Car Title Steps
Menu

How do you replace a lost car title at the DMV?

To replace a lost car title, the owner files the state's duplicate title form and pays a fee. Fees differ a lot: among the states we checked, Georgia charges $8, Virginia $15, New York $20, Pennsylvania $72 and Florida $75.25. Find your state's form, fee and office in the table below.

Not a government website. Not legal advice.

Updated ยท Checked to against official state sources

For car owners whose title is lost, stolen or too damaged to use, including sellers who can't find it.

Short answer: The owner applies to the state for a duplicate title, usually with a form and a fee. Fees and forms vary by state: Virginia uses form VSA 67 with a $15 fee.

How much is a duplicate title?

The fee, form and office depend on the state. We cover 47 state lost title guides so far; each row links the official page we checked. We do not show a national average, because fees are set by each state. To compare duplicate and transfer fees, see car title fees by state.

Not confirmed yet: we could not find this on an official page. Being checked: we found it but cannot yet point to the exact line. Check with the source linked in each row. How we check

StateFormFeeWhere to applyTimeSource
AlabamaMVT 12-1 Application for Replacement Title$15 replacement title application feeOnline through the Public Title Portal, or at any Designated AgentNot confirmed yetrevenue.alabama.govsource 2 checked
Alaska809 Application for Duplicate Title (Affidavit of Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed Title)$15 duplicate title feeAny Alaska DMV office, or by mail to the DMV in AnchorageNot confirmed yetdmv.alaska.gov checked
Arkansas10-381 Application for Title or Replacement Title$10 replacement title feeAny State Revenue Office, or by mail if you live out of stateAt least 3 weeksdfa.arkansas.gov checked
CaliforniaREG 227 Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title$28 replacement title feeA DMV office, or by mailUsually 15 to 30 days by maildmv.ca.govsource 2 checked
ColoradoDR 2539A Duplicate Title/Lien Request and Receipt$8.20 duplicate title feeYour county motor vehicle office, or the state Vehicle Services Section by mailNot confirmed yetdmv.colorado.gov checked
ConnecticutH-6B Application for Replacement Certificate of Title$25 duplicate title feeOnline, at a DMV office by appointment, or by mailWithin 20 business days online; up to 90 days by mailportal.ct.gov checked
DelawareMV213 Application for Duplicate Title$50 duplicate title feeBy mail to the DMV in Dover, or at a DMV officeA request within 15 days of the last title gets extra review firstdmv.de.govsource 2 checked
FloridaHSMV 82101 Application for Duplicate or Lost in Transit/Reassignment for a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home or Vessel Title Certificate$75.25 duplicate title (electronic)At a motor vehicle service centerNot confirmed yetflhsmv.govsource 2 checked
GeorgiaForm MV-1 Title/Tag Application$8 replacement title feeYour County Tag OfficeNot confirmed yetdor.georgia.gov checked
HawaiiCS-L(MVR)10 Application for Duplicate Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title$10 duplicate title fee on OahuOn Oahu, a satellite city hall by appointment, or by mail to the Division of Motor Vehicles in HonoluluNot confirmed yethonolulu.gov checked
IdahoITD 3367 Duplicate Idaho Title Application$14 plus a county admin fee duplicate title feeYour county assessor's motor vehicle office, by mail or in personNot confirmed yetitd.idaho.govsource 2 checked
IllinoisSee official page$50 duplicate title feeThe Illinois Secretary of StateNot within 15 days of the original titleilga.govsource 2 checked
IndianaState Form 205 Application for Certificate of Title for a Vehicle$15 duplicate title feeOnline at myBMV, at a BMV branch or kiosk, at a partial service provider, or by mailNot confirmed yetin.gov checked
Iowa411033 Application for Replacement of Iowa Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle$35 replacement title feeA county treasurer's office5 days for a lost title, or the same day if you hand in a damaged originalblackhawkcounty.iowa.gov checked iowacounty.iowa.gov checked
KansasTR-720B Application for Secured/Duplicate/Reissue Title$10 duplicate title feeAny county treasurer's motor vehicle office, or by mail to the Titles and Registrations BureauNot confirmed yetksrevenue.gov checked
KentuckyTC 96-182 Application for Kentucky Certificate of Title or Registration$6 duplicate title fee (plus the notary cost)Your local County Clerk's officeNot confirmed yetdrive.ky.gov checked
LouisianaDPSMV 1799 Vehicle ApplicationSee official pageA local OMV office or a Public Tag AgentNot confirmed yetexpresslane.la.gov checked
MarylandVR-018 Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title$40 duplicate title feeOnline through myMVA, at an MVA branch office, or by mailNot confirmed yetmva.maryland.govsource 2 checked
MassachusettsSee official pageSee official pageThe RMVNot confirmed yetmalegislature.gov checked
MichiganSee official page$10 duplicate title fee plus $1.50 tire disposal surchargeSee official pageNot confirmed yetlegislature.mi.gov checked
