How to Get a Copy of a Title

Learn how to get a copy of a title by using this step by step guide. When your original vehicle title is lost, stolen, destroyed, or illegible, you need to apply for a duplicate title through the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state.

Instructions

1

Get a copy of a title by calling or visiting an office of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state.

If you are within driving distance of a DMV office, visit the DMV and tell them you need a duplicate title. Depending on the state, a duplicate certificate of title usually costs around $35 and is mailed to you within a week. Rush service is available for an additional fee.

If it is not practical to visit the DMV in person, continue on.

2

Visit your State's DMV website.

If you are not able to visit a DMV office in person, call the DMV and ask where you can find the Application for Duplicate Title Form online, usually on the State's Department of Motor Vehicles website in the forms and applications section.

3

Fill out and mail in the application

Remember to double check the application for accuracy. The Application for Duplicate Title will usually tell you where to send the application and how much and who to make the check payable to. If this information is not on the form, call the DMV to clarify.