Lost Your Car Title? Here’s How To Replace It
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If you’ve ever lost your car title, you know how frustrating it can be to figure out what to do next. Thankfully, it is easier and cheaper than you might think to replace your car’s lost title. While the process may look slightly different from state to state, in general, the steps you will need to take are the same no matter where in the U.S. you live.
Your car title is essential if you ever get pulled over, want to sell your vehicle, get into an accident, or otherwise need to submit proof of ownership. This means that as soon as you realize your car title is missing, you should go ahead and take the necessary steps to replace it.
We’ll go over how to replace your lost car title below and some FAQs about replacing this crucial document.
How Do I Replace My Title?
To replace your car’s title, you must submit the proper form to your state’s motor vehicle office and pay the corresponding fee. Depending on your state, this form will be called something like an “Application for Duplicate Title” or an “Application for Certified Copy of Title.”
You must make an appointment to visit your local motor vehicle office and complete the necessary paperwork. However, some states will let you apply to begin the title replacement process online or via mail to save you a trip. The best way to find this information is to search on your state’s motor vehicle department website.
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What Do I Need To Replace My Title?
There are several things you will need to complete a duplicate title request. For starters, you must submit sufficient proof to your state’s motor vehicle department that you are the vehicle’s rightful owner. This could include a Bill of Sale, photocopy of the original title, or other ownership proof. You will also need to provide your info (such as name, address, and driver’s license number) and the primary vehicle information (including VIN, license plate, year, make, and model).
Each individual must sign the application if the car has multiple owners on the title. Most states also require you to submit proof of identification, such as a copy of your driver’s license.
Note: If you still have a lien on the vehicle, meaning there is a loan or financing that still needs to be paid off, you will either need to get the lienholder to submit the application for you or provide you with a release of the lien. You will also need a release of lien if the lien is paid off but is still recorded on the vehicle title.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace My Title?
If you lose your car title, you might be worried about the cost of replacing it. However, this is not an issue, and fees are generally very affordable. Title replacement fees vary from state to state, but typically the fees to get a new copy of your car title should be nominal. Most states’ fees are somewhere in the $5-25 range, with only a few states costing upwards of $50.
How Long Will It Take To Replace My Title?
Generally, your application should take a few weeks to process and review. This is why you must begin the application process as soon as you realize you have lost your car title. You should receive your new title in the mail within 30-60 days of your application. However, many states also can expedite the process for an additional fee or by appearing in person at a regional office. You can also utilize the services of an independent vehicle title service agency that may offer express service.
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What If My Car Title Was Stolen?
Whether your car title was lost or stolen, the replacement process should be the same. If another person has attempted to register your vehicle in their name, your application should alert the DMV of this conflict. As long as you have submitted the proper proof of ownership, the mistake should be fixed at the government level.
Consider completing a police report to document the incident and avoid future problems properly. You may need this information in the future. Consider alerting the local DMV and your insurance provider as well.
What If I Lost My Car Title Before Registering The Car In My Name?
If you just bought a new vehicle and have misplaced the car’s title before officially transferring ownership, it may still be possible to obtain a replacement title quickly and easily. Generally, you will need to submit a Bill of Sale or other proof of ownership along with your duplicate title request.
Hopefully, you have this information, or things will become more complicated. But if you don’t, you aren’t entirely out of luck. Some states have a separate process to obtain a title by applying for what is known as a bonded title.
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If you are still in touch with the car’s seller, you can also request them to apply for a new title. Then, once they have received it, you can transfer the title to you as planned.
If you’ve had the misfortune of misplacing your car’s title, follow the steps above as soon as possible, and you will be good to go! Once you receive your new title, treat this document properly to prevent this from happening again. You should always keep your vehicle’s title securely in your glove compartment or a similarly accessible location in your car. Having photocopies stored somewhere in your home is a good idea also.
Should You Replace Your Lost or Stolen Title?
Absolutely! A car title is one of the, if not the most important, documents you can have as a vehicle owner – it’s proof of legal ownership. Not having a title is illegal in many states, but you’re also making yourself vulnerable to many scams and schemes. As you can see from this guide, replacing your lost or stolen title is a straightforward process – you need to do the proper legwork, and you should be done in no time.
You can complete the application process online in some states, such as New York. Many other states, however, will require you to complete the process in person at the DMV or via the mail. You may get away with driving a vehicle without a car title, like coasting on a stop sign or not using turning blinkers. However, buying a car without a title is illegal and will likely get you in trouble with the authorities.
At the end of the day, there’s no reason not to replace a lost or stolen title, especially when the process is that easy. Save yourself the headaches and have it replaced immediately.
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