can you get a new title for car

[LeCole]

Yes, you can get a new title for your car, but the process and specific requirements vary significantly by state. The most common reason for needing a duplicate title is if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond legibility. The procedure is generally straightforward, involving an application with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, payment of a fee, and sometimes providing proof of identity and ownership.

The core steps usually involve:

1. Completing the appropriate application form (often available online).
2. Submitting the form along with the required fee (typically $15-$50) to your local DMV office, either in person or by mail.
3. Providing a government-issued photo ID and, in some cases, your vehicle's registration.
4. If there is a lien on the vehicle (a loan you're still paying), the process may require the lienholder's consent or signature.

Some states offer online replacement, while others require an in-person visit. Processing times can range from a few days to several weeks if mailed. Below is a table with examples of the variability in the process across different states.

State	Typical Fee	Special Notes	Online Application Available?
California	$23	A "Reg 227" form is required. Lienholder info needed if applicable.	Yes
Texas	$5.45	Form VTR-34 must be submitted. A vehicle inspection may be required.	Yes, for eligible owners
Florida	$75.25	Fee is higher than most states. Must be done in person or by mail.	No
New York	$20	Form MV-902. A Statement of Transaction (DTF-802) may be needed for recent sales.	No
Illinois	$95	Fee includes a $50 Electronic Title Fee. A VSD-190 form is used.	Yes

It is critical to handle this promptly if you plan to sell the car, as a valid title is necessary to transfer ownership legally. If you've just paid off a car loan, the lienholder is responsible for releasing the title to you, which might involve them sending you the original or directly submitting a release to the DMV, after which you can apply for a clean title in your name.

[SanKathryn]

Been there. Just paid off my truck and waited weeks for the title from the bank. Called the DMV, and it turns out the lienholder had already filed the release. I just had to fill out a simple form, show my ID and registration, and pay a small fee. Had the new title in my mailbox within ten days. Don't stress—just check your state's DMV website first. The forms are usually right there to download.

[StFelix]

The process is entirely different if you need a replacement for a lost title versus obtaining a title for the first time after an inheritance. For a lost title, it's a simple duplicate request. For an inherited vehicle, you'll likely need to present a death certificate and proof of executorship to the DMV, along with the standard application. Each situation has a specific bureaucratic path, so identifying your exact scenario is the essential first step before contacting the DMV.

[LaDiana]

My advice is to treat it like a necessary errand. Go to your state's official DMV website—not a third-party site that charges extra—and find the "Duplicate Title" section. Have your driver's license, vehicle identification number (VIN), and license plate number ready. If you can apply online, do it. If you have to go in person, schedule an appointment to avoid long waits. The key is being prepared with the correct paperwork to make it a single, smooth trip.

[DiMelanie]

I sold my old Civic privately, and the buyer was eager. I couldn't find the title anywhere. I had to quickly get a duplicate. I went online, filled out my state's form, and paid the $20 fee. Since there was no lien, it was straightforward. I had to wait for it to arrive in the mail, which took about a week, but I was upfront with the buyer about the delay. It all worked out. The lesson is to know where your title is before you decide to sell; it saves a lot of last-minute hassle.