MinnesotaSee official page$7.25 duplicate title fee plus feesAny deputy registrar office, or by mail to the Driver and Vehicle ServicesNot confirmed yetdps.mn.gov checked
Mississippi78-006 Application for Replacement Certificate of Title$9 replacement title feeBy mail to the DOR Motor Vehicle Services in JacksonNot confirmed yetdor.ms.govsource 2 checked
MissouriForm 108 Application for Missouri Title and License$8.50 duplicate title fee plus $9 processing feeAny Missouri license office, or by mail to the Motor Vehicle Bureau in Jefferson CityNot confirmed yetdor.mo.gov checked
MontanaMV7 Certificate of Title Replacement Application$10.30 replacement title feeOnline through MVD Online Services, or by mail to the Vehicle Services Bureau in HelenaNot confirmed yetmvdmt.govsource 2 checked
NebraskaApplication for Duplicate Certificate of Title$14 duplicate title feeAny County Treasurer's officeNot confirmed yetdmv.nebraska.gov checked
NevadaVP 012 Application for Duplicate Nevada Certificate of Title$20 duplicate title, mailed in state or $35 duplicate title, mailed out of stateBy mail, or in person at a DMV officeAbout 2 to 3 weeksdmv.nv.gov checked
New JerseyOS/SS-UTA Universal Title Application$60 duplicate title feeA Vehicle Center by appointment; some cases by mailBy mail, 8 to 12 weeksnj.gov checked
New MexicoMVD-10901 Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title$5 duplicate title feeA local MVD field office, or by mail to the MVD in Santa FeNot confirmed yetmvd.newmexico.gov checked
New YorkMV-902 Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title$20 duplicate title feeOnline if your address hasn't changed, at any DMV office, or by mail to the Title BureauProcessed within 72 hours, then mailed to youdmv.ny.gov checked
North CarolinaMVR-4 Application for Duplicate Title$25.50 duplicate certificate of titleBy mail to NCDMV in RaleighA mandatory 15-day wait after NCDMV gets the applicationncdot.govsource 2source 3 checked
North DakotaSFN 61982 Application for Duplicate Credentials$5 duplicate title feeBy mail to the Motor Vehicle Division, 608 E Boulevard Ave, BismarckNot confirmed yetdot.nd.gov checked dot.nd.gov checked
OhioBMV 3774 Application(s) for Certificate of Title to a Motor Vehicle$18 duplicate title fee ($23 in some counties)Any County Clerk of Courts title office in person, or by mail to your county title officeIn person, the title is printed on the spotbmv.ohio.gov checked dam.assets.ohio.gov checked
Oklahoma701-7 Application for Duplicate Title$11 duplicate title feeService Oklahoma on N Classen, a Licensed Operator, or by mailNot confirmed yetoklahoma.gov checked
Oregon735-515 Application for Replacement / Duplicate Title$101 to $192 (by MPG)By mail to the DMV in Salem, or at a DMV officeAbout 1 weekoregon.govsource 2 checked
PennsylvaniaMV-38O Application for Duplicate$72 duplicate title feeBy mail to PennDOTNot until 10 days after the title was processedpa.govsource 2source 3 checked
Rhode IslandTR-2/TR-9 Application for Title$53.50 duplicate title feeThe DMV headquarters in Cranston onlyUp to 90 daysdmv.ri.govsource 2source 3 checked
South Carolina400 Title and/or Registration Application$15 replacement title feeOnline, at an SCDMV branch, or by mailNot confirmed yetdmv.sc.gov checked
South Dakota1002 Duplicate Title Application$10 duplicate title feeYour county treasurer's officeNot confirmed yetdor.sd.govsource 2source 3 checked
TennesseeApplication for Duplicate Title$11 duplicate title feeYour county clerk's office, in person or by mailNot confirmed yetrevenue.support.tn.gov checked
TexasForm VTR-34 Application for a Certified Copy of Title$2 certified copy by mail or $5.45 certified copy in personBy mail to TxDMV, or in person at a TxDMV Regional Service CenterYou must wait 30 days after the last copy was issued before you apply again.txdmv.gov checked
UtahTC-123 Application for Utah Duplicate Title$6 duplicate title feeOnline in the Motor Vehicle Portal, or by mail to the DMV in Salt Lake CityAbout 10 to 14 business daysdmv.utah.govsource 2source 3 checked
VermontVT-004 Replacement Title Application$42 replacement title feeAny Vermont DMV office, by mail to Montpelier, or online if the last title had no lienNot confirmed yetdmv.vermont.govsource 2 checked
VirginiaVSA 67 Application for Replacement and Substitute Titles$15 replacement title feeOnline, or at a DMV customer service centerNot confirmed yetdmv.virginia.govsource 2 checked
WashingtonAffidavit of Loss/Release of Interest$39.50 replacement title fee, mailed in 4 to 6 weeksAt a vehicle licensing office or by mail4 to 6 weeks from a vehicle licensing office; DOL also says it mails titles within 6 to 8 weeksdol.wa.gov checked dol.wa.gov checked
West VirginiaDMV-4-TR Affidavit of Duplicate Title$15 duplicate title feeBy mail to the WV DMV in CharlestonNot confirmed yetdmv.wv.gov checked webapps.transportation.wv.gov checked
WisconsinMV2119 Replacement Title Application$20 replacement title feeOnline, by mail, or in person at a DMV service center7 to 10 business days by mail after you apply onlinewisconsindot.gov checked
WyomingDuplicate Certificate of Title Application and Affidavit$15 duplicate title feeThe county clerk that issued the original titleNot confirmed yetlaramiecountywy.gov checked wyoleg.gov checked wyoleg.gov checked

