If you’ve lost your vehicle title, don’t worry – it happens all the time.
A vehicle title is a legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle, and you need one for a variety of reasons, such as selling your car, registering it, or applying for a loan.
Fortunately, replacing a lost title isn’t difficult. In the article below, I’ll walk you through the steps to get a duplicate title.
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Table of Contents
Reasons for Replacing a Lost Title
There are several reasons why you might need to replace your vehicle title:
- The title is lost or misplaced
- The title is damaged or illegible
- The title was stolen
- The title needs to be updated with new information
Do You Have a Lienholder
If you have a loan or any liens on the car those MUST be settled before you will be able to replace a lost title.
If there are any liens, you will need authorization from the lienholder to get a new copy of your title. If this is the first title you are getting after paying off your loan you will need a Lien Release letter from the lender.
Gather Required Information and Documents
What you will be requesting is referred to as a Duplicate Title. To apply for a duplicate title, you’ll need to provide some basic information about your vehicle and yourself:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Your name and address
- Lienholder information (if applicable)
You may also need to provide additional documents, such as:
- A valid photo ID
- Proof of insurance
- A bill of sale or other proof of ownership
Obtain and Complete the Application Form
The next step is to obtain and complete the appropriate application form for a duplicate title. You can usually get this form from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or County Treasurer’s office, or download it from their website.
The form will ask for the information you gathered in the previous step, as well as the reason for replacing your title. Be sure to fill out the form completely and accurately.
Submit the Application and Pay the Fee
Once you’ve completed the application form, you’ll need to submit it to your local DMV or County Treasurer’s office, along with any required documents and the applicable fee. The fee for a duplicate title varies by state, but it’s typically around $20-$30.
You can usually submit your application in person or by mail. If you submit it in person, you may be able to get your duplicate title on the same day. If you submit it by mail, it may take several weeks to process.
Special Considerations
There are a few special considerations to keep in mind when replacing a lost vehicle title:
- If there’s a lienholder on your vehicle, you’ll need to contact them and request a duplicate title.
- If the vehicle owner is deceased, the executor of the estate will need to apply for a duplicate title.
- If you’re replacing an out-of-state title, you may need to provide additional documentation or follow a different process.
Tips to Avoid Losing Your Vehicle Title
To avoid losing your vehicle title in the future, here are a few tips:
- Keep your title in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or safety deposit box
- Make a copy of your title and keep it in a separate location
- When selling your vehicle, only give the title to the buyer after you’ve received payment
- If you move, be sure to update your address with the DMV
Key Points From This Article
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Need for Replacement | Necessary when the title is lost, misplaced, damaged, illegible, stolen, or needs updating with new information. |
| Check for Lienholder | If there’s a lienholder, such as a bank or credit union, contact them for a duplicate title. |
| Gather Information | Collect necessary details: Vehicle identification number (VIN), vehicle year, make, model, your name and address, and lienholder information (if applicable). |
| Required Documents | You may need to present a valid photo ID, proof of insurance, and proof of ownership such as a bill of sale. |
| Application Form | Obtain and complete the application form from local DMV or County Treasurer’s office, or download from their website. Include all collected information and reason for replacement. |
| Submission and Fee | Submit the completed form and required documents to the DMV or County Treasurer’s office. The fee typically ranges from $20-$30. Applications can be submitted in person or by mail. |
| Processing Time | In-person submissions might result in same-day issuance of the duplicate title. Mail submissions could take several weeks. |
| Special Considerations | Considerations for vehicles with a lien, deceased owners, or out-of-state titles. |
| Prevention Tips | Keep the title in a secure place, make a copy for backup, ensure title transfer only after receiving payment from the buyer, and update your address with the DMV if you move. |
