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How to File for a Lost Title
Apply online if issued by DC, Alabama, California, Colorado, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Virginia, or Wisconsin.
Apply by mail for all other states.
How much does it cost to replace my lost title?

From $2 up to $95 depending on your state.

How long does it take to get my lost title back?

Replacement titles arrive in two to six weeks from the date the request is processed and paid.

Many states offer express services for an additional cost.
  How to file for a lost title
  1. Verify the state that issued your lost car title. (a)
  2. Apply online if available for your issuing state, or mail in a lost title form — notarized if required. (b)
  3. Include payment of fee to issuing state DMV. (c)
  4. Include a copy of your driver license and current registration with application. (d)
  5. Include an original lien release in the application if their was a lienholder (bank) listed on the title record. (e)
  6. Include a self addressed return envelope.​
(a)  Duplicate titles must be obtained from the state that issued the current title. Use the free title inquiry button in the tools section if listed, otherwise contact the DMV, or purchase a NMVTIS report which will disclose the current title state and the last title date.

(b)  In tip section: NR = Notary Required

(c)  Please note that some states allow personal checks for mailed applications, but a money order or cashier’s check is recommended by industry insiders because states that accept personal checks often require extra information to be written on the top to comply with guaranty check companies, and will reject non-conforming checks.

(d)  If current registration or driver license is not available, contact DMV for alternate choices.

​(e)  A lien release is a statement of loan paid from the prior lender. Contact lending bank for statement.
I bought my car in Texas but now I live in California.

​How do I apply for a Texas lost car title?
When you register your vehicle in a new state, the DMV will often file a new title as well, and void the previous one.

​​Purchase a NMVTIS report to check if California or Texas issued the current title, and then file for replacement with the issuing state.
​
Double check fees before mailing the application. States often change documentation fees.

As soon as the new title is issued, the previous title is voided, and should be returned to the DMV if found.

Processing fees are non-refundable even if the application is rejected due to clerical errors. ​Call the applicable DMV office if you are unsure about the application process or how to fill out forms.
​
State Cost Form
Ohio $15 BMV 3774
      NR
Oklahoma $12.50 701 7
NR
Oregon $93 735 515
Pennsylvania $55 MV 380
NR
Rhode Island $52.50 TR 2 TR 9
NR
South Carolina $15 Form 400 D
South Dakota $10 MV 010
      NR
Tennessee $11 RV F 1321801
Submit to issuing County Clerk Office
Texas $2 file by mail

$5.45 in person		 VTR 34
Texas Lost Title Hotline: (888) 368-4689
Utah $6 TC 123
Vermont $35 VT 004
Virginia $15 at DMV or mail

$14 to file online		 VSA 67
Washington $35.50 TD 420 040
NR
West Virginia $15 DMV 4 TR
Wisconsin $20 MV2119
   
Wyoming $15 Varies by County
Forms list:
Albany     Big Horn     Campbell     Carbon     Converse     Crook     Fremont     Goshen     Hot Springs     Johnson     Laramie     Lincoln     Natrona     Niobrara     Park     Platte     Sheridan     Sublette     Sweetwater     Teton     Uinta     Washakie     Weston
County Clerk Mailing List       Notary requirement stamp in purple
What is a lien release?

A lien release is a document from a bank that states the institution no longer has an interest in the collateral.

It's a statement that your car note has been paid.
If you paid off your loan and never received your title, then contact the bank before applying for a replacement car title because the bank may be able to file for the title.
If there are multiple owners with names connected by “and” then all parties must sign the application, if names are connected by “or” then either party may sign. If there is no conjunction then all parties must sign.
​
Submit the application using the exact name and address as documented on the present title and registration.

​If you add your middle name when it wasn’t originally there, or add an apartment number to your address, then the DMV may require a name change statement or change of address prior to issuing the title.
​
Lost Car Title Replacement Guide by State was designed to assist out-of-state owners who cannot find their titles and want to apply online.

​DMV processing authority often does not cross state lines. Owners can refer to this data to learn how to apply for a copy of their vehicle title to be mailed to their current location.
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