Who can apply for a replacement title?

The owner on the title can apply. Some states also let an heir, an executor or a lienholder apply. What each state says:

  • California: The registered owner on the DMV's record applies. If your address differs from the DMV's record, apply in person with proof of ownership and your license or ID.dmv.ca.gov checked
  • Georgia: The owner on the title applies. If the title is lost before a sale is finished, the seller gets the replacement and both sign the back again.dor.georgia.gov checked
  • Illinois: The first lienholder, or if there is no loan, the owner or the owner's legal representative.ilga.gov checked
  • Maryland: The owner. If the car is jointly owned, all owners sign.mva.maryland.gov checked
  • Minnesota: The owner, or the owner's legal representative.revisor.mn.gov checked
  • Missouri: The owner applies, with a Missouri address in the owner area of the application.dor.mo.gov checked
  • New Jersey: The owner, with a registration, proof of insurance or a certified registration recordnj.gov checked
  • New York: The owner applies and certifies the last title was lost, destroyed or damaged.dmv.ny.gov checked
  • North Carolina: The registered owner applies. A lienholder can apply alone if it lost the title.ncdot.gov checked
  • Ohio: The owner applies and states the title was lost, stolen or destroyed.dam.assets.ohio.gov checked
  • Pennsylvania: The owner, once any lien is paid off. Lienholders use MV-38L.pa.gov checked
  • Texas: All recorded owners sign the form and give photo ID.txdmv.gov checked
  • Utah: The owner applies and certifies the title was lost, stolen, damaged or made illegible.files.tax.utah.gov checked
  • Virginia: Any one owner. If the owner has died, a legal heir, executor or administrator can sign.dmv.virginia.gov checked
  • Washington: All registered owners sign in front of a notary, or a vehicle licensing agent at the office.dol.wa.gov checked
  • Wisconsin: The owner of the carwisconsindot.gov checked

