How to Replace a Lost Car Title in Texas
Vehicle owners can request a replacement car title in Texas through the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Completing this procedure is an important step when you are no longer in possession of your title certificate due to its various official and general uses.
As an example, a lost car title is an impediment when attempting to complete the title transfer procedure after selling or purchasing a vehicle. Find out how to get a replacement car title in TX by reading the sections outlined below.
When do you need to get a duplicate car title in Texas?
Replacing a car title in Texas is a procedure that is available to drivers who have lost or damaged their certificates of title to the point of illegibility. The process to request a car title replacement is also available to car owners who have had their vehicle titles stolen. Note that, while submitting a replacement car title request in TX is not mandated by law, motorists who fail to do so are likely to encounter certain difficulties when conducting vehicle-related business.
For instance, vehicle owners who do not have a valid title certificate in their possession will be unable to add or remove a lien from their car titles. To learn about other circumstances that require you to request a replacement vehicle title, contact the department.
Documents Required When Applying for a Texas Car Title Copy
To successfully replace a lost car title with the DMV in Texas, applicants will be required to meet several requirements, such as submitting certain documents and paying the title manufacturing fee. The documentation requirements to replace a lost vehicle title, for instance, typically include a replacement title application form and a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
However, depending on the applicant’s circumstances, additional paperwork may also be required. For example, if the applicant is removing a lien from the title, he or she will also have to submit the corresponding lien release form. if the customer requesting a replacement car title in TX is an individual applying on behalf of the original owner, a lienholder or an organization, he or she will also be required to submit an additional authorization form.
Replacing a vehicle title that belongs to a trust is another unique situation that requires the submission of extra paperwork. In such cases, the trustee will have to submit an affidavit of trust or another similar document.
Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in Texas
If you would like to know how to replace a vehicle title in Texas, note that you will be required to fill out a paper application and submit it in person or by mail. The option to replace a title online is not currently offered by the state DMV.
While the requirements for requesting a new title are generally the same between these two methods of replacement title application, certain differences still apply. For example, when replacing an auto title in person, applicants will be required to pay a larger fee due to the additional service costs.
By Mail
Finalizing the process to replace a car title by mail in Texas is the most convenient option of obtaining a duplicate of a lost car title. By submitting a mail-in replacement car title request, applicants will avoid making an office visit and they will pay a smaller fee. To finalize the procedure to replace a vehicle title by mail in TX, you will be required to send the form along with a copy of your photo ID, any pertinent documents and the fee payment to the DMV title office in Wichita Falls.
However, since the documentation varies depending on the applicant’s circumstances, you should also inquire about the specific paperwork that is needed in your specific case by contacting the department. Your request for a copy of a TX lost car title will be processed within 10 business days and mailed out to your address on file.
Note: When requesting a replacement vehicle title by mail, you will be required to submit the fee payment in the form of a check or money order made payable to the state DMV.
In Person
Replacing a car title in Texas is a process that can also be completed in person through a regional DMV title office. To successfully replace a lost car title in person, applicants will be required to meet requirements very similar to those that apply for the mail-in procedure.
Therefore, in addition to filling out the form, car owners applying for a replacement title in person will also have to present a valid form of identification and submit any supporting paperwork and the applicable fee payment. Once the applicant concludes the procedure to replace a lost vehicle title in person in TX, he or she will receive the duplicate title certificate as soon as the department manufactures it.
How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in Texas
Car owners will successfully replace a Texas lost car title only if they submit a complete application packet that contains a properly filled out replacement title application form, the fee payment and any additional supporting paperwork.
When completing the replacement car title request, customers must ensure they enter true and correct information, since submitting a fraudulent form is a third-degree felony. The information necessary to conduct a car title search and replacement request includes:
- Vehicle information, such as the vehicle identification number, year, make, model and body style
- The title number and the license plate number
- The applicant’s name, signature and date of signature
- The recipient’s name, address and contact information
Note: If the vehicle has multiple owners, every recorded owner is required to submit his or her signature on the replacement title application form.
Texas Car Title Replacement Fees
Drivers will successfully replace a lost car title at the DMV in Texas only if they remit payment for the $5.45 replacement fee. Note that the cost typically varies depending on the chosen replacement title application method.
For instance, requesting a replacement car title in person requires a slightly higher fee than if it were paid by mail. However, payments in person can be made with cash, check or money order, while payments made by mail can only be check or money order.
Car Title Replacement Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Get a Copy of Your Vehicle Title from TXDMV.com