Where to Request a Duplicate Texas Car Title

To get a copy of your car title in Texas, you submit a form to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), either by mail or in person at a local DMV office. The form you need is called the process for Duplicate or Corrected Title (Form VTR 227). You can read it from the DMV website or pick it up at any DMV office.

The DMV processes requests by mail at their Austin headquarters, or you can walk into a local DMV office in your county. Processing time by mail typically takes two to three weeks. In-person requests at a DMV office may be processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on how busy the office is.

You will need to pay a fee. The current fee for a duplicate title is $20.25, though this can vary slightly depending on whether you request it by mail or in person, and whether you need it expedited. Check the DMV website or call your local office to confirm the exact fee before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You need Form VTR 227 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Title) from the Texas DMV, available online or at any DMV office.
  • Mail requests go to the DMV in Austin and take two to three weeks; in-person requests at a local DMV office are often faster.
  • You must provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), current vehicle registration, and proof of ownership or a notarized statement if you cannot locate the original title.
  • The fee is $20.25 for a standard duplicate title, and you can pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on how you submit your request.
  • If someone else owns the vehicle or holds a lien, you may need their signature or written consent on the process.

Documents You Need to Bring or Submit

The exact documents depend on whether you own the vehicle outright or still owe money on it. If you own it free and clear, you need your vehicle identification number (VIN), your current vehicle registration, and proof of identity. Proof of identity can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.

If you cannot locate your original title, the DMV will accept a notarized statement from you explaining that you have lost it. This statement must be signed in front of a notary public and included with your process. Many banks, law offices, and UPS stores offer notary services for a small fee, usually between $5 and $15.

If someone else holds a lien on the vehicle (such as a bank or credit union that financed the purchase), that lienholder's name will appear on the title. You may need their written consent or signature on the process, depending on what you are doing with the title. Contact the lienholder directly to ask what they require.

Submitting Your Request by Mail

To submit by mail, complete Form VTR 227 and gather your supporting documents. Include a copy of your vehicle registration and proof of identity. If you lost the original title, include the notarized statement. Write a check or money order for $20.25 made payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Mail everything to: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Title Bureau, 4000 Jackson Avenue, Austin, TX 78731. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The DMV recommends using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the package arrived.

You will receive your duplicate title by mail at the address you provided on the process. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your request. If you need it faster, ask about expedited processing when you call the DMV office — some offices offer rush service for an additional fee.

Getting Your Title in Person at a DMV Office

Find your nearest DMV office using the office locator on the Texas DMV website. Bring the completed Form VTR 227, your vehicle registration, proof of identity, and your payment. If you lost the original title, bring the notarized statement instead of the original.

Walk-in service is available at most DMV offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices accept appointments through their website, which can reduce your wait. Call ahead to ask whether your local office processes title requests on the day you plan to visit — a few offices have limited services on certain days.

If the office can process your request the same day, you may receive your duplicate title before you leave. If not, they will mail it to you within a few business days. Ask the staff member which outcome to expect before you leave.

What Happens If the Title Has a Lien

A lien means someone else has a legal claim on the vehicle until a debt is paid off. This is common when you finance a car purchase through a bank or credit union. The lienholder's name appears on the title, and they have a legal interest in the vehicle.

If you want a duplicate title and a lien exists, the DMV will issue the title with the lienholder's name still on it. You cannot remove the lien yourself — only the lienholder can release it by filing paperwork with the DMV. This happens automatically when you pay off the loan.

If you need the title for a specific reason (such as selling the car), contact the lienholder and ask what they need from you. Many lienholders will sign off on a sale or provide a release letter that allows the buyer to pay off the loan at closing. Do not assume you need a new title — the lienholder may handle the title transfer as part of the loan payoff.

Correcting Errors on Your Title

If your title has errors — such as a misspelled name, wrong VIN, or incorrect vehicle information — you can request a corrected title using the same Form VTR 227. The fee is the same: $20.25. You will need to explain what is wrong and provide documentation that supports the correction.

For example, if your name is misspelled, bring a copy of your driver's license or birth certificate showing the correct spelling. If the VIN is wrong, bring your vehicle registration or a letter from the manufacturer. The DMV will review your request and issue a corrected title if the error is confirmed.

Corrected titles take the same amount of time to process as duplicate titles — two to three weeks by mail, or same-day to a few business days in person. Submit your request as soon as you notice the error, because an incorrect title can cause problems if you try to sell or register the vehicle later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a duplicate title if I still owe money on the car?

Yes. The duplicate title will show the lienholder's name just as the original does. You cannot remove the lien yourself — only the lienholder can release it when the loan is paid off. If you are selling the car, the buyer and lienholder will handle the title transfer and loan payoff at closing.

What if I lost my title and do not have a notary nearby?

Many banks, credit unions, UPS stores, and law offices offer notary services for $5 to $15. You can also ask your employer — some companies have notaries on staff. Once you have the notarized statement, submit it with your process to the DMV.

How long does it take to get a duplicate title by mail?

The DMV typically processes mail requests within two to three weeks from the date they receive your package. Use certified mail with return receipt to confirm delivery. If you need it faster, visit a DMV office in person — many can issue a duplicate title the same day or within a few business days.

Do I need the original title to request a duplicate?

No. If you have lost the original, you can submit a notarized statement explaining the loss instead. The DMV will issue a duplicate title based on their records. The notarized statement must be signed in front of a notary public.

What if someone else's name is on the title with mine?

If the title is in both names, both owners may need to sign the process, depending on how the names appear on the title. Contact the DMV office or call the Title Bureau to ask about your specific situation before you submit your request.