How Do You Get a Copy of Your Car Title?

If you don’t already know, car titles are very important. They are what determines who owns the car.

The thing with car titles is that they are legal documents. Because of this, you must go to your state or city’s DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) if want to do anything with it.

If your car title is damaged, lost, or stolen, this could wreak havoc on your both financially and emotionally. Car titles are needed to transfer ownership of the vehicle and if you don’t have it, you are out of luck if you try to sell your car.

Replacement Car Title

Because title loan companies require you to hand over the title loan as collateral when taking out a title loan, it is important that you must come up with it if you want any type of financing.

The good news is that duplicating your original car title really isn’t that hard. To obtain a duplicate car title, you must contact your local DMV to see what all is required in the process.

Lost Car Title: DMV

Normally, the DMV will have you bring a few special documents and have you pay a small fee for the replacement car title. The steps of obtaining this replacement car title may vary state by state but the overall process will be pretty much the same throughout the country.

In obtaining the car title, you must first fill out an application form presented by the DMV. This can either be found online or in person at the physical location. Your local DMV will have specific directions on their website.

After you have fully filled out the application, you can send it in. Keep in mind that some documents may need to be mailed in depending on the state you live in. Some states will also have you apply for this process online.

What to Include in Your Application

While filling out the application, you will need to provide your 17 character vehicle identification number (VIN) and your name along with your address. Some facts about your car may be needed such as the make, model, year, miles on the odometer, and its color.

As far as documentation is concerned, you will need a lienholders signature that the car is fully paid off. You will also need current and valid state driver’s license as well as your vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

In general, it is best to call and contact your local DMV to see the documents that you really need. If your car title is in any way damaged, it will need to be surrendered.

How Much Does it Cost for a Replacement?

There is typically a fee in getting this duplicated car title. This fee can range anywhere from $4 to $95 depending on the state that you live in. You might even have to pay some extra fees on top of that depending on the state you are in.

Like I said earlier, it is best to contact your local DMV to see how much all of these costs will add up to.

What Payment Methods are Accepted?

Make sure that you find out what payment methods are accepted as well. In the end, the DMV will either be able to print you out a new car title right there on the spot or you will need to have it mailed to you.

This mailing process can take anywhere from four days to four weeks. You can pay an extra fee to get it to you faster. All in all, contact your local DMV if you have any questions on the overall process.