What you need to do to get a new car title
A new car title is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. You'll need to submit paperwork to that office, pay a fee, and wait for the new title to arrive by mail. The process takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and whether you're replacing a lost title, transferring ownership, or correcting information on an existing one.
The specific documents you need and the exact steps depend on why you're getting a new title. A lost title requires different paperwork than a title with a name change. Some states let you start the process online; others require you to visit an office in person. Knowing which situation applies to you determines where you start.
Key Takeaways
- You submit a title request to your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency, not to a dealership or private company.
- The documents required change based on whether you're replacing a lost title, correcting information, or transferring ownership.
- Most states charge a fee between $10 and $50 for a replacement title, though the exact amount varies.
- Processing time ranges from a few business days to several weeks, depending on your state and whether you submit in person or by mail.
- You can usually check your state's DMV website to see which documents are required and whether you can start online.
Replacing a lost or damaged title
If your title is lost, stolen, or too damaged to read, you'll request a duplicate from your state's DMV. You'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on your registration card, insurance documents, or the driver's side dashboard. You'll also need proof of ownership — usually your current registration or a bill of sale if you recently bought the car.
Most states require you to complete a form specific to duplicate titles. This form typically asks for your name, address, the vehicle's VIN, and a description of what happened to the original title. Some states let you fill this out online and pay the fee through their website; others require you to mail the form and fee to the DMV office, or visit in person. Check your state's DMV website to see which method is available where you live.
The fee for a duplicate title usually ranges from $10 to $50. Processing takes between three and ten business days if you submit in person, or one to three weeks if you mail it. Some states offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
Correcting information on your title
If your title has the wrong name spelling, an incorrect VIN, or outdated information, you can request a corrected title from your DMV. You'll need to prove what the correct information should be. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For a VIN error, bring your vehicle registration and proof of the correct VIN.
The process is similar to requesting a duplicate: you'll fill out a form (often called an "process for Title Correction" or similar), provide the documents that prove the correction, and pay a fee. Some states charge nothing for corrections; others charge $10 to $25. Turnaround time is usually one to two weeks.
Transferring a title to a new owner
If you're selling your car or giving it to someone else, the new owner needs a title in their name. In most states, you and the buyer both sign the back of the current title, and the buyer submits it to the DMV along with a bill of sale and proof of ownership transfer. The DMV then issues a new title with the buyer's name.
The buyer will need to bring the signed title, a completed process form (usually called an "process for Title"), proof of identity, and proof of residency. Some states also require a safety inspection or emissions test before the title can be transferred. The fee for a new title through transfer is typically $15 to $50.
If you're the seller, make sure you sign the title in the correct place — usually on the back in a section labeled "Seller's Signature" or "Previous Owner." Some states require the seller to also complete a separate form. Check your state's DMV website for the exact requirements before you hand over the title to the buyer.
Getting a title after buying a car from a private seller
When you buy a car from an individual rather than a dealership, you receive the title from the seller, but it still has their name on it. You need to transfer it into your name through your state's DMV. Bring the signed-over title, a bill of sale (a document showing the sale price and date), your proof of identity, and proof of residency.
Some states require additional documents: a safety inspection certificate, an emissions test result, or a lien release if the car has an outstanding loan. Your state's DMV website will list what you need. You'll complete an process for title transfer, pay the fee, and the DMV will issue a new title in your name within one to three weeks.
Do not delay this step. Driving a car with someone else's name on the title creates legal and insurance problems. Most insurance companies will not cover a car you don't have a title for, and if you're in an accident, liability questions become complicated.
Handling a title when there's still a loan on the car
If you're buying a car that still has a loan against it, the lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. The seller's lender will send a lien release document to the DMV once the loan is paid in full. You'll need this lien release to get a title in your name.
When you buy the car, ask the seller when the lender will release the lien. Some lenders do it when ready after the loan is paid; others take a few business days. Once the lien release reaches your state's DMV, you can submit your title transfer process. Bring the lien release along with your other documents — the signed title, bill of sale, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
If the lien release hasn't arrived yet, you can still start the process. The DMV will hold your process until the lien release is received, then issue your title. This usually adds one to two weeks to the total time.
Where to submit your title request
Your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency is the only place that issues titles. You cannot get a title from a dealership, a title company, or any private business. Some states let you submit requests online through their DMV website; others require you to visit an office in person or mail your documents.
To find out which method your state uses, go to your state's DMV website and search for "title request" or "duplicate title." The website will show you the form you need, the fee, the documents required, and whether you can submit online, by mail, or in person. If you're unsure which state agency handles titles, search "[your state] motor vehicle title" — you'll find the correct office.
If you're mailing documents, send them to the address listed on your state's DMV website. Include a check or money order for the fee (most states do not accept credit cards by mail). Keep a copy of everything you send. Processing time starts when the DMV receives your documents, not when you mail them, so consider using certified mail if you want proof of delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new title?
Processing time varies by state and method. In-person requests usually take three to ten business days. Mail requests take one to three weeks. Some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee, which can cut the time to a few days. Check your state's DMV website for the specific timeline.
What if I don't have the original title?
You can still get a new title by requesting a duplicate. Bring your vehicle registration, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You'll fill out a form stating that the title is lost or damaged, and the DMV will issue a replacement. You do not need the original to get a duplicate.
Can I get a title if the car has a lien on it?
Not in your name. The lender holds the title until the loan is paid off. Once the loan is paid and the lender releases the lien, you can request a title transfer. The lien release document must be submitted to the DMV along with your other paperwork.
What if I bought a car and the seller won't give me the title?
This is a legal problem between you and the seller, not something the DMV can resolve. You may need to contact a lawyer or your state's attorney general's office. Do not pay for a car without receiving the title or a signed agreement that the title will be transferred within a specific timeframe.
Do I need to visit the DMV in person, or can I do everything by mail?
It depends on your state and the type of request. Some states allow online or mail requests for duplicate titles and corrections. Title transfers often require in-person visits or notarized signatures. Check your state's DMV website to see which options are available for your situation.