Looking for guidance on how to get a replacement title for your lost car title in Texas? The good news is that the process is pretty straightforward, but there are a few crucial details to remember before proceeding with the step-by-step instructions. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles new and duplicate car titles in Texas, while the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for licensing. Therefore, it’s important to note that you must visit your local DMV office, not the DPS office, to request a duplicate title, essentially a certified copy of your lost or damaged title. You can apply for a replacement title at the DMV office or via mail.
Please keep in mind the following when requesting a duplicate title:
- If a lien is recorded, the lienholder must either fill out an application for a certified copy of the title or provide you with an original release of the lien. It should be noted that a paid-off lien may still be recorded on the title. If this is the case, the lienholder must provide an original release. Faxing or photocopying is not permitted.
- There is a 30-day waiting time after the last certified copy of the title was issued before applying for another.
- If the vehicle is jointly owned, each owner’s original signature or a power of attorney is required for each owner.
How to Get or Replace a Duplicate Texas Title
If you need a duplicate title, you can request one by mail or in person at your nearest Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) office.
How much does it cost to get a duplicate title in Texas?
Replacing a Texas title costs $5.45 if done in person or $2.00 if done by mail.
Items Required to Get a Duplicate Texas Title
You must complete an Application for a Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34) to obtain a duplicate title. You must also have an acceptable government-issued photo ID for each recorded owner and/or agent.
The following are the only acceptable forms of government-issued photo ID for an Application for a Certified Copy of Texas Title:
- Driver License or ID issued by a State or Territory of the U.S.,
- Texas Handgun License,
- U.S. or Foreign Passport,
- U.S. Military ID,
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization ID,
- ID issued under a Status of Forces Agreement,
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security ID,
- U.S. Department of State ID,
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ID Document
NOTE: The department will accept an identification up to 12 months after expiration.
Other items you may need:
- License Plate Number
- Vehicle’s VIN, Year, Make, and Model
- Proof of Insurance
- If your vehicle has a lien, you must obtain an original, signed release of lien from the lienholder(s). This applies if the current owner on the vehicle record financed the vehicle and a lender(s) remains listed as a lienholder on the department’s vehicle record. Even if the vehicle loan has been paid in full, the original, signed release of lien must be submitted with the application. The department will remove the applicable lien(s) from the vehicle record. It is important to note that photocopies, scans, faxes, and emails are not accepted. (if applicable)
How to Get a Duplicate Texas Title In Person
To replace a title in person, you must:
- Locate your local Texas TxDMV.
- You can schedule an appointment with the TxDMV by clicking here.
- Show an accepted government-issued photo ID.
- Submit your Application for a Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34).
- All of the recorded owners listed on the form must sign it.
- Be sure to bring/provide a copy of each owner’s photo ID.
- Pay the $5.45 fee.
How to Get a Duplicate Texas Title by Mail
To replace a title by mail, you must:
- Fill out your Application for a Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34).
- Include an accepted form of payment for the $2.00 fee.
- Send the form and payment to the address provided below.
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
1601-A Southwest Parkway
Wichita Falls, TX 76302
By mail, payment methods accepted are:
- Personal or Business Check
- Cashier’s Check
- Money Order
All payments must be made payable to “TxDMV.”
How long does it take to get a duplicate title in Texas?
You should receive the new title in the mail within 15 business days.
Special Situations When Applying for a Duplicate Texas Title
Vehicle Titled in the Name of a Business
Suppose the motor vehicle is titled in the name of a business, government entity, leasing company, lienholder, or organization, in addition to acceptable identification. In that case, an original business card of the agent or authorization on company letterhead matching the identification of the employee or agent is required. This authorization letter must be signed by someone other than the agent signing for the applicant.
Vehicle Titled in the Name of a Trust
If the car is registered in the name of a trust, the trustee making the application must show current identification. For the trustee(s) who are allowed to sign, the application should also include one of the following:
- Affidavit of Trust,
- Statement of Fact for a Trust, or
- Original or certified copy of the trust agreement.
If the title application is signed with a Power of Attorney, in addition to the above requirements, you must also provide the following:
- Current identification that matches the person or employee of the entity named in the power of attorney,
- Acceptable current identification of the owner(s) or lienholder and,
- If provided to a business, an original business card or authorization written on the letterhead of an entity named as power of attorney that matches the identification of the employee.
NOTE: Businesses with power of attorney must show a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, a business card, or a copy of an employee ID.
Forms
| Form Name | Form Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Application for a Certified Copy of Title | Form VTR-34 | To get a certified copy of your vehicle title from the TX Department of Motor Vehicles, fill out this form. |
