What you need to do to get a new car title
A new title is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency — it may be called the Secretary of State, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or Division of Motor Vehicles depending on where you live). You request it in person, by mail, or online through your state's DMV website. The process takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and whether you submit documents by mail or in person.
You will need to bring or mail specific documents: your current title (if you have one), a government-issued photo ID, and proof of ownership or residency. Some states also require a completed process form, which you can read from the DMV website or pick up at an office. The fee varies by state — typically between $10 and $50 — and is paid when you submit your request.
The new title arrives by mail at the address you provide. Some states offer a temporary title or receipt you can use while waiting for the permanent one. If you need the title urgently for a sale or loan, ask the DMV whether they offer expedited processing or in-person same-day service.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly — by phone, website, or in person — to find out exactly which documents and forms your state requires.
- You will need your current title, a photo ID, and proof of ownership or residency; some states add additional requirements.
- The fee is typically $10 to $50 and varies by state; payment is made when you submit your request.
- Processing time ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and submission method; ask about expedited options if you need it sooner.
- The new title is mailed to the address you provide, and some states issue a temporary title you can use in the meantime.
Reasons you might need a new title
A new title is issued when the original is lost, damaged, or worn. If your title is illegible, torn, or water-damaged, a replacement is straightforward — you submit the damaged title along with your request and a small fee.
You also need a new title if there is a change in ownership that was not recorded on the original — for example, if you inherited the car and the title still shows the previous owner's name, or if you bought the car from a private seller and the title was never transferred to you. In these cases, you will need additional documents proving the change in ownership, such as a bill of sale, court order, or inheritance paperwork.
If the title has a lien on it (meaning a lender or creditor has a claim on the vehicle), you cannot get a clean title until that lien is paid off and released. Contact the lienholder to request a lien release, then submit that release document to the DMV along with your title request.
Documents you will need to bring or mail
Start by checking your state's DMV website for the exact list, because requirements vary. Most states require your current title, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of residency or ownership. Proof of residency is usually a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement in your name.
If you do not have the original title, bring a bill of sale, purchase receipt, or other document showing you own the vehicle. If the title is in someone else's name, bring a court order, inheritance document, or signed transfer form from that person. Some states require a completed process form — read it from the DMV website or ask for one at an office.
If the car has a lien, bring the lien release document from the lienholder. If the title is damaged, bring the damaged title itself. Keep copies of everything you submit for your own records.
How to submit your request
Most states offer three ways to request a new title: online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online is fastest if your state offers it — you upload documents, pay the fee by credit card, and receive confirmation when ready. Processing time is usually three to seven business days.
By mail, you print the process form from the DMV website, gather your documents, and send them with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and what you are requesting. Mail processing takes longer — typically two to four weeks — because of postal delays and office workload. Send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery.
In person at a DMV office is the most reliable if you need the title quickly. Bring all original documents, the completed form, and payment. Some offices issue a temporary receipt or temporary title on the spot while the permanent title is printed and mailed. Call ahead to confirm office hours and whether you need an appointment.
What happens after you submit
The DMV processes your request and mails the new title to the address you provided. You will receive it in a standard envelope — it is a single sheet of paper, usually 8.5 by 11 inches, with your name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the make and model, and the current owner's name printed on it.
If you submitted online or in person, you may receive an email or text confirmation with a tracking number or expected delivery date. If you submitted by mail, you will not hear anything until the title arrives — this is normal. If more than four weeks have passed and you have not received it, contact the DMV to check the status.
Once the title arrives, check it for errors. If the VIN, owner name, or any other detail is wrong, contact the DMV when ready with the corrected information. Do not sign the title until you are ready to sell or transfer the vehicle to someone else.
Special situations: liens, inheritance, and transfers
If the car has a lien, the title will show the lienholder's name. You cannot get a clean title (one with no lien) until the loan or debt is paid in full and the lienholder releases the lien in writing. Request the lien release from your lender or creditor, then submit it to the DMV along with your title request. The new title will show no lienholder.
If you inherited the car, bring the death certificate and the will or court order showing you are the heir. Some states require a notarized affidavit or inheritance paperwork from the probate court. The new title will be issued in your name only.
If you bought the car from a private seller and the title was never transferred to you, bring the bill of sale signed by the previous owner and your proof of residency. The new title will show you as the owner. If the previous owner refuses to sign or cannot be located, contact your state's DMV for guidance — some states allow a title transfer without the seller's signature if you can show proof of purchase.
Fees and processing times by submission method
| Submission Method | Typical Fee | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (if available) | $10–$50 | 3–7 business days | Speed and convenience |
| By mail | $10–$50 | 2–4 weeks | When you cannot visit an office |
| In person at DMV office | $10–$50 | Same day to 1 week | When you need it quickly or have questions |
Fees are set by your state and do not vary by submission method. Some states charge extra for expedited processing or a temporary title. Call your DMV or check the website to confirm the exact fee for your state and situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a new title if I lost the original and do not have any paperwork?
You will need some proof that you own the car. If you have the registration, insurance documents, or a bill of sale, bring those. If you have nothing, contact your DMV — some states allow you to file an affidavit stating you own the vehicle, and the DMV will investigate before issuing a new title. This takes longer but is possible.
How long does it take to get a new title in the mail?
It depends on your state and submission method. Online submissions typically take 3 to 7 business days. Mail submissions take 2 to 4 weeks. In-person submissions can be same-day or up to one week. Check your state's DMV website for the specific timeline, or call the office where you submitted your request.
What if my name changed since the title was issued?
Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change, along with your current photo ID. Submit these with your title request. The new title will show your current legal name. Some states issue this as a replacement title; others call it a corrected title.
Do I need the original title to get a new one?
If you have it, bring it — it makes the process faster. If you lost it, you can still get a new title by bringing other proof of ownership like a bill of sale, registration, or insurance documents. The DMV will verify ownership before issuing a replacement.
Can I use a temporary title while I wait for the permanent one?
Some states issue a temporary title or receipt at the DMV office or by mail. Check with your state's DMV — if they offer one, ask for it when you submit your request. A temporary title is usually valid for 30 to 60 days and can be used to register the vehicle or prove ownership while the permanent title is being printed.