Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
If you have a damaged car title, turn it in to the Texas Department of Public Safety when replacing your title, so to avoid it being mishandled or misused. Take this time to also apply for a duplicate car title and have payment available for any necessary fees.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Texas

How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
If you have a lost car title or a stolen car title, report it to local law authorities at your earliest convenience. The sooner you report this unfortunate incident, the sooner you will reduce the chances of a stolen identity or fraud. File a report by making an in-person visit to a nearby police station.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Texas

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
If you have lost your car title or had it stolen, you will be required to obtain a Texas car title copy. In order to get a car title replacement, you can apply in person or by mail. Whichever method you choose, you must complete the following:

If mailing the aforementioned items, send them to this address:

TxDMV 1601 Southwest Parkway, Suite A Wichita Falls, TX 76302

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Texas

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
The state of Texas takes matters of obtaining and transferring salvage title very seriously. Take a look at the Texas Salvage Nonrepairable Manual for everything you need to know about obtaining a salvage car title.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Texas

How do I transfer my car title between states?
To transfer your car title to another state, you should contact the DMV of the state you will be residing in. Each Department of Motor Vehicles will have different instructions for you to follow and documents that you must provide.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Texas

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
If you have lost your car title, you are required to obtain a Texas car title copy. To get a car title replacement, apply either in person or by mail. Whichever method you choose, you must complete the following:
  • Fill out a duplicate title application.
  • Provide proof of identity, such as your Texas driver s license.
  • Make proper payment ($5.45 fee in person, $2 fee by mail)
    • Check or money order by mail
    • Cash, check or money order in person

If mailing the aforementioned items, send them to this address:

TxDMV 1601 Southwest Parkway, Suite A Wichita Falls, TX 76302

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Texas

How do I transfer my car title?
The process of how to transfer car title documentation in Texas varies, depending on whether you are the buyer or seller, or if the vehicle is gifted. Follow the steps below to ensure a seamless transfer without any issues or problems.

If you are selling the vehicle to a private party:

  • Make sure to include all the proper information and your signature on the car title before transferring to the buyer. The title must be transferred within 30 days of the vehicle sale.
  • Keep yourself protected by submitting a Vehicle Transfer Notification to the Texas DMV. By filling out this form, you will not be held responsible for any parking or toll tickets committed by the buyer within 30 days of the sale.

If you are buying a vehicle from a private party:

  • Make sure that all proper information and your signature is included on the car title you receive from the seller.
  • Bring the transferred car title and proof of auto insurance to a local tax county collector s office. Ideally, you should see if the seller of the vehicle can also be present.
  • Request a signed vehicle title application from the seller and any other important documents you may deem essential.
  • For your own records, write down the seller s name, address, telephone number and description of the vehicle.

If you are buying a vehicle from the dealership:

  • The salesperson will file any necessary car title paperwork for you, therefore you can skip making a visit to the local tax county office. However, make sure to not leave the dealership without a copy of the receipt.

If you are giving a vehicle as a gift:

  • You must present the new owner with your car title and include any pertinent information about the vehicle, as well as your signature.
  • You will be required to fill out a title application at your nearby tax county collector s office. You may also be asked to present additional documents to complete the title transfer process.
  • A $10 gift tax will apply to new owners who are gifted a vehicle from a spouse, parent or stepparent, grandparent or grandchild, child or stepchild, guardian, sibling, decedent s estate or a non-profit.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Texas

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
RV titles must be transferred just as documents are for passenger vehicles. In addition, drivers must follow the same steps you would to transfer standard car title.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Texas

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
The Texas Department of Public Safety does not allow drivers to request a copy of their vehicle title online. The current available options are either by mail or in person. In order to be certain about the length of time it may take for you to receive your car title replacement, contact the Texas DPS directly to find out about your particular application and request.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Texas

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
In the event that a family member has passed away, such as a spouse, present his or her will or complete an Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle (Form VT-262) to get the title of the car.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Texas

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
You will need to complete a Texas transfer of title in the following circumstances:
  • You are selling your car.
  • You are donating your car.
  • You are buying a car from a private party.
  • You are giving your car as a gift.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Texas

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
The fee for a Texas duplicate car title is $5.45 in person and $2 fee by mail. Regardless of whether you choose to request a duplicate in person or by mail, you will have to fill out an Application for a Certified Copy of Title (VTR-34) form, as well as show proof of your Texas driver’s license. When it comes to payment for the replacement fee, keep in mind that credit cards are not accepted for this transaction. Fees may also vary from time to time.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Texas

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
To replace lost car title, you will need to present an Application for a Certified Copy of Title (VTR-34) form, as well as your Texas driver s license. Aside from the aforementioned documentation, you will also need to bring with you payment for a duplicate car title. If you are requesting a car title replacement in person, save yourself some time and schedule an appointment online or via the phone prior to your visit.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Texas

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
The documents you are required to present when transferring car title depends on various factors, such as if you are the seller or buyer of the vehicle, or if the vehicle has been gifted to you.

If you are selling a vehicle, immediately file a Vehicle Transfer Notification with the DMV to protect yourself from future issues. If you are the buying a car, you need to present the transferred car title, and other items when registering your vehicle.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Texas

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
In order to obtain a TX car title copy, hand in a completed Application for a Certified Copy of Title (VTR-34) form. This official application will require you to enter information about your vehicle, such as the following:
  • Year of vehicle
  • Vehicle Identification Number
  • License plate number
  • Make of vehicle

Be aware that it may take up to 10 business days in order for your duplicate title request to be processed. If you would like to know about the status of your duplicate application, you can call the Texas DMV for an update.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Texas

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
If you happen to find your original TX car title after a replacement car title is issued, it is now considered invalid. It is advised that you turn in the original to the Texas DPS in order to avoid any confusion. When making your in-person visit, have your Texas driver’s license with you, as well as car registration in case it is requested.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Texas

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
To title your scooter or motorcycle, follow the same TX car registration and titling steps as you would for a passenger vehicle. The process is the same.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Texas

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
It is recommended that you complete a bill of sale if you are either selling a car or buying a vehicle from a private party. This document will protect both individuals should an unexpected situation or issue occur, as it is a proof of the transaction.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Texas

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
When requesting your car title copy by mail, you will be required to send a completed Application for a Certified Copy of Title (VTR-34) form to the Texas DMV. The application will ask for important information about your vehicle. These include the following:
  • Vehicle Identification Number
  • License plate number
  • Year of vehicle
  • Make of vehicle

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and items, mail them to the address below:

TxDMV 1601 Southwest Parkway, Suite A Wichita Falls, TX 76302

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Texas

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
When obtaining a car title replacement, you may also want to consider bringing in your insurance card as well. Be aware that you need to show proof of identity, such as your Texas driver s license. If you do not have your card available, contact your insurance provider to provide an official document as proof of insurance.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Texas