How to Replace a Car Title
If your title is lost, damaged or stolen, you will need to file an application for a Duplicate Title through your local DMV office or county tax collector's office. The process is simple, but you do need some very specific information to prove that the car is, in fact, yours. Fees for a new title vary by state, and most DMV offices will send you the replacement title by mail.
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Things You'll Need
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Registration information License-plate number
Instructions
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Contact your state's motor vehicle department. You will need to contact the state DMV or county tax collector's office; ideally, this would be the same office where you obtained the original title.
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Pick up or download the Application for Duplicate Title form. The DMV or county tax collector's office may have this application on hand, or you can download it from their website.
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Complete the Duplicate Title Form. You will need to include information such as the registered owners of the car, license-plate number, VIN, reason for the title application; then sign on everything under penalty of perjury under state law.
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Submit your Duplicate Title form. You can mail the form to your DMV or county tax collector's office, or drop it off in person.
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Wait to receive the new title. When your application request is approved, you will be sent a brand new title by mail. This can take up to 10 business days.
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Tips & Warnings
You can pay a fee to expedite your title application; this typically costs between $7 and $10 depending on the county tax collector office. Some DMV offices allow you to submit an electronic version of the Duplicate Title Form with an electronic signature; make sure you follow all instructions carefully.
Make sure all of your information is 100 percent accurate and that you have signed in all sections marked 'X' on the Duplicate Title form. Make sure your registration information is accurate and up to date.
