How To Replace a Lost Automobile Title

Losing your vehicle title can be a stressful and frustrating experience.  It is especially stressful if you are trying to sell your vehicle and need to transfer the title to a new owner.  The process of replacing a lost title is not difficult to accomplish, however.  It can be completed in a few easy steps.

1. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicle office.  Some offices do not handle title replacements.  If this is the case, your local DMV will direct you to an office that does. 


2. Complete and submit the necessary paperwork.  Procedures vary by state, so ask what forms are required to obtain a replacement title.  Also, ask how these forms should be turned in, whether it be in person, online, or by mail or fax.  If your original title shows a lienholder, inquire as to whether you will be required to provide a lien release form in order to get a new title.  In some states, you will be required to have the vehicle replacement forms notarized before turning them in.  If this is the case, you can find notary services at most UPS stores and banks. 


3. Pay the required fee.  Title replacement fees vary by state, as well as by make and model of vehicle.  Your DMV office can provide you with an exact quote as to what the fee will be when you first contact them.  Be prepared to pay the fee when you submit your paperwork.  Most offices take cash, check or credit card, but you may want to double check what forms of payment are accepted by your specific DMV office. 


4. Wait the allocated amount of time to receive your replacement title.  As with most government offices, the DMV takes time to process paperwork.  In most cases, your replacement title will be mailed directly to your house after a given time period. The process takes approximately 6 weeks.  If you would like to check on the status of your title request, you can call your local DMV office or check the progress online.