Where to request a replacement car title
You get a replacement car title from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not from the dealership or your lender. Every state runs its own title system, so the exact process and cost depend on which state issued your original title. Most states let you request a copy by mail, in person, or online through their DMV website.
Start by going to your state's DMV website and searching for "duplicate title" or "replacement title." The site will tell you whether your state offers online ordering, what documents you need to send, and the current fee — which typically ranges from $10 to $30. If your state does not offer online ordering, you can visit a DMV office in person or mail in a request form.
You will need to prove you own the vehicle. This usually means providing your driver's license or state ID, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and your current vehicle registration. Some states also ask for the original title number if you still have it, or a bill of sale if you recently bought the car.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's DMV directly — they are the only source for an official replacement title, and the process varies by state.
- You will need your driver's license, the vehicle's VIN, and your current registration to request a copy.
- Most states charge between $10 and $30 for a replacement title and can mail it to you within two to four weeks.
- If the title is in someone else's name, you may need a bill of sale or power of attorney to request a copy.
What to do if you lost the title but still have the registration
Your vehicle registration is not the same as your title, but it proves you own the car and can be used to request a replacement title. Bring or mail your registration along with your ID and the VIN to your state DMV. Many states will process the request based on registration alone, especially if the registration is current and in your name.
If your registration has expired, renew it first — most DMV offices can do this at the same time you request the title. Some states charge a small additional fee for processing an expired registration, but it is usually under $10.
Requesting a title if you bought the car from a private seller
When you buy a used car from a private person rather than a dealership, the seller should give you the signed title at the time of sale. If they did not, or if the title was lost after the sale, you will need a bill of sale to request a replacement. A bill of sale is a written record showing the sale date, the vehicle details, the purchase price, and signatures from both you and the seller.
You can write a bill of sale yourself on plain paper — there is no official form required in most states. Include the VIN, the year and make of the car, the sale date, the price paid, and signatures from both parties. Bring this along with your ID and registration to the DMV, and they will issue a title in your name.
If you cannot contact the seller to sign a bill of sale, some states allow you to file an affidavit — a sworn statement — explaining that you bought the car but never received the title. The DMV can tell you whether your state accepts this and what form to use.
Getting a title when the previous owner's name is still on it
If you bought a car but the title still shows the seller's name, the seller needs to sign the title over to you. The title document itself has a section on the back for the seller's signature and the date of sale. Once signed, you take the signed title to the DMV along with your ID and registration, and they will reissue it in your name.
If the seller will not sign the title, or if you cannot reach them, you may need a power of attorney or a court order to transfer ownership. Contact your state DMV to ask what documents they accept in this situation — some states have a specific form for disputed titles or transfers where the seller is unavailable.
Ordering a title online or by mail
Many states now offer online title requests through their DMV website. You will upload a photo of your ID, provide your VIN and registration number, and pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes five to ten business days, and the title is mailed to the address on your registration.
If your state does not offer online ordering, read the replacement title form from the DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your ID and registration. Include a check or money order for the fee. Mail it to the address listed on the form — usually a state DMV processing center, not your local office. Expect the title to arrive in two to four weeks.
Keep a copy of whatever you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If you do not receive the title within the expected timeframe, call the DMV to check the status of your request.
What to do if the title shows a lien or loan
If you financed the car with a loan, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. This means the lender has a legal claim on the car until you pay off the loan. You cannot transfer ownership or sell the car until the lien is removed.
When you pay off the loan, contact your lender and ask them to release the lien. They will send you a lien release document or sign the title to remove their name. Take this signed release to the DMV along with your ID and registration, and they will issue a new title with the lien removed. This usually takes one to two weeks.
If you are requesting a replacement title while a lien is still active, the copy will show the lender's name just as the original does. You cannot remove the lien yourself — only the lender can do that.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement title?
Online requests typically take five to ten business days, while mail requests take two to four weeks. In-person requests at a DMV office may be processed the same day, though some offices have longer wait times. Check your state's DMV website for current processing times.
Can I get a title if I do not have the VIN?
You will need the VIN to request a title — it is the primary way the DMV identifies your vehicle. If you do not have it, you can find it on your registration, insurance card, or by looking at the dashboard on the driver's side of the windshield. If you still cannot locate it, call your state DMV and explain the situation.
What if the title is in someone else's name and I own the car?
You will need a signed bill of sale or a power of attorney from the person whose name is on the title. Some states also accept a court order transferring ownership. Contact your DMV to ask which documents they accept for your specific situation.
Do I need the original title to get a replacement?
No — a replacement title is issued when the original is lost, damaged, or unavailable. You do not need to provide the original to get a copy. You will need your ID, registration, and VIN instead.
Can I request a title if the car is financed?
Yes, but the replacement title will show the lender's name as the lienholder, just as the original does. You cannot remove the lender's name until the loan is paid off and the lien is released.