How to Get a Copy of a Vehicle Title
If you are trying to sell your car but have lost the vehicle title, which you must have to complete the transaction officially, all you need to do is contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV can generate a copy of the vehicle title for the legal owner of any car and send it to that person within a few weeks. Keep in mind that the title must be lien-free in order to be sent directly to you---if there is still a bank loan on the car, the bank will have to order the duplicate.
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Instructions
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Find your state DMV office's phone number and website address (see Resources).
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Ask for the number of the form that you need in order to apply for a new title. Download the form from your state's DMV website.
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Fill out the form. Provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), full name, address where the car is registered and the car's title number. The title number will be printed on your vehicle registration card. Give a reason why you need a new title, such as it being lost or stolen. The old title will be voided when this form is processed.
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Sign the form in the presence of a registered notary in your state. You may be able to find a notary service at a local bank, check cashing store or insurance office.
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Submit the form to the DMV via mail or in person with payment. The cost for a copy of your vehicle title will range from about $20 to $50 depending on the state. Allow at least two weeks for the title to arrive in the mail at the car's registered address (the processing time will vary by state).
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Tips & Warnings
Ask the DMV about expedited service if you are in a rush to receive the title. You will likely have to pay an additional fee for this service.
Find out if your state DMV office works with messenger services around your town. For instance, sometimes insurance offices will be authorized to process DMV requests for titles, registration and license replacements. The cost will be higher to accommodate the agent's fees, but the process may be quicker.
