Your state's DMV or equivalent agency holds the official record of your car title and issues replacements

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state is the single source for getting a car title — whether you need an original, a duplicate, or a corrected version. Every state has one, though some call it by a different name: the Secretary of State's office, the Department of Transportation, or the Motor Vehicle Administration. When you buy a car, the dealership files paperwork with your state's DMV, and that agency creates and mails the title to you. If you have lost it, need another copy, or the title has an error, you go back to that same agency.

You cannot get a title from a bank, a dealership, an insurance company, or an online service. Those organizations may help you understand what you need or direct you to the right DMV office, but only your state's DMV can issue the actual document. The title is a legal record of ownership, so it must come from the government body that maintains vehicle records for your state.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state's DMV directly — by phone, website, or in person — to request a duplicate or corrected title.
  • You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration, and proof of identity; requirements vary slightly by state.
  • Most states charge a fee between $10 and $30 for a duplicate title, and processing takes one to four weeks by mail.
  • If you are buying a used car and the seller has not received the title yet, contact the DMV to confirm the title is in transit rather than lost.
  • Some states offer expedited processing or in-person same-day service at certain DMV locations for an additional fee.

How to find your state's DMV and request a title

Start by searching "[your state] DMV" or "[your state] motor vehicle department" in a web browser. The official state website will have a section for title requests, duplicate titles, or vehicle records. Most DMVs now let you request a duplicate title online, by mail, or in person at a local office.

When you contact the DMV, have your vehicle identification number (VIN) ready — it appears on your registration, insurance card, or the dashboard of the car. You will also need your current registration and a form of government-issued photo ID. Some states ask for additional documents, such as proof of residency or a bill of sale if the title was never issued to you in the first place.

If you do not know which DMV office to contact, call your state's main DMV phone line. The representative can tell you whether to go in person, mail a request, or use the online system. They can also tell you the current processing time — this varies by state and by how busy the office is.

What documents you will need to bring or send

The exact list depends on your state and your situation, but most DMVs require the following:

  • Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • Your current vehicle registration
  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • A completed title request form (the DMV provides this)
  • Payment for the fee (usually $10 to $30, though some states charge more)

If you are requesting a title for a vehicle you recently bought and the title has not arrived yet, you may need to provide a bill of sale or the purchase agreement instead of a current registration. If the title has an error — a misspelled name, wrong VIN, or incorrect lien holder — you will need to submit the old title along with a form requesting the correction.

Some states require you to notarize certain forms or have a witness sign them. Check your state's DMV website before you prepare your documents so you do not have to resubmit.

Processing time and fees

A duplicate or corrected title typically takes one to four weeks to arrive by mail, depending on your state and current DMV workload. Some states offer expedited processing — usually one to two weeks — for an additional fee of $5 to $15. A few states have walk-in service at certain DMV locations where you can receive a title the same day, though this may cost extra and require you to wait in line.

The base fee for a duplicate title ranges from $10 to $30 in most states. Corrections to an existing title may cost the same or slightly less. Expedited or same-day service adds to this cost. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you submit your request, since fees change occasionally.

If you are buying a used car and the title has not arrived

When you buy a used car from a private seller or a dealership, the seller is responsible for transferring the title to you. This process usually takes one to three weeks. During that time, you can drive the car on a bill of sale or temporary registration, but you do not yet own it legally.

If more than three weeks have passed and you have not received the title, contact your state's DMV and provide your VIN and the seller's name. The DMV can tell you whether the title transfer was filed and where it is in the process. If the seller never filed the paperwork, you will need to contact them and ask them to do so when ready. If the seller is unresponsive, some states allow you to file a complaint with the DMV or the state attorney general's office.

What to do if your title has a lien on it

A lien is a legal claim on your car held by a lender — usually a bank or credit union that financed your purchase. The lien holder's name appears on the title. You cannot sell the car or transfer ownership until the lien is removed.

To remove a lien, you must pay off the loan in full. Once you do, contact your lender and ask them to release the lien. The lender will send a lien release form to you and to the DMV. You then submit this form to your state's DMV along with your current title, and the DMV will issue a new title without the lien. This process usually takes one to two weeks.

Do not try to sell a car with a lien on the title. The buyer cannot legally own it, and you remain responsible for the loan. If you are having trouble paying off the loan, contact your lender about your options before you attempt to sell.

Titles for vehicles with no registration history

If you own a car that was never registered in your state — for example, you inherited it or received it as a gift — you will need to obtain a title before you can register it. The process varies by state, but generally you will need to provide a bill of sale, proof of ownership (such as a will or gift letter), and proof of identity.

Some states issue a new title when ready. Others require an inspection of the vehicle to confirm the VIN matches the paperwork. Contact your state's DMV and describe your situation; they will tell you what documents to bring and whether an inspection is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The title will show the lender's name as the lien holder. You own the car, but the lender has a legal claim on it until you pay off the loan. You can drive it, insure it, and register it, but you cannot sell it without the lender's permission and a lien release.

What if I lost my title and do not have my VIN?

Your VIN appears on your vehicle registration, insurance card, or the dashboard of the car (usually on the driver's side, visible through the windshield). If you have none of these, call your state's DMV with your name and address, and they can look up your VIN in their records.

Can I get a title online?

Many states let you request a duplicate title through their DMV website. You fill out a form, upload a photo of your ID and registration, and pay the fee by credit card. The title is then mailed to you. A few states also offer electronic titles that you can view online instead of receiving a paper document.

How much does a duplicate title cost?

Most states charge $10 to $30 for a duplicate title. Some charge less, and a few charge more. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee. Expedited or same-day service costs extra.

What if the title has the wrong name or information on it?

Contact your state's DMV and request a corrected title. You will need to submit the old title, a completed correction form, proof of the correct information (such as a marriage certificate if your name changed), and the fee. Processing usually takes one to three weeks.