What if there is a lien on the car?

  • Alaska: If the car still has a loan, the lienholder applies. If the loan is paid, send the lien release.dmv.alaska.gov checked
  • Arkansas: If a lien is still recorded, the lienholder can sign Form 10-315 and the title is mailed to them. If you say the lien was paid, bring the lien release.dfa.arkansas.gov checked
  • California: A notary is needed only if there is a lienholder: section 5 of REG 227 must be notarized then.dmv.ca.gov checked
  • Connecticut: If a lien is listed on the title, send a lien release letter with the form.portal.ct.gov checked
  • Delaware: If the lien is paid, the lienholder fills out the bottom of the MV213. A letter from the lienholder is also accepted.dmv.de.gov checked
  • Georgia: If a paid-off loan still shows on the title record, bring an original Form T-4 release from each lienholder.dor.georgia.gov checked
  • Hawaii: If there is a lien, only the lienholder can ask for a duplicate title.honolulu.gov checked
  • Illinois: If there is a loan on the car, the first lienholder applies, and the duplicate is mailed to them.ilga.gov checked
  • Indiana: A duplicate cannot change owners or liens. To drop a paid-off lien, amend the title instead.in.gov checked
  • Kansas: If a lienholder is on the record, you need a lien release before a duplicate is issued.ksrevenue.gov checked
  • Maryland: If a lien is still listed on the title, the lienholder may need to be involved first.mva.maryland.gov checked
  • Mississippi: If a lienholder was shown on the old title, include a lien release with the application.dor.ms.gov checked
  • Missouri: If the old title shows a loan, include a notarized lien release, or the duplicate will still list the lienholder.dor.mo.gov checked
  • Montana: To remove a paid lien, send the lien release form, Form MV37A, or a release letter from the lender.mvdmt.gov checked
  • Nevada: If there is a loan or lien, the lienholder orders the title once you pay it off, or gives you a lien release to send with your application.dmv.nv.gov checked
  • New Jersey: If the car was financed, add a signed statement from the lien holder that it does not have the original title. A duplicate with a lien is mailed to the lien holder.nj.gov checked
  • New Mexico: If the old title shows a lien, include a release of lien.mvd.newmexico.gov checked
  • New York: If a paid-off loan is still on the record, include the original signed and dated lien release.dmv.ny.gov checked
  • North Carolina: If the old title shows a loan, the duplicate goes to the first lienholder unless you send a lien release.ncdot.gov checked
  • North Dakota: If there is a loan, the first lienholder applies for the duplicate.ndlegis.gov checked
  • Ohio: If the online title search shows no lien cancel date, send the lien release letter too.bmv.ohio.gov checked
  • Rhode Island: If a lien is still on the car, the lienholder applies. If the loan is paid, send the original lien release with the application.dmv.ri.gov checked
  • South Carolina: If there is a lien, the replacement goes to the lienholder.dmv.sc.gov checked
  • Texas: If a lien is recorded, the lienholder applies, or gives you an original release of lien.txdmv.gov checked
  • Utah: A lienholder on the title signs section 4 of TC-123 to release its interest.files.tax.utah.gov checked
  • Vermont: If a loan is still on the title, only the lienholder can apply. If it was paid off, send the lien release with Form VT-004.dmv.vermont.gov checked
  • Virginia: If the car had a lien, show it was paid off, or the replacement goes to the lienholder.dmv.virginia.gov checked
  • Washington: If you are still making payments, the lienholder must apply for the title.dol.wa.gov checked
  • West Virginia: If a lien is still on file, get a release from the lender before a duplicate can be printed.dmv.wv.gov checked
  • Wyoming: If a loan stays on the car, the lienholder signs the form or sends a letter so the lien carries over.laramiecountywy.gov checked

