Where to request your car title
Your car title is held by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), though the exact name varies by state — it may be called the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Department of Transportation. You request a duplicate or replacement title directly from that office, not from the dealership or your lender, even though they may have copies for their records.
Most states now let you request a title copy online through their DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. A few states still require mail-only requests. The fastest route is usually online if your state offers it — you can often receive a copy within one to two weeks. In-person requests at a DMV office typically take longer because you have to wait for an appointment and processing time.
If your lender holds the title (which is common when you have an active car loan), you still request the copy from the DMV, not from the lender. The DMV record shows who holds the lien, and they will send you a copy with that information printed on it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's DMV directly — not your lender, dealer, or insurance company — to request a title copy.
- You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current license plate number, and proof of ownership or identity to request a title.
- Most states charge between $5 and $25 for a duplicate title, though some offer free replacements under certain circumstances.
- Online requests usually arrive within one to two weeks; mail requests take longer and may require notarized forms depending on your state.
- If your lender holds the title, the DMV copy will show the lien — you cannot remove it without paying off the loan.
What information and documents you need
Before you contact the DMV, gather your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration card, insurance documents, and the dashboard on the driver's side. You will also need your current license plate number. Have your driver's license or state ID ready, since the DMV will verify your identity.
Some states require proof that you own the vehicle. This can be your current registration, an insurance card in your name, or a bill of sale if you recently purchased the car. A few states ask for a notarized statement if you cannot provide standard ownership documents — this is especially common if you are requesting a title for an older vehicle or one you inherited.
If someone else is requesting the title on your behalf, that person will need written permission from you, often in the form a notarized power of attorney. Check your state's DMV website for the exact form, since requirements differ.
How to request online, by mail, or in person
Online requests are available in most states through the DMV website. You enter your VIN, license plate number, and personal information, then pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The DMV mails the title to the address on file with your registration. Processing time is usually five to ten business days after you submit, though some states are faster. You cannot track the title once it is mailed, so use the address where you receive mail regularly.
Mail requests require you to fill out a form (usually called an process for Duplicate Title or similar) and mail it to the DMV address listed on the state website, along with a check or money order for the fee. Include a copy of your driver's license and registration. Mail requests take two to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope, so add time for postal delivery both ways. Some states require the form to be notarized; check before you mail anything.
In-person requests at a DMV office are an option in every state, though many offices now require you to book an appointment online first. Bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and the completed process form (available at the office or on the website). You pay the fee at the counter. The DMV will mail the title to you, not give it to you on the spot — even in-person requests take one to two weeks for delivery.
Title fees and what affects the cost
Most states charge between $5 and $25 for a duplicate or replacement title. The exact fee depends on your state and sometimes on whether you are requesting it online, by mail, or in person. A few states charge more if you need the title expedited or if you are requesting it for a vehicle registered to a business rather than an individual.
Some states offer free or reduced-fee title replacements if you meet certain conditions — for example, if the title was lost in a natural disaster, if you are a military member, or if you are over a certain age. Check your state's DMV website for any fee waivers that might explore to you.
Payment methods vary by state and by how you request the title. Online requests usually accept credit and debit cards. Mail requests require a check or money order. In-person requests at the DMV accept cash, card, and sometimes checks. Do not send cash by mail.
When you need a title copy and what to do with it
You need a copy of your car title when you sell the vehicle, trade it in, transfer it to someone else, or refinance your loan. Some insurance companies ask to see it when you first insure a car. If you are explore for a loan against the vehicle, the lender will request it directly from the DMV, so you do not always need to get it yourself.
If you have lost your original title and need to sell the car, you must get a replacement from the DMV before the sale can close. The buyer will not accept a registration card or insurance document as proof of ownership — they need the actual title document. If you are selling to a private buyer, they will want to see the title in person before handing over money.
Keep your title in a safe place once you receive it — a fireproof box, safe deposit box, or find folder at home. If you lose it again, you will have to request another duplicate, which takes time and costs money. If your lender holds the title, they usually keep it in their files, so you do not need to store it yourself.
What to do if the title shows a lien
A lien is a legal claim on your vehicle held by a lender or creditor. If you have an active car loan, the lender's name and lien will appear on your title. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong — it straightforward means the lender has a financial interest in the car until you pay off the loan.
You cannot remove a lien from the title yourself. The lender must release it, which happens automatically when you pay off the loan in full. After you make the final payment, the lender sends a lien release document to the DMV, and the DMV removes the lien from your title record. You can then request a new title copy that shows no lien.
If you are selling the car while you still owe money on it, the buyer and seller typically work with the lender to pay off the loan at closing using the sale proceeds. The lender releases the lien as part of that transaction. Do not sign over a title with an active lien to a private buyer — the sale cannot be completed legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a title copy?
Online requests usually arrive within one to two weeks. Mail requests take two to four weeks from when the DMV receives your envelope, plus time for postal delivery. In-person requests at the DMV office also take one to two weeks for mailed delivery, even though you submitted it in person. No state mails titles the same day or next day.
Can I get a title copy if I still owe money on the car?
Yes. The DMV will send you a copy showing the lender's lien. You cannot remove the lien yourself — only the lender can release it by sending a lien release to the DMV after you pay off the loan. If you need the title for a sale, the buyer and lender will coordinate the payoff at closing.
What if I lost my title and do not know my VIN?
Your VIN appears on your vehicle registration card, insurance documents, and on the car itself (on the dashboard or door frame). If you cannot find any of those, call your insurance company or look at old tax or registration paperwork. The DMV can sometimes look up your VIN if you provide your license plate number and state.
Do I need to notarize anything when requesting a title?
Most states do not require notarization for standard duplicate title requests. However, some states require a notarized statement if you cannot provide standard ownership documents, or if someone else is requesting the title on your behalf. Check your state's DMV website for the specific rules.
What if the title arrives with the wrong information on it?
Contact the DMV when ready and explain the error. You can usually request a corrected title by mail or online. Bring documentation that proves the correct information — for example, a bill of sale with the correct name spelling, or a marriage certificate if your name changed. The DMV will issue a corrected title at no additional charge in most cases.