How to File for a Lost Title
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Apply online for your lost car title if it was issued by Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, or Wisconsin.
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Apply by mail for Texas and all other states in USA using forms listed.
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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. 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. However, many states have express services for an additional cost. What is a lien release?
A lien release is a statement from a lienholder (a bank or interested party) that states the institution no longer has an interest in the collateral, i.e., 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 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.
Double check fees before mailing application. States often change admin and documentation fees.
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.
As soon as the new title is issued, the previous title is voided, and should be returned to the DMV if found.
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How to file for a lost title:
(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.
- Verify the state that issued your lost car title. (a)
- Apply online if available for your issuing state, or mail in a lost title form — notarized if required. (b)
- Include payment of fee to issuing state DMV. (c)
- Include a copy of your driver license and current registration with application. (d)
- Include an original lien release in the application if their was a lienholder (bank) listed on the title record. (e)
- Include a self addressed return envelope.
(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.
Lost Car Title Replacement Guide by State was designed by F&I Tools to assist car dealers with out-of-state buyers who cannot find their titles and request to apply online. Dealer DMV processing authority often does not cross state lines. Dealers can refer clients here to apply for a copy of the trade-in vehicle title to be mailed directly to the dealership.