How to Replace a Lost Car Title

What Is a Car Title?

A car title is a document issued by your state's department of motor vehicles (DMV) that states you are the legal owner of a vehicle. It includes some information about you, including your name, address and driver's license number. It also includes information about your vehicle, such as its make, model, year, vehicle identification number (VIN) and more. The car title shows the date it was issued and includes signatures from you, the seller and the lienholder, if you have a loan. Car titles can also show special brands, like salvage or rebuilt, depending on the vehicle's history. This document is important because it gives you the right to sell the vehicle, register it, transfer ownership and handle other transactions.

How to Replace a Lost Title for a Car

The process to replace a lost or damaged car title is pretty straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility

Check with your local DMV office or website to make sure you're eligible to replace your car title. How you proceed may depend on your situation.

• If you own your car outright: You should be able to get a replacement copy by filling out the application. You'll likely need to show proof of ownership, such as your vehicle registration or bill of sale. Check with your DMV for your state's specific requirements.
• If the car is financed: You can usually replace your title if the title is in your name, but if you're still making payments on the vehicle, you may need to provide your lender's information. Depending on your state's requirements, a lender signature may be needed to get a new copy of the car title.
• If you bought the car from an individual seller and the title disappeared before you could complete the transfer: In that case, the previous owner may need to request the replacement title since the vehicle is still in their name. Otherwise, ask your DMV what options you have, which may include a bonded title.

Learn more: Buying a Car Without a Title: What You Should Know

2. Find Your State's DMV Title Replacement Form

You can usually apply for a replacement title at your local DMV office, online or through the mail. Applying online may be the fastest route, which you can do if all the information on the car title is current. But if your name or address needs updating, your state may require a notarized application to verify your identity.The process is fairly straightforward, but you'll need some specific information to apply. In many states, you can apply for a replacement title online, by mail or in person.

3. Gather the Required Information

The application process is fairly straightforward, but gathering the following information will help it go more smoothly.

• The car's model, make and year: You can find this information on your vehicle registration, proof of insurance card or the sticker inside your driver's side door frame.
• Vehicle identification number: Look for the 17-digit VIN on the driver's side dashboard near the windshield, or on a sticker inside the driver's door frame.
• License plate number and state: Grab from your car registration or the plate itself
• Current odometer mileage: Record the exact mileage shown on your odometer.
• Proof of ownership: You'll need the vehicle registration or a bill of sale that shows you own the car.
• Lender details: Lienholder's name and contact information. Check if your state requires your lender to sign a title release form before a replacement title can be issued.
• Driver's license: You may be asked to confirm your identity through a government-issued driver's license or identification card.
• Car title fee: Title fees can range from $20 to $80, depending on your state.

4. Complete and Submit the Application

Once you have all the necessary information, fill out the application and sign it as the vehicle's legal owner. Get the application notarized or include proof of identity if your state requires it.

Finally, submit your application online, by mail or in person and pay the required fee based on your state's title requirements.

5. Wait for the Replacement Title

Now all that's left to do is wait for the title to arrive in the mail, which usually takes two to six weeks. If your state offers it, you may be able to get a replacement title the same day for a fee.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Title?

The cost to replace a lost car title varies by state, but generally runs from $20 to $80. Check with your state DMV's website for the exact cost. As mentioned, you'll need to fill out the appropriate form with your state's DMV and wait for the title in the mail.

What if the Car Title Isn't in My Name?

If the title isn't in your name, you may still be able to get a replacement title, but the steps you take will depend on your situation. Here are a few common scenarios and how you might proceed to get a replacement car title.

What to Do if You Bought the Car But Never Transferred the Title

If you bought the car but never transferred the title to your name, contact the previous owner and ask them to request a replacement title. The DMV will issue a replacement title in their name, since it's their name on the title. They can then sign it over to you.

What to Do if the Title Owner Is Uncooperative

If the person listed on the title will not help, your next step is to contact your state DMV, explain your situation and ask for your best options.

You may still be able to apply for a bonded title if the owner is unavailable or uncooperative. You may be able to get a bonded title by purchasing a surety bond for the vehicle's estimated value. The bonds act as protection in case someone later claims they own the vehicle. After a waiting period, typically three years, you can request a clean title in your name.

What to Do if the Title Owner Is Deceased

If the owner listed on the title has died, you'll typically need to go through probate before the DMV can issue a title in your name. If you are inheriting the car, you can often apply using the old title, the death certificate and proof that you've inherited the vehicle.

If the title is missing, you may need proof you are the beneficiary by supplying a death certificate, a probate-issued inheritance letter, your ID and other supporting documentation.

Learn more: What Happens to a Car Loan When Someone Dies?

How to Keep Your Car Title Safe

Follow these tips to avoid complications with your car title by securing it safely.

• Never keep the title in the glove box. Don't store the title to your car in its glove compartment because a car thief could use it to get a car title loan in your name or sell the vehicle to someone else.
• Store it in a secure place. Consider storing your title in a fireproof safe in your home to protect it from damage. You could also use a safe deposit box at your bank or a fire-resistant document bag.
• Keep a digital backup. For convenience, you could always scan both sides of your title to your laptop or computer.

Tip: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advises you to take the additional steps to encrypt any drive storing sensitive information and back it up to a secure external hard drive or a vetted cloud platform.

The Bottom Line

If you lose your title or it's too damaged for use, all is not lost. Most of the time, it's relatively easy to get a replacement title through your DMV. Refer to the steps above to get this important document and work through other common title issues.

One way to prevent title issues with your next vehicle is to run an AutoCheck vehicle history report through Experian before you buy. It flags salvage titles, odometer fraud, outstanding liens and other title or damage problems so you can avoid unnecessary hassles down the road.