Where to request a duplicate title
You request a duplicate title from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not from a dealership or private company. The exact name varies by state — it may be called the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Division of Motor Vehicles — but the DMV is always the office that issues and replaces titles.
Most states let you request a duplicate in person at a local DMV office, by mail, or online through the state's DMV website. A few states offer all three routes; others offer only one or two. Your state's DMV website will show which methods are available and which form to use.
You do not need to own the car anymore to get a duplicate title. If you sold it, junked it, or lost track of it years ago, you can still request a replacement. The title office has a record of your ownership and will issue a duplicate based on that record.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's DMV directly — by visiting their website, calling their phone line, or going to a local office — to find out which form to submit and whether you can request a duplicate online, by mail, or in person.
- You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration, insurance card, or the dashboard of the car, and proof of identity such as a driver's license.
- The fee for a duplicate title ranges by state and typically costs between $5 and $25, though some states charge more.
- Processing time varies widely: online requests may be ready in days, while mail requests can take two to four weeks or longer depending on your state's backlog.
- If your title was lost in a disaster or you suspect fraud, tell the DMV when you request the duplicate so they can flag your record.
Documents and information you will need
Before you contact the DMV, gather your vehicle identification number (VIN). This 17-character code appears on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or on the dashboard of the car itself, visible through the windshield on the driver's side. If you no longer have the car, the VIN is still on any paperwork from when you owned it — insurance documents, loan papers, or old registration cards.
You will also need a form of photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some states require the ID to match the name on the title; others are more flexible. Check your state's DMV website to confirm what they accept.
If someone other than you is requesting the duplicate — for example, a spouse or adult child — that person will need their own ID and may need a notarized letter from you giving them permission. Requirements differ by state, so ask the DMV before sending anyone on your behalf.
The cost and how to pay
The fee for a duplicate title is set by your state and does not vary between DMV offices within that state. Fees typically range from $5 to $25, though a few states charge more. Some states charge extra if you request the duplicate by mail rather than in person, or if you need it rushed.
Payment methods depend on how you submit your request. If you go in person, most DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you mail your request, you will usually need to include a check or money order. If you request online, you can typically pay by debit or credit card. Your state's DMV website will specify which methods they take for each type of request.
Do not send cash by mail. If you are mailing your request, use a check or money order, and keep a copy of the check number or money order receipt in case the payment gets lost.
How long it takes to receive your duplicate
Processing time depends on the method you choose and your state's current workload. Online requests are often the fastest: some states issue a duplicate title within one to three business days. In-person requests at a DMV office typically take a few minutes to a few hours, though you may wait in line. Mail requests usually take two to four weeks, but can take longer if your state is processing a backlog.
A few states offer expedited or rush processing for an extra fee, which can cut the wait time in half. Ask your DMV whether this option is available and what it costs.
If you need the title urgently — for example, to sell the car or transfer it to someone else — ask the DMV whether they can issue a temporary document while you wait for the official duplicate. Some states provide a temporary title or receipt that proves ownership while the permanent title is being printed.
What to do if your title was lost or damaged in a disaster
If your title was destroyed in a fire, flood, or other disaster, tell the DMV when you request the duplicate. Many states have expedited processes for disaster-related losses and may waive or reduce the fee. You may need to provide a police report or FEMA documentation, depending on your state's rules.
If you suspect someone else has your original title and may try to sell the car or take out a loan against it, contact your DMV when ready. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your vehicle record. This flag warns the DMV if someone tries to register the car in another state or request their own duplicate title. You may also want to file a police report for identity theft or fraud.
Requesting a duplicate if you do not know the VIN
If you have lost all paperwork and cannot find the VIN, the DMV can still help. Call your state's DMV and explain the situation. They can sometimes look up your vehicle using your name and the vehicle's make, model, and year, or by the license plate number if you remember it. Once they locate the record, they can provide the VIN and walk you through the duplicate request process.
If the car was registered many years ago and the record has been archived, it may take longer for the DMV to retrieve the information. Be prepared to wait a few extra days or to visit an office in person with additional proof of ownership, such as an old insurance card or loan document.
When you might need a duplicate title
The most common reason to request a duplicate is that you misplaced the original. Titles are straightforward to lose during moves, and many people store them in places they later forget. A duplicate serves the same legal purpose as the original.
You also need a duplicate if you are selling the car and the buyer needs proof of ownership. Some buyers will accept a duplicate; others insist on the original. Confirm with the buyer before you request the duplicate, since there is a fee and a wait time.
If your title was damaged — water-stained, torn, or faded to the point that information is unreadable — you can request a duplicate even though you still have the original. The DMV will issue a new one and typically ask you to return the damaged copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a duplicate title if I still owe money on the car?
Yes. If a lender holds a lien on the title, the duplicate will show that lien just as the original does. You cannot remove the lien by requesting a duplicate; the lender must release it. Contact your lender to ask about the process for lien release once you have paid off the loan.
What if the name on my title does not match my current ID?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons, bring both your old ID (or a copy of your old title) and your new ID to the DMV. You may also need a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Call your state's DMV to ask what documents they need before you visit.
Can I request a duplicate title for a car registered in someone else's name?
No. Only the person whose name is on the title can request a duplicate, unless you have a power of attorney or are the executor of an estate. If you are buying a car and the seller cannot locate their title, ask them to request the duplicate themselves. If the seller is deceased, you will need to work through probate or provide a death certificate and proof of inheritance.
Will a duplicate title look different from the original?
A duplicate title is a new document printed by the DMV and will look like a current title. It may have a slightly different format or color than an older original, but it is equally valid. Some states print the word "duplicate" on the new title; others do not. Either way, it has the same legal weight as the original.
What if I request a duplicate and then find the original?
Keep both. You can use either one for any transaction. If you want to return the duplicate to the DMV, most states do not require it, but you can call and ask. Do not destroy either title unless the DMV specifically tells you to.