The Missouri Department of Revenue handles lost title replacements, and you can request one by mail, in person, or online through their system

When you lose your car's title in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the only office that can issue a replacement. You have three ways to request one: mail a form to their Jefferson City office, visit a local license office in person, or use their online system if you have a Missouri driver's license and the vehicle is registered to you. The fastest route is usually online or in person, since mail can take two to three weeks one way.

Before you start, gather the vehicle identification number (VIN) from your registration documents, insurance card, or the dashboard of the car itself. You will also need proof of identity — a Missouri driver's license, passport, or state ID. If someone else's name is on the title with yours, both owners must request the replacement together, either in person or by signing the form.

Key Takeaways

  • The Missouri DMV issues replacement titles through their online portal, by mail to their Jefferson City office, or at any local license office.
  • You need your vehicle identification number (VIN), proof of identity, and the title fee, which is currently $6.50 for a duplicate title.
  • Online requests take about one week; in-person service is usually same-day or next-day; mail requests take two to three weeks each direction.
  • If the title is held by a lienholder (such as a bank), you must contact them first to request they release or send you a copy.
  • Missouri does not require you to report a lost title to police, but some insurance companies ask for a police report if theft is suspected.

Requesting a replacement title online through the Missouri DMV portal

The Missouri DMV's online system is the fastest option if you have a valid Missouri driver's license and the vehicle is registered in your name. Go to the Missouri Secretary of State's website and navigate to the Motor Vehicle Services section. You will create or log into your account, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and then search for your vehicle by VIN or license plate number.

Once you locate the vehicle record, select "Request a Duplicate Title" and pay the $6.50 fee using a credit or debit card. The system will confirm your request when ready. Your replacement title will be mailed to the address on file with the DMV within about one week. If the address is incorrect, update it in your account before submitting the request, or call the DMV at 573-526-2407 to have it corrected.

If the vehicle has a lienholder listed on the title (a bank, credit union, or finance company), the online system will flag this. You cannot complete the request online in that case — you must contact the lienholder directly and ask them to either release the title to you or submit a request on your behalf.

explore in person at a Missouri license office

Any Missouri license office can process a duplicate title request while you wait. Find the office nearest you on the Missouri Secretary of State website, check their hours, and bring your proof of identity and the $6.50 fee. You do not need to bring the VIN if you have your vehicle registration card, since the staff can look it up.

At the office, ask for Form DOR 108 (process for Duplicate Title) or tell the staff you need a duplicate title. Fill out the form with your name, address, and vehicle information. If the title is held by a lienholder, bring written permission from them or contact them before you visit — the office cannot issue a title with an active lien without the lienholder's consent.

Processing time varies by office. Some locations issue the title the same day; others mail it within one to two business days. Ask the staff which applies at your location before you leave. If you need the title urgently, call ahead to confirm they can print it on-site.

Mailing a request to the Missouri DMV

If you prefer to mail your request, send Form DOR 108 to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau, P.O. Box 100, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Include a copy of your proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a check or money order for $6.50 made payable to "Missouri Department of Revenue," and a note with your current mailing address.

Write your VIN clearly on the form and on the envelope. The DMV processes mail requests in the order received. Expect the replacement title to arrive two to three weeks after they receive your letter. To track your request, call 573-526-2407 and provide your driver's license number.

If the vehicle has a lienholder, include a letter from the lienholder authorizing the duplicate title, or contact them separately to request they submit their own authorization to the DMV. Without this, your request will be delayed.

What to do if a lienholder holds the title

If you financed the vehicle, the title is likely held by your bank, credit union, or finance company as security for the loan. You cannot obtain a replacement title without their involvement. Contact the lienholder's customer service department and explain that you have lost your copy of the title. Ask them to either mail you a duplicate or submit a request to the Missouri DMV on your behalf.

Some lienholders keep digital copies and can email or mail you one within a few days. Others require you to submit a written request and may charge a small fee (usually $5 to $15). A few will submit the request directly to the DMV, which can speed up the process. Ask which option they offer and what documents they need from you.

Once the lienholder releases or requests the duplicate, follow the same process as above — online, in person, or by mail — but note that the replacement title will show the lienholder's name and address. This is normal and does not affect your ownership or ability to drive the car.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a duplicate title in Missouri is $6.50. Online requests accept credit and debit cards. In-person requests accept cash, check, or card, depending on the license office. Mail requests require a check or money order.

Some license offices may charge a small additional fee if they print the title on-site rather than mailing it, but this is rare. Call ahead to confirm the total cost at your location. There are no refunds if you change your mind after submitting the request.

What happens if the title was stolen rather than lost

If you believe the title was stolen rather than straightforward misplaced, you can report it to your local police department. A police report is not required by Missouri law to obtain a replacement title, but some insurance companies ask for one if theft is suspected, particularly if you later file a claim related to the vehicle.

The replacement process is the same whether the title was lost or stolen. The Missouri DMV does not distinguish between the two. If you file a police report, keep a copy for your records and provide it to your insurance company if they request it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement title in Missouri?

Online requests take about one week by mail. In-person requests at a license office may be same-day or next-day, depending on the office. Mail requests take two to three weeks after the DMV receives your letter. Call 573-526-2407 to check on your specific request.

Can I drive my car while waiting for the replacement title?

Yes. Your vehicle registration and insurance are separate from the title. As long as your registration is current and you have proof of insurance, you can drive legally. The title is a document of ownership, not a driving document.

What if I do not know my vehicle identification number?

Your VIN appears on your vehicle registration card, insurance documents, and on the dashboard of the car (visible through the windshield on the driver's side). If you have none of these, visit a license office with your proof of identity and the staff can look up your vehicle by name and address.

Do I need the original title to request a duplicate?

No. The whole point of a duplicate title is that you have lost the original. The Missouri DMV will issue a replacement based on their records of the vehicle registration.

What if the address on my registration is wrong?

Update your address with the DMV before requesting the duplicate title. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a license office. The replacement title will be mailed to your current address on file.