Vehicle owners need to replace a lost car title at the DMV in Washington DC when their credentials get lost or stolen. Since a car title is a legal document that proves the ownership of a motor vehicle, car owners are required to carry the title in their vehicles at all times, in order to avoid traffic tickets when pulled over by a law enforcement official. Therefore, drivers who are facing a stolen or lost car title in Washington DC will be expected to obtain a duplicate credential immediately through the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Before replacing their title, motorists are recommended to find out the list of mandatory documents and the available replacement methods offered by the DMV. To learn more information about how to get a replacement car title in Washington DC, continue reading the sections below.

When do you need to get a duplicate car title in Washington DC?

Motorists are usually required to request a replacement car title in Washington DC when they have to deal with lost or stolen credentials. Moreover, drivers may also need to apply for a duplicate car title when the lien on the vehicle has been satisfied. In both situations, individuals may replace their title by satisfying a set of requirements and providing the needed paperwork.

Documents Required When Applying for a Washington DC Car Title Copy

When trying to find out how to replace a vehicle title in Washington DC, individuals need to know that there is a list of mandatory documents for car title copy when the title has been lost or stolen. However, drivers may have to provide additional documentation when the lien has been satisfied or when they have changed their names or addresses.

Therefore, when replacing a lost car title in DC, drivers are generally required to provide the following documents:

• Certificate of Title/Temporary Registration and Tag Application
• Valid photo identification proof
• Copy of a valid driver’s license or ID card
• Vehicle Power of Attorney form, if you are not the vehicle’s owner
• Document containing the vehicle information:
  • Vehicle identification number
  • Vehicle renewal notice
  • Vehicle registration
  • Vehicle tag number
  • DC DMV title number

Moreover, motorists who want to request a replacement car title after the lien has been satisfied need to provide the previously mentioned documents, along with one of the following: a letter of financing stating that the lien is satisfied, a stamped title with a title release from a financial institution or a loan agreement stamped with the word “paid” by the financial institution and certified. Once drivers collect the required documentation, they may replace car title online, by mail or in person at a local DC DMV office.

Note: When replacing a car title because of a changing address or name, motorists are also required to provide proof of the name or address change.

Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in Washington DC

Motorists who are wondering how to get a replacement car title in Washington DC need to know that there are several available replacement methods. Namely, drivers may complete the request by mail or by using the online services offered through the DC DMV website.

How to Replace a Car Title Online

When learning how to apply for a car title replacement, drivers can use the fastest and most convenient method to by using the online service offered on the DC DMV website. To replace car title online, drivers need to complete the six steps given at the website.

Motorists who choose to use the online method, need to first enter their title number and the last four digits of their vehicle identification number (VIN). Once the information gets accepted by the online system, drivers will have to follow the steps and guidelines given on the website.

How to Replace a Car Title By Mail

Motorists who want to replace a car title by mail in Washington DC may do so by preparing the required documentation first. Once drivers gather all the mandatory documents, they need to mail them to the DC DMV along with payment for the applicable replacement title fees.

How to Replace a Car Title In Person

Drivers may also replace a lost car title in person by visiting a nearby DC DMV branch. In order to complete the task in person, drivers need to submit the required paperwork and payment for the applicable fees for the car title copy.

How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in Washington DC

Applicants may obtain the required form from the DC DMV title office or it can be found on the DMV website. Motorists who want to request a replacement car title in DC, need to complete the title application with the following types of information:

• Type of service
• Applicant’s information
• Business name and federal employee identification number
• Current address
• Vehicle information
• Actual mileage
• Lien information and date
• Insurance company information
• Signatures of the vehicle owner and joint owner, if there is one

Car Title Replacement Fees

One of the requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title in Washington DC is paying the $26 title replacement fee.  Whether your title was lost or destroyed, a replacement or duplicate title will cost the same. However, additional processing fees may apply if you are paying with a credit or debit card, or if you add a lien to your title.

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