How to Replace Lost Car Titles for a Sale in Monroe, Louisiana

If a car title is lost in Louisiana, a duplicate may be requested.

Before a car can be sold in Monroe, Louisiana, state law requires that the registered owner must have the certificate of title. If the title is lost, the registered owner or an agent for the registered owner can apply for a duplicate title through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Receipt of the duplicate title takes approximately 30 days. If the registered owner is deceased, a duplicate title cannot be issued in the deceased person's name.

Things You'll Need

• Vehicle Application Form (DPSMV1799)
• Copy of the Louisiana registration certificate (if available)
• Copy of satisfaction of lien (if applicable)
• Payment (personal or business check, cashier's check, money order or cash)

Instructions

With a Clear Title

1. Obtain a Vehicle Application Form from the Monroe OMV or online at http://omv.dps.state.la.us/ and complete all applicable sections.

2. Check the lost box and the box giving the commissioner permission to mail the title to the address listed on the application in the "DUPLICATE TITLE AFFIDAVIT" section of the application.

3. Notarize this section by signing it in the presence of a notary public.

4. Make check or money order payable to Department of Public Safety. Fees are $18.50 for the title and an $8.00 handling fee, as of 2010. Verify the fees at the local OMV or online at http://omv.dps.state.la.us/.

5. Write your driver's license number and telephone number on the check, if your checks are not pre-printed. This step is not necessary for a cashier's check or money order since they are considered cash. Also write a physical address on the check is none is listed or there is a P. O. Box listed.

6. Submit the vehicle application form, copy of the registration (or note stating you were unable to provide a copy), copy of lien satisfaction if applicable and form of payment to the local OMV.

With a Lien

1. Complete steps 1 through 3 from the previous section.

2. Provide a copy of the satisfaction of lien, if applicable.

3. Complete the "AFFIDAVIT OF NON-POSSESSION OF TITLE BY LIENHOLDER" section if the lien has not been satisfied and is to remain on the vehicle. You will need to have the lien holder check the "never received" box and have the lien holder's signature notarized.

4. Complete steps 4 through 7 from the previous section.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not send cash payments through the mail.

• If you do not list a driver's license number on your check, the check will be returned.

• If you are unable to provide a copy of the registration, Louisiana maintains its microfilm records for seven years. If you still aren't able to provide a copy, include a note stating that you were unable to provide a copy of the registration. This will help to expedite your request and prevent it from being rejected.

• If an agent is requesting the duplicate title on behalf of the registered owner, a notarized power of attorney must be submitted with the application.

References

• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles: How long does it take to receive a duplicate title?
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles: How to replace a lost title?
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles: What is the OMV address?
• Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles: Who to make check payable to?