Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles is the primary source for a car title
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — or its equivalent in your state, sometimes called the Secretary of State's office or Division of Motor Vehicles — holds the official record of vehicle ownership and issues titles. Every state maintains its own title system, so the process and forms differ by location. You cannot get a title from a federal agency or a private company; the state where the vehicle is registered is the only source.
If you own a car outright, the title should already be in your name. If you've recently purchased a vehicle, the dealer or previous owner should have transferred it to you. If you've lost the title, never received it, or need a duplicate, the DMV is where you go to request one.
Key Takeaways
- Your state DMV is the only official source for a car title; each state runs its own system and uses different forms and fees.
- You can request a duplicate title, a corrected title, or a transfer of ownership directly from your DMV in person, by mail, or online depending on your state.
- Most states charge between $10 and $50 for a duplicate title, though the fee varies by state and the type of request.
- If a lender holds the title (a lienholder), you must contact them to release it before you can receive a clean title in your name.
- Processing times range from same-day service at some DMV offices to several weeks by mail, depending on your state and method.
How to find your state DMV's title services
Start by searching "[your state] DMV title" or "[your state] motor vehicle title" in a search engine. This will take you to your state's official DMV website. Look for sections labeled "Duplicate Title," "Replace Title," "Title Services," or "Vehicle Registration." Most state DMV websites have a dedicated page for title requests with downloadable forms and instructions specific to your state.
If you cannot find the information online, call your state DMV's main phone line. The number is usually listed on the DMV website's contact page. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration, and driver's license ready when you call. The DMV staff can tell you exactly what documents you need and whether you can handle the request by mail, online, or in person.
Three ways to request a title: in person, by mail, or online
In-person service is the fastest option at most DMV offices. You bring the required documents (usually your ID, current registration, and a completed title form) to your local DMV office, pay the fee, and receive a duplicate or corrected title on the spot or within a few days. Wait times at DMV offices vary widely; some locations offer same-day service, while others may require an appointment or have long queues.
By-mail service is available in every state. You complete the required form, include copies of your ID and registration, and mail the package to your state DMV along with the fee (usually a check or money order). Processing times range from one to four weeks depending on your state's volume and mail delivery speed. Some states charge an additional fee for mail service.
Online service is now offered by many states. You log into your state DMV's website, enter your vehicle information, upload digital copies of required documents, and pay by credit card. Processing times are often faster than mail — sometimes one to two weeks. Not all states offer online title requests, and some limit it to certain types of requests (like duplicate titles but not corrections). Check your state DMV website to see what is available.
What documents and information you will need
The exact requirements vary by state, but most DMVs ask for the following when you request a duplicate or corrected title: your current vehicle registration, a government-issued photo ID, your VIN, and a completed title request form (provided by the DMV). Some states also require a notarized signature on the form or a statement explaining why you need a duplicate.
If someone else is requesting the title on your behalf, you may need to provide a power of attorney document or a signed letter authorizing them to act for you. If the vehicle has a lienholder (such as a bank or credit union that financed the purchase), you will need to contact the lienholder first to request that they release their claim on the title. The lienholder will send a release document to the DMV, which you may need to include with your request.
Check your state DMV website or call ahead to confirm the exact list of documents required for your specific situation. Submitting incomplete paperwork will delay your request.
Title fees and processing times by method
| Service Method | Typical Fee Range | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| In-person at DMV office | $10–$50 | Same day to 5 business days |
| By mail | $10–$50 plus possible mail fee | 1–4 weeks |
| Online (where available) | $10–$50 | 1–2 weeks |
Fees are set by each state and may differ depending on whether you are requesting a duplicate, a corrected title, or a transfer. Some states charge extra for expedited processing or for mailing the title to you. A few states offer rush service at DMV offices for an additional fee, typically $10 to $25.
What to do if the title has a lienholder's name on it
If you financed your vehicle purchase, the lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. You do not legally own the title until the loan is paid off and the lienholder releases their claim. You cannot transfer ownership or sell the vehicle while a lienholder is listed.
Once you have paid off the loan, contact your lender (the bank, credit union, or finance company) and ask them to release the lien. They will send a lien release document to the DMV, or they may send it to you to submit to the DMV along with a request for a corrected title. The process typically takes one to two weeks after you pay off the loan. Some lenders release the lien electronically, which is faster; others use mail, which takes longer.
After the lien is released, you can request a clean title (one with only your name, no lienholder) from the DMV using the same process described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a title if I bought the car from a private seller and they never gave me the original?
Yes. Contact your state DMV and explain that you purchased the vehicle but did not receive the title. You will need to provide proof of ownership, which usually means a bill of sale signed by the previous owner, your registration in your name, and proof of payment. The DMV will issue a duplicate title in your name. If the previous owner refuses to sign a bill of sale, contact your state DMV for guidance on how to proceed.
How much does a duplicate title cost?
Most states charge between $10 and $50 for a duplicate title. The exact fee depends on your state and whether you request it in person, by mail, or online. Some states charge extra for expedited or rush processing. Check your state DMV website or call to confirm the current fee.
What if I lost my title and need it urgently?
Visit your local DMV office in person if possible; many offer same-day or next-day service for duplicate titles. Some states also offer expedited mail service for an additional fee. Call your DMV ahead of time to ask about rush options and whether you need an appointment. Online service is usually faster than regular mail but slower than in-person service.
Do I need the original title to request a duplicate?
No. If you have lost the original title, that is exactly why you are requesting a duplicate. The DMV will issue a new one based on their records of your ownership. You will need your registration, ID, and VIN, but not the original title document.
Can someone else pick up my title for me?
It depends on your state. Some DMV offices allow a family member or authorized representative to pick up a title on your behalf if you provide a signed letter or power of attorney. Others require the owner to pick it up in person. Call your local DMV office to ask about their policy before you submit your request.