Although the finance manager said they'd never heard of DCU (DC Metro vs Boston area), I drove the car home, the dealer faxed the info to DCU, DCU called me to confirm the deal and loan, and a check is on the way to me by standard mail. Dealer #1 and Dealer #2 were not the same.
I should note too that neither dealer ran my credit, at least not a hard pull because nothing showed up on my CRA reports, although the finance manager from the car I just purchased said he could beat my 1.99 APR/65 month deal from DCU if my scores were over 740 - they are, but I didn't believe him as far as beating the rate and I wasn't going to let him blitz hard pulls.
No issues, no problems, dealer understands a credit union sending you a check.
