The process to replace a lost car title at the DMV in Montana must be completed by vehicle owners who are no longer in possession of their title certificate due to the various official and general purposes of this proof of ownership. For example, if you fail to replace a lost car title, then you will be unable to properly sell your vehicle and complete the title transfer procedure.

If the procedure to request a replacement car title is not finalized, then the buyer will also be unable to title and register the vehicle with the state Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) after obtaining it from you. To learn how to replace a vehicle title in MT with the state MVD and to review the applicable requirements to do so, continue reading the sections below.

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

Replacing a car title in Montana is a transaction that is available to drivers who have lost or damaged their title and to those who were the victims of a theft. However, you can request a replacement vehicle title even if you need to update the personal information contained within.

Note that while requesting a replacement car title in MT is not mandated by law, you are still encouraged to obtain a duplicate title as soon as you are no longer in possession of a valid certificate of title, as it is used for official vehicle-related transactions with the state MVD.

Documents Required When Applying for a Montana Car Title Copy

Applicants will be required to fulfill certain requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title to successfully request a car title replacement in Montana, such as submitting the pertinent paperwork and paying the applicable cost. When collecting the paperwork necessary to replace a lost vehicle title in MT, car owners must first ensure they have the proper replacement title application form.

Additional documents may also be required to replace a lost car title depending on the applicant’s circumstances. For instance, if you are replacing a vehicle title and filing a new lien at the same time, then you will also have to submit the application form used for adding a new security interest.

If you are also updating your personal information, then you will be required to include a copy of your driver’s license as well. Contact the division to learn of other unique circumstances that may require the submission of additional paperwork.

Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in Montana

Replacing a lost car title in Montana is a transaction that can be finalized by mailing the application form to the MVD Vehicle Services Bureau or by delivering the request form in person to a nearby county treasurer’s office. While these two methods to replace a lost car title with the DMV are very similar, an important difference is the acceptable forms of payment.

Mailed-in requests must be accompanied by a check made payable to the State of Montana. On the other hand, if you are applying in person, then you may be able to provide your fee payment in a different form as well.

Presently, you cannot replace a car title online but you may find more information on how to replace a stolen car title in Montana, such as reporting the theft to local law enforcement, on the state’s website.

By Mail

The most convenient method to request a replacement car title in Montana is to complete the procedure to replace a car title by mail. To get a copy of a lost auto title in MT by mail, applicants will be required to send the application form along with the check payment and any pertinent paperwork to the state Vehicle Services Bureau in Helena, MT.

To avoid any delays with your replacement car title request, ensure that your application packet contains a correctly filled out request form and that the fee payment is the correct amount. The state MVD will manufacture and mail out the copy of your MT lost car title once it receives your request and verifies the submitted paperwork.

Note: You can choose to have your replacement title delivered to an address other than the address on record with the MVD.

In Person

Drivers can also submit their replacement vehicle title request in Montana through a nearby MVD location that offers titling services. Note that you will typically be required to meet the same requirements for replacing a lost or damaged vehicle title in person as those that apply for the mail-in transaction.

Therefore, to successfully replace a lost car title in person in MT, you will be asked to fill out the application paperwork, submit any supporting documentation and pay the applicable fee. Prior to making your title office visit, contact the division to inquire which MVD offices offer car title search and replacement procedures.

How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in Montana

In the process of how to get a new title if lost or missing, applicants must ensure that they provide the state MVD with a correctly filled out replacement title application form that does not contain any false statements. While incomplete applications may be delayed and/or rejected, knowingly submitting a falsified request for a replacement car title may lead to criminal penalties. The information necessary to replace a car title by mail or in person is outlined in the following list:

• Vehicle information, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make and model
• The title number, the license plate number and the expiration year
• Data about the registered owner, such as his or her name, driving license number and address where the title is to be mailed
• Signature of the applicant and date of signature

Note: Individuals who are applying for an MT lost car title copy as legal representatives of business entities must be fully authorized to do so.

Montana Car Title Replacement Fees

An important step in the procedure of how to get a replacement car title in Montana is submitting payment for the $10.30 duplicate title fee. If you would like to know what are the fees to replace a lost car title, then note that the total cost will vary depending on whether you are only applying for a title certificate or you are adding a new lien as well.

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