If you lost the original title for your car you will need to get what is called a Duplicate Title.
What is a Duplicate Title?
A duplicate title for a car is a replacement certificate of title issued by the state DMV when the original title has been lost, damaged, destroyed, or stolen.
It contains the same information as the original title and can only be obtained by the person listed as the legal owner on the title record.
A duplicate title will be identified with a “Duplicate Title” marking somewhere on the title.
The duplicate title will not show any new changes in ownership or lien status – it is simply a replacement copy of the most recently issued title.
Table of Contents
How to Get a Duplicate Title
If you need a duplicate title, you can request one by visiting your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Secretary of State (SOS) office, either in person or online.
To apply for a duplicate title, you will need to provide the following information:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale
- Valid driver’s license
- Reason for needing a duplicate title (lost, damaged, stolen, etc.)
- Payment for the duplicate title fee, which typically ranges from $5 to $60 depending on the state
For example: In Kansas, the standard fee for a duplicate title is $10.00, with the option to pay extra for expedited processing (which most states offer).
Cost to Get a Duplicate Title
I looked up the various state fees for a duplicate title and listed those below:
| State | Duplicate Title Fee |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $15 |
| Alaska | $15 |
| Arizona | $4 |
| Arkansas | $10 |
| California | $20 |
| Colorado | $8.20 |
| Connecticut | $25 |
| Delaware | $50 |
| Florida | $75.75 |
| Georgia | $8 |
| Hawaii | $10 |
| Idaho | $14 |
| Illinois | $95 |
| Indiana | $15 |
| Iowa | $25 |
| Kansas | $10 |
| Kentucky | $6 |
| Louisiana | $68.50 |
| Maine | $33 |
| Maryland | $20 |
| Massachusetts | $25 |
| Michigan | $15 |
| Minnesota | $8.25 |
| Mississippi | $9 |
| Missouri | $8.50 |
| Montana | $10 |
| Nebraska | $14 |
| Nevada | $20 |
| New Hampshire | $25 |
| New Jersey | $60 |
| New Mexico | $5 |
| New York | $20 |
| North Carolina | $20 |
| North Dakota | $5 |
| Ohio | $15 |
| Oklahoma | $11 |
| Oregon | $27 |
| Pennsylvania | $53 |
| Rhode Island | $51.50 |
| South Carolina | $15 |
| South Dakota | $10 |
| Tennessee | $11 |
| Texas | $2-5.45 |
| Utah | $6 |
| Vermont | $35 |
| Virginia | $15 |
| Washington | $35.50 |
| West Virginia | $15 |
| Wisconsin | $20 |
| Wyoming | $15 |
Please note that these fees are subject to change and may not include additional processing or mailing costs. It’s always best to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for the most up-to-date information on duplicate title fees and application procedures.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Duplicate Title?
The process of obtaining a duplicate title generally takes around 30 days or more, as the new title certificate needs to be printed and mailed to you.
However, opting to apply in person at your county treasurer’s office or designated title agency will speed up the process, with an option that most states offer to get a title printed the same day.
Are Duplicate Titles Bad?
No, duplicate titles are not bad and are quite common because they’re almost always issued simply because the original title was lost.
State Links to Apply For a Duplicate Title
Here is a table with links to the duplicate title application page for each state:
The table includes the first 10 states alphabetically. Each state’s name links directly to the specific webpage with information and forms for requesting a duplicate vehicle title in that state.
Duplicate Title Voids Original Title
I cannot stress enough that you must understand: A duplicate title will void ANY title issued previously. As a dealer we frequently encountered customers who had lost their original title, applied for a duplicate title, then lost the duplicate title but found the original.
Because they had ordered a duplicate, the original title was worthless!
It’s crazy to hear, but it happens a lot.
Duplicate Title With a Lien
It’s important to note that you cannot apply for a duplicate title if your vehicle currently has a lien (loan) on it, as the lienholder will possess the title until the loan is fully paid off.
In this case, you would need to contact your lienholder for a duplicate title.
Summary
A duplicate car title is a replacement title proving vehicle ownership, which can be obtained through your state’s DMV or SOS by providing the necessary information and paying a small fee. The process usually takes about a month, but may be faster if applying in person at your local office.
