If a car title was lost by a previous owner, it’s best to ask that owner to file for a replacement. Doing it yourself can be difficult. Even if you have proof of legal ownership, the DMV prefers to issue a replacement title only for the current registered owner. In most cases it is possible to replace a lost or missing car title by presenting sufficient proof of ownership to your local DMV. You can also replace a missing title that somebody else lost.
Do any of these sound like you?
Did you lose the title to your car?
Do you own a car that you have never had a title for?
Are you buying a car that the seller has lost the title for?
Check out the following sections to see which solution works best for you.
Want to skip the DMV line? We’ll take care of it. At Dirt Legal our streamlined title recovery services are quick and affordable. All you need is proof of ownership – you’ll 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.
How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Car Title
You could come across a lost title in many ways. Perhaps the previous owner lost the title to a car you already own, and you’ve never had one. Perhaps you’re looking to buy a car and its current owner lost the title. If you’re the one that lost the title, it’s simple to replace it – and you should do that as soon as possible. Which of the following scenarios describes you?
I’m buying a car without a title.
First off, in most states it’s illegal to sell a car without a title. It’s not like Uncle Sam is looking over your shoulder or anything, just don’t expect much help from the government when you try to get a title and you aren’t the person who lost it.
Solution 1: Do it yourself. Buying a car without a title is different from the usual car-buying process – you’ll want to take extra caution all around. Run the VIN number before the sale takes place. Gather as many facts as possible about what happened to the lost title, then collect the seller’s personal information for use later on.
To file for the lost title yourself you’ll need multiple bills of sale: one for each time the car traded hands without a title. This proves you legally own the car. If you’re lucky you only need two, since in-between owners will be difficult to track down. Take those documents to the DMV along with completed state-specific paperwork for a duplicate title. Explain the situation and fill out additional paperwork as needed.
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Solution 2: Have the owner do it. It’s much easier to have the seller replace the lost title themselves. This saves you from getting involved and protects you from scammers who might take advantage of you. The process of replacing a lost title is outlined later in this article. Explain it to the seller and let them do the work. You might think, “I’ll just buy the car now, and ask the seller to mail me the new title when it comes in!” That’s great in concept, but it opens the door wide for scammers.
The last car title was stolen.
Car thieves and title forgers can’t wait to get their hands on good car titles. If you or the seller suspect that the lost title may have been stolen, this should be dealt with immediately or there could be unforeseen consequences down the road. Luckily, replacing a stolen title is easy as pie – but the seller should do it themselves.
Solution: If your car title was stolen, your local DMV will be able to guide you through replacing the lost title.
I bought a car without a title but the previous owner is long gone.
We see this all the time. It’s not uncommon to buy a car with a lost title, especially if you collect vintage cars. You may have heard stories about tracking down previous owners using VIN data, asking the DMV for the last owner’s name, or simply knocking on doors until you find the last owner.
Solution: Each state handles title replacement differently. Approach the DMV and ask what paperwork you need to proceed. As long as you have bills of sale connecting you to the last registered owner, chances are you’re good to go.
How to Replace a Car Title Lost by a Previous Owner
It will be much more difficult to obtain a title when you aren’t the one who lost it. Some states refuse to replace lost car titles for anyone but the last registered owner, so check your state’s regulations before proceeding. In general the process will look like this:
Complete paperwork for a duplicate title (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
Begin by searching for duplicate title forms on your state’s DMV website. It can be quicker to use Google or another search engine to search for the phrase “[your state] duplicate title form.” You will need the following information:
Proof of ownership will be required. A series of bills of sale connecting you to the last registered owner will usually suffice.
Required documents may include photocopies of your insurance card and government ID, a property tax receipt, and a valid inspection slip. Some states require a notary stamp on these papers. You will also need vehicle information like the VIN number, license plate, and year, make, and model. To skip the hassle of the DMV, submit your paperwork by mail.
Active loans and other issues may prolong the process. Uncover them using a VIN Check and a Vehicle Accident Report.
The cost of replacing a missing car title is usually less than $50 though the exact amount varies by state.
Turnaround time to replace a lost car title is about 6-8 weeks. The DMV cannot simply hand you a new title.
This cannot be completed online in most states due to the security and importance of car titles.
Can you go to court to replace a lost car title?
What if you don’t have a series of bills of sale to prove ownership? What if the DMV denies your claim even with ample evidence?
Most states allow for what’s called a declaratory judgement. This allows you to present the circumstances of the missing car title to a judge in a court of law. This protracted process involves the state making attempts to locate the last registered owner of the vehicle. Say, for example, the court finds the last registered owner. He denies ever having sold the car and argues that he’s still the rightful owner. What happens next is anyone’s guess.
If you’re considering this approach, we seriously recommend you purchase our services instead; not because we’re biased, but because making a mistake at this level could make it impossible to re-title the vehicle in your name. It could also get you into legal trouble. Or, you could lose the car altogether and lose money in the process.
Replace That Missing Car Title Quickly!
The longer you let this go, the closer you are to needing that title for some reason. You can replace a missing or lost title quickly by following the basic steps outlined in this article.
Dirt Legal is a small group of vehicle specialists who are passionate about combating title fraud. We can replace a lost title in most cases. We also offer quick and easy VIN Checks and Vehicle Accident Reports to help you make an informed decision.
Our staff is well-versed in all manner of lost car title issues. If you aren’t sure what to do in your situation, whether you’re buying a new car or getting a new title for the one you have, contact us for a no-obligation chat.
We are not attorneys. This article is not legal advice.
About the Author
As an automotive journalist, motorcycle racer, SCCA member, and collector of anything with wheels, Justin Dake makes a living out of being a professional car nerd. As a former employee of the State of Missouri, he knows how complex and convoluted state processes can be, and that experience underlies his role as the Editor of Dirt Legal.