How To Get A Lost Car Title

A car title isn't something you think about very often, but that single piece of paper is extremely important in proving that you legally own your vehicle. Titles are easy to misplace – and it's important to replace a lost title as soon as you realize it's missing. Contrary to popular belief, replacing a lost title is cheap and easy if the car was titled in your name when the document was lost.

Was the title lost in someone else's name? Did a previous owner lose it? Or did you lose the title before getting it transferred to your name? Replacing a lost car title in these circumstances is more complex – but still easier than you might think. Read this article to learn more.

Despise the DMV? Need more paperwork like you need a hole in the head? Let us take care of it for you. At Dirt Legal our streamlined title recovery services will have a new title in your hand in as little as 4 weeks. Bookmark our services now in case you ever need to replace a lost title.

To replace a lost car title:

Complete a lost title application (found on your state's DMV website)
Mail the form(s) with all required documents and fees
Or visit your local DMV and complete these steps onsite

How Does a Car Title Get Lost?

Don't worry, we've all been there! Titles go missing all the time. And whether it was stolen or simply misplaced, it is quick and easy to replace a lost car title.

Which one of these describes you?

My car's title was stolen. What can I do?

A stolen car title is a serious thing. Believe it or not, there is value to having the title to a car even without the car itself. Titles are a commodity on the black market of car thieves and title forgers where a stolen title could allow someone to sell a stolen vehicle to an unsuspecting person with a quick sleight of hand: by passing off your title as their own.

If their victim registers the stolen title in their name, in the eyes of the DMV they now own your car. You might know the truth, but it will still take plenty of time to sort that out in the legal system. You could be looking at months of your time and thousands of dollars lost. Read the linked article below for more details on stolen car titles.

Solution: If your car title was stolen, ordering a replacement through the DMV will void the stolen title. This will prevent the stolen title from ever being registered again.

I lost the title to my car. What can I do?

Imagine you are getting ready to sell your car. You remember exactly where the title is so you don't bother to look for it until the day of the sale. But lo and behold, it isn't there! Did it go missing last week or last year? Maybe it was in that box the movers lost 20 years ago? Maybe the dog ate it? Who knows!

Solution: You've probably heard stories of how difficult replacing a lost title can be, but in most states the process is actually quite simple. Let's go through the steps right after this photo of a massive line at the DMV.

Want to skip the line? Let us do the hard work for you.

Steps to Replace a Car Title You Lost

Paperwork might sound daunting, but as we're about to see, filing for a lost title at the DMV is actually not that bad. The specific requirements vary by state and by vehicle, so be sure to check your state's DMV website or give them a call for specific details. The process will always look something like this:

Complete a lost title application (found on your state's DMV website)
Mail the form(s) with all required documents and fees
Or visit your local DMV and complete these steps onsite

Start by finding your state's DMV website and searching for duplicate title forms. This is easily accomplished by using a search engine to search for the phrase "[your state] duplicate title form" with quotation marks.

Paperwork involves filling out your name, address, driver's license number, and basic vehicle information like the VIN number, license plate, and year, make, and model. Submit by mail to skip that terrible line at the DMV!

Required documents often include a photocopy of your ID and insurance card, proof of paid property taxes, and a passing inspection slip if applicable. A notary stamp is required in some states.

Additional paperwork may be required if the vehicle has an active lien – in other words, if you have a loan on it.

The cost of a person replacing their own lost title is usually less than $50.

Turnaround time to receive a replacement title is usually 6-8 weeks and longer in major cities. The DMV will not hand you a new title onsite!

This cannot be completed online in most states due to the importance and security of a car title.

This process will not let you title a stolen vehicle. It should go without saying, but proof of ownership will be required. You cannot use this process to title a stolen vehicle. The first thing the DMV will do is run the VIN to make sure the car isn't stolen.

Selling a car? Replace the title first.

The world is often an honest place, but car sale sites (like Craigslist and Marketplace) sometimes aren't. After discovering you have lost the title, your first reaction might be to update the ad with "missing title" to let potential buyers know. That's a bad idea! That gives off the impression that you are in a hurry and opens the door for wrongful assumptions to be made.

You will get more interest and more money for your car with a title. Not only that, but it will also be much easier for you to replace the title than a person whose name isn't even on it.

It's best to wait until you replace the title before trying to find a buyer. Announcing the missing title opens the door to confusion and causes buyers to speculate about what happened to it. Not to mention, selling a car without a title is illegal in many states.

Get a new car title as soon as possible

The most important thing is to replace the lost title as quickly as possible. As time goes on, you are more likely to need the title for some reason. Or worse, it may have been stolen and someone could be using it to nefarious ends. Anyone can replace a lost or stolen title quickly and cheaply by following the basic steps outlined in this article.

Skip the line – let us do the hard work for you.

We are a small group of vehicle specialists who are passionate about combating title fraud. In addition to VIN Checks and Vehicle Accident Reports, we can get you a new car title and fresh license plates! Our process is quick, easy, and transparent. Buy now or bookmark for later:

Contact us with any questions. If you lost a title and need help, contact us for a no-obligation chat.