What you need to do to replace a lost title in Washington

To replace a lost car title in Washington, you file a form with the Department of Licensing (DOL) and pay a fee. The process takes about two weeks by mail, or you can walk into a DOL office and get a replacement the same day. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), proof of ownership, and a government-issued ID. Washington does not require you to report the loss to police or publish a notice before requesting a replacement.

The form you submit is called the process for Duplicate Title (form #14-346). You can get it from the DOL website, any DOL office, or by calling the DOL at 360-902-3770. The fee is currently $20.50 for a duplicate title, though fees can change. If you are replacing a title that was lost, stolen, or destroyed, the process is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • File the process for Duplicate Title (form #14-346) with the Department of Licensing, either by mail or in person at a DOL office.
  • You will need your VIN, proof you own the vehicle, and a government-issued ID — a driver's license or passport works.
  • In-person replacement takes one day; by mail it takes about two weeks plus mailing time.
  • The fee is $20.50, and you do not need a police report or published notice to request a replacement in Washington.
  • If your vehicle has a lien (the bank or lender holds the title), you may need the lender's signature on the form.

Proof of ownership documents Washington accepts

Washington accepts several documents as proof that you own the vehicle. The most common is your current vehicle registration, which you likely have in your car or at home. If you do not have the registration, you can use a bill of sale, a previous title (even if it is damaged), an insurance policy showing you as the owner, or a receipt from a dealer or private sale.

If the vehicle was inherited, you will need the death certificate of the previous owner plus a document showing you inherited it — usually a will, probate order, or affidavit of heirship. If you bought the car from someone else and never received a title, bring the bill of sale and your registration together. The DOL staff can tell you on the spot whether what you have is enough, so if you are unsure, bring everything you have.

Replacing a title when there is a lien on the vehicle

If you still owe money on the car — to a bank, credit union, or other lender — that lender's name appears on the title as the lienholder. When you request a duplicate, the new title will show the same lienholder. You do not need the lender's permission to request the duplicate, but some lenders require their signature on the form before the DOL will issue it.

Call your lender before you file and ask whether they need to sign the process for Duplicate Title. If they do, they will usually sign it and mail it back to you, or they may send it directly to the DOL. This step can add one to two weeks to the process. Once the lien is paid off, you can request a lien release from the lender and file a separate form with the DOL to remove their name from the title.

Filing by mail versus in person at a DOL office

If you go to a DOL office in person, you can walk out with a replacement title the same day. You will need to bring the completed process for Duplicate Title, proof of ownership, your government-issued ID, and the $20.50 fee (cash, check, or card). Washington has DOL offices in most counties; you can find the nearest one on the DOL website by entering your zip code.

If you mail your request, send the form, proof of ownership, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the day the DOL receives it, plus mailing time both ways. Mailing is slower but works if you cannot reach an office. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

What to do if the title was stolen, not just lost

If someone stole your title rather than you straightforward misplacing it, the process to replace it is the same — you still file the process for Duplicate Title and pay the $20.50 fee. Washington does not require you to file a police report first, though you may want to for your own records if you are concerned about fraud.

A stolen title is a risk because someone could theoretically use it to sell the vehicle or take out a loan against it. If you suspect the title was stolen and used fraudulently, contact your local police department and the DOL's fraud line at 360-902-3770. The DOL can flag your vehicle record and monitor for suspicious activity. Getting a replacement title quickly is the best protection.

Timeline and what happens after you submit

If you file in person at a DOL office, the replacement title is usually printed while you wait. If you mail your request, the DOL will process it within about two weeks. You will receive the new title by mail at the address on your registration. If you move after you request the title, contact the DOL to update your mailing address so it reaches you.

Once you have the replacement title, keep it in a safe place — a home safe, safety deposit box, or fireproof container. You do not need to carry it in the car. If you sell the vehicle, you will sign the back of the title and give it to the buyer. If you lose this replacement title, you can request another duplicate using the same process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The new title will show the same lender as the lienholder. Some lenders require their signature on the form before the DOL issues it, which can add one to two weeks. Call your lender first to ask what they need.

What if I do not have my vehicle registration?

You can use a bill of sale, insurance policy, dealer receipt, or even a damaged old title as proof of ownership. Bring whatever you have to a DOL office and staff can tell you if it is enough. You do not have to have the registration.

Do I need a police report to replace a lost title?

No. Washington does not require a police report to request a duplicate title. You can file the form and pay the fee without one. If the title was stolen and you suspect fraud, you can file a police report separately for your protection.

How long does it take to get a replacement title by mail?

The DOL processes the request in about two weeks from the day they receive it. Add mailing time on both ends — typically five to seven business days each way. In-person replacement at a DOL office takes one day.

What if my name has changed since the title was issued?

Bring a document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DOL will issue a new title with your current legal name. You may need to update your vehicle registration at the same time.