How long does a duplicate title take?

Only some states publish a time. The Time column in the table shows each one we confirmed; for the others, ask the agency when you apply.

Can I sell a car without the title?

A seller signs the title over to the buyer, so replace a lost title before the sale. What the states we checked say:

  • Alabama: Yes. Each owner must have an Alabama title in their name before transferring the car.revenue.alabama.gov checked
  • California: Selling and can't find the title? REG 227 can replace it and transfer it to the buyer at the same time.dmv.ca.gov checked
  • Connecticut: Selling to a Connecticut buyer without the title? Give them a signed H-6B and a Q-1 Supplemental Assignment of Ownership.portal.ct.gov checked
  • Florida: If a paper title is lost, the seller must get a duplicate before selling.flhsmv.gov checked
  • Georgia: Selling and can't find the title? Get the replacement first, then you and the buyer fill in the back again.dor.georgia.gov checked
  • Massachusetts: A buyer who applies with a duplicate title waits at least 15 days for the new title.malegislature.gov checked
  • Mississippi: If the title is missing, get a replacement before you sell the car.dor.ms.gov checked
  • Missouri: Selling and can't find the title? Get a duplicate first: the sale isn't valid without a properly assigned title.dor.mo.gov checked
  • Nebraska: If the title is spoiled by a wrong signature or a change, the seller needs a duplicate before the sale.dmv.nebraska.gov checked
  • Nevada: For a 2011 or newer car you need the paper title to sell. A bill of sale with a duplicate title application is not accepted.dmv.nv.gov checked
  • New York: A title with a mistake, cross-out or change can't be used to sell. Get a duplicate first.dmv.ny.gov checked
  • Oregon: For a 2011 or newer car that needs an odometer disclosure, get a replacement title before you sell.oregon.gov checked
  • Utah: Selling and can't find the title? You can give the buyer a completed TC-123 instead, signed in Part 1 and Part 2.dmv.utah.gov checked
  • Wisconsin: If you lost the title before selling, get a replacement, sign it and give it to the buyer, even if you find the original.wisconsindot.gov checked

A bill of sale does not replace the title. See the car bill of sale rules in every state.

Once you've applied

Common questions

How much is a duplicate title?

It depends on the state. Virginia charges $15 for a replacement title with no changes, and Georgia charges $8 for a replacement title.

dmv.virginia.gov checked dor.georgia.gov checked

Can I replace a car title online?

Some states allow it. In Virginia you can get a replacement title online or at a DMV customer service center. Check the table for where to apply in your state.

dmv.virginia.gov checked

Is a duplicate title the same as a replacement title?

Yes. Both names mean a new title issued to replace one that was lost, stolen or damaged, and each state guide uses the state's own term.

What happens to the old title?

In Virginia, once a replacement title is issued, all earlier titles are invalid. Other states may have their own rule, so check your state's guide.

dmv.virginia.gov checked

Is a duplicate title the same as a certified copy?

In Texas, yes. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) calls it a certified copy of title and uses Form VTR-34.

txdmv.gov checked

Is a paper copy of an electronic title free?

In Virginia it can be. A first paper title for an electronic title is free if no lien ever existed and no paper title was printed before, according to the Virginia DMV.

dmv.virginia.gov checked

Sources for this page