To replace a lost car title in Georgia, you need to submit a Form MV-1 Title/Tag Application to the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) Motor Vehicle Division. The process can be done by mail or in person at a County Tag Office, but it cannot be completed online. The standard fee is $8.00 for a duplicate title. If you have an active loan or lien on the vehicle, the process is different and must be handled by the lienholder.
First, complete the MV-1 form. You must provide the vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, make, and model. If there is no lien, you, as the owner, must sign the form. If your mailing address has changed since the original title was issued, you'll also need to complete a separate Address Change Form.
You must submit the application in person at your local County Tag Office or mail it to the Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division. Mailing can take several weeks for processing. If you need the title faster, in-person is recommended. You will need to present a valid form of identification, such as a Georgia driver's license.
The following table outlines the key requirements and options:
| Requirement / Option | Details |
|---|
| Required Form | Form MV-1 (Title/Tag Application) |
| Standard Fee | $8.00 |
| Processing Method | In-person at County Tag Office or by mail |
| Online Option | Not available for duplicate titles |
| Key Information Needed | Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) |
| Special Case (Lien) | The lienholder must request the duplicate title |
| Expedited Service | Available in person for an additional fee |
| Primary ID Required | Valid Georgia Driver's License or ID |
If there is a lien on the car, you cannot apply for the duplicate title yourself. You must contact your lienholder (e.g., your bank or credit union). They are the legal owners of the title until the loan is paid off, and they must be the ones to request a duplicate.
