Where to Request a Duplicate Title
You request a duplicate title from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not from the dealership or your lender. Every state runs this process differently — some allow you to order online, some require you to visit in person, and some let you mail in a form. The fastest way to find out which applies to you is to go to your state DMV's website and search for "duplicate title" or "replacement title".
You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which appears on your registration card, insurance documents, or the dashboard on the driver's side. You will also need your driver's license or state ID. Some states ask for the current title number if you still have it, though a lost title does not stop the process.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV directly — they are the only office that issues duplicate titles, and the process varies by state.
- You will need your VIN and driver's license, and some states charge a fee between $5 and $25 for a duplicate.
- Online ordering is available in many states and typically takes one to two weeks by mail; in-person visits usually produce a title the same day or within a few days.
- If your vehicle has a lien (a loan against it), the lender's name appears on the duplicate title, and you may need their permission or signature depending on your state.
What Information You Need Before You Start
Gather your VIN first. If you have your registration card, it is printed there. If you do not have the registration, check your insurance documents or look at the bottom left corner of your windshield on the driver's side, where the VIN is stamped into the glass. Write down all 17 characters exactly as they appear.
Next, confirm whether your vehicle has a lien against it. A lien means a bank or credit union loaned you money to buy the car and holds a claim on the title until you pay off the loan. Check your loan documents or call your lender and ask whether they still hold a lien. This matters because some states require the lien holder to sign off on a duplicate title, which adds time to the process.
Have your driver's license or state ID ready. Some states also ask for your current title number if you have it, though this is not required if the title is lost.
Online, Mail, and In-Person Options
Many states now offer online ordering through their DMV website. You enter your VIN, driver's license number, and vehicle information, pay the fee by credit card, and the title arrives by mail in one to two weeks. This is the slowest option but requires no travel. States that offer this include California, Texas, Florida, and New York, though the exact process differs for each.
Mailing in a form is an option in every state. You read the process from your DMV website, fill it out, include a copy of your driver's license, and mail it with a check or money order. Processing time is typically two to four weeks. This method works if you cannot visit in person and prefer not to order online.
Visiting your local DMV office in person is the fastest route. Bring your driver's license, your VIN, and the fee in cash or card. Many offices issue a duplicate title on the spot or within a few days. Call ahead to confirm your local office has the title in stock and to ask whether you need an appointment.
Fees and Processing Times by Method
| Method | Typical Fee | Processing Time | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online order | $5–$25 | 1–2 weeks by mail | VIN, driver's license number, credit card |
| Mail-in form | $5–$25 | 2–4 weeks | Completed form, copy of ID, check or money order |
| In-person visit | $5–$25 | Same day to 3 days | Driver's license, VIN, cash or card |
Fees vary by state. Most charge between $5 and $25 for a duplicate title. A few states charge more if you need the title rushed or if the vehicle is older than a certain age. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee before you go.
What Happens If Your Vehicle Has a Lien
If a bank or credit union still holds a loan on your vehicle, their name appears on the title as the lienholder. When you request a duplicate, the DMV will print their name on it. Some states require you to get written permission from the lender before issuing a duplicate, which adds one to two weeks to the process. Other states issue the duplicate without asking the lender.
Call your lender and ask whether they need to sign off on a duplicate title in your state. If they do, ask them to send written permission to the DMV or to you. Keep a copy for your records. If your lender is slow to respond, you can still submit your request to the DMV and note that permission is pending — many DMVs will hold the process and process it once the lender's letter arrives.
Once you pay off the loan, you can request a new title with the lien removed. This is called a lien release, and the lender typically sends the paperwork to the DMV automatically when the loan is paid in full. If they do not, contact them and ask for a lien release form to submit to the DMV yourself.
Common Reasons a Request Gets Delayed
The most common delay is a mismatch between the name on your driver's license and the name on the title. If you changed your name after the title was issued and did not update it with the DMV, the duplicate will show the old name. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change to your DMV visit, or include a copy with a mail-in request. The DMV can usually update the name and issue the duplicate in the same transaction.
A second common delay is an outstanding lien that the DMV cannot verify. If your vehicle still has a loan but the lender's information in the DMV system is outdated or incomplete, the office may ask you to bring a copy of your loan documents or a letter from the lender confirming the lien. Have these ready before you visit or submit your request.
If your vehicle was previously registered in another state, some DMVs ask for proof that you have legally transferred the registration to your current state. Bring your current registration card and any paperwork from the previous state's DMV if you have it.
What to Do After You Receive Your Duplicate Title
Once the duplicate arrives, check that all the information is correct: your name, the VIN, the vehicle description, and any lienholder's name. If anything is wrong, contact the DMV when ready and ask for a correction. Do not sign the title until you are certain everything is accurate.
Store the duplicate title in a safe place — a home safe, a safe deposit box, or with important documents. You do not need to carry it with you. Your registration card is what you carry in the vehicle. If you lose the duplicate title again, you can request another one using the same process.
If you are selling the vehicle, you will sign the title over to the buyer. If you are trading it in, bring the title to the dealership. If you are keeping the vehicle, the title serves as proof of ownership and is needed if you ever need to refinance the loan or transfer the vehicle to someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a duplicate title?
It depends on the method. In-person visits usually produce a title the same day or within three days. Online orders and mail-in requests typically take one to four weeks. If your vehicle has a lien and the lender needs to sign off, add one to two weeks.
Can I get a duplicate title if I still owe money on the car?
Yes. The lender's name will appear on the duplicate title as the lienholder. Some states require the lender's written permission before issuing a duplicate, so call them first to ask what your state requires.
What if I lost my title and do not have the title number?
You do not need the title number. The DMV can look up your vehicle using your VIN and driver's license. If you have the old title number, include it to speed up the search, but it is not required.
Do I need to notarize anything when I request a duplicate title?
Most states do not require notarization for a duplicate title request. Check your state DMV website or call your local office to confirm. If notarization is required, the DMV will tell you which documents need it.
Can someone else pick up my duplicate title for me?
If you ordered online or by mail, the title arrives at your address. If you ordered in person and cannot pick it up yourself, some DMVs allow a family member or authorized representative to collect it with a signed letter from you and a copy of your ID. Call your local DMV office to ask their specific policy.