The state of California requires people to obtain a California vehicle title as a proof of ownership of their vehicle.
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If you have lost your California car title or the title for a truck, motorcycle, motor home or other motor vehicle, you must apply for a vehicle title asap.
You may not be a vehicle title expert, but there’s no reason why you cannot have the job done.
If you need to handle a lost, stolen or damaged vehicle title, here you’ll learn more about lost car title replacements in California.
Stolen titles and how to report them
In the state of California you are not obligated to report your stolen title to a local law enforcement.
However, the California DMV requires drivers with stolen titles to report to them about the loss before applying for a vehicle title replacement.
It is important to report the theft, so you can protect your identity from other unscrupulous drivers who may try to use it as their own.
Requirements for a Duplicate Car Title
If any of those cases applies to you, the California DMV requires drivers to replace their vehicle documents.
- Lost car titles
- Stolen car titles
- Car titles damaged beyond legibility
Note that California allows drivers to replace their car documents either in person or online.
Replace your car title in person
Californian residents who decide to replace their title in person must take the following steps:
#1- Fill out an Application for Duplicate Title form. It must be legally notarized and signed by the legal owner of the vehicle.
Note that the Duplicate Title form must include:
- The owner’s complete name (Legal owner)
- Current home address
- California driver’s license number
- Car’s license plate number
- Signature to the statement of facts about what happened to the car title
#2- Valid driver’s license
#3- Pay the duplicate title fee: $21 (They vary depending on the type of vehicle)
One disadvantage of replacing your car title in person is the long lines or unnecessary waiting times. Most people make appointments in advance to avoid the hassle.
Replace your car title by mail
When it comes to replacing a vehicle title by mail, the process gets easier than in person but you still need to move from one place to another.
- Complete an Application for Duplicate Title form
- Have your Duplicate Title form notarized
- Submit it with a check or money order for the replacement fee to the California DMV
Note that your replacement fee varies based on the type of vehicle that you own.
Damaged car titles
Has your car title been damaged? In that case, you need to submit your damaged title to the California DMV once you go there to apply for a replacement.
Know that you can always handle this procedure either by mail or in person.
Finding your lost car title
If, by any chance, you find the car title that you had lost after getting a replacement document, contact the California DMV to keep a record and follow further actions.
Even when your previous car title has lost validation, it is your duty to let them know about your case so they can tell you what to do next.
Did you know that eTags can help you transfer your California title online? It’s even faster and easier. Click here to start your new California transfer.
26 comments
can I apply for a lost title for an inoperable vehicle without a tag?
Planned Non-operation (PNO) means that the vehicle will not be driven, towed, stored, or parked on public roads or highways for the entire registration year. If the vehicle is currently register in the state of California as Non-operation (PNO) you can place an order for a Duplicate Title with https://www.etags.com/app/us. Once the order has been review by our Title specialist we would send you the form that need to be completed.
If the vehicle was registered in the state of CA you would need to pay pass reg fees and have the vehicle under Planned Non-operation. If the vehicle does not have a lien that needs to be remove the reg fees can be wave.
If the vehicle has not had CA plates at all and it was register in another state it would be an Out Of State Title transfer. Please keep in mind that to do this you would need to perform a VIN check and smog test if required by the county.
I applied for duplicate title paid $22 fees online in CA and now i received an email stating i need to pay $14 to lift suspended registeration. It is under NOP and has beed for years. If I pay $14 to lift NOP will i then be hit with more hidden fees for registration etc.? It doesn’t run and is on private property ( not my property). I want to replace the title to have it junked and out of my name. I don’t want to register it, insure it or anything to do with it anymore. I don’t understand why it was not made clear a car has to be registered and not under NOP to replace a title. What other flaming hoops will I have to jump through? I don’t have money for all this.
The registration fees, suspension and smog are not required to when requesting a duplicate title as long as a pending transaction is not on file with DMV.
My spouse is active military and we no longer reside in ca. However, I have lost the title a car purchased in CA when we lived there. Since the address is now different from the address on record in CA DMV, I must appear in person according to DMV FORM Reg 227, “Application for Duplicate Title or Transfer of Title”. Are there any other options besides appearing person as we now live on the east coast?
You can submit a change of address on the CA DMV .GOV website prior to your duplicate title request. It may take 2-4 weeks for the update and you will need to contact DMV to find out when the update has occurred. Once the address has been updated you can use the eTags Replace Title here http://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blogquestion
Hi
I have submitted duplicate of title application and finally DMV has issued one but they say it will take 21 business days to receive the title. The problem is I have to leave the country permanently on Aug 6th and I need to export my car. Is there any way that I can get my title ASAP so that I can export my car? Thank you
Once a title is issued it can’t be replaced for 30 days. You will need to wait for the title to arrive. The DMV doesn’t expedite title.
I ordered a duplicate CA title around 6 weeks ago. the $22. was deducted from my bank account, but the title hasn’t shown up. Ive sold my car out of state (am temporarily in New Mexico sitting out the coronavirus) but can’t give it to the new owner until this title shows up. What do I do??
sorry I entered the email wrong for Ken Payson see this message for proper email
I apologize, but can’t locate your question/comments. Do you want to send it over again. If you’re looking for etags in California it’s http://www.etags.com/app/ca?utm_source=blog%20question
Typically duplicate titles take 2 to 4 weeks to come in the mail as they come from Sacramento. With the Pandemic affecting the post office, it may come sooner than that time frame or take longer. If it’s now passed 4 weeks, you can go to any local DMV to request a replacement duplicate title at no charge.
How much the duplicate title costs and how do I pay for it? do I include the cashier check in the same mail? and how do I know how much for it and the rush how much more
$22.00 for a duplicate title. Check with DMV on payment options available or eTags online can process your dup title request with many payment options. THE DMV doesn’t offer a title rush service to my knowledge.
I just received my Certificate of Title and upon signing all the areas needed to sell my vehicle, I accidentally signed where there’s actually currently “No Lien Holder” at the the bottom “It’s Blank” and I signed and dated next to where it states “Signature release interest in vehicle. (Company names must be countersigned)” My question is if this “Title” now considered “DAMAGED?” Can the new buyer just fill out the back where it states “Application For Transfer by New Owner”
No error has occurred, If there is no lien holder than by default you are your own lien holder so the signature is valid.
i had traded my car in to a dealership in another state. the dealership lost the title. the car is registered in my name and i do not live in CA anymore. what do they need to do and what info do they need from me in order to request a duplicate title?
A power of attorney signed by you to the dealership would be a sufficient document for the dealership to request a title.
Do I need to pay past registration fees? I just want to sell vehicle to a junk yard but the require a title. A family member was supposed to pay registration fees but he park the vehicle and didn’t pay anything.
You only have to pay registration fees if you’re going to drive the vehicle.
I bought a truck on Craigslist with just a bill of sale. The owner lost the title, it is an out of state vehicle. Can I get a new title in California?
Hello Curtis. You are advised to be extra cautious when purchasing a vehicle online, especially when the owner cannot hand you the title for any reason. You will need to contact the DMV where the vehicle was registered and verify its status before making any other requests.
purchased car in CA. moved away, lost title. Can”t get car registered in my new state with out title from CA.
Filled out CA. dmv form 227 and sent in money. Haven’t heard from DMV for 4 months. I am at a loss as to what to do. Apply again?
Hello A. You are advised to check your mailbox or make ensure that the CA DMV has your current address to avoid confusions. However, eTags will be launching CA title replacements next week. Thus, feel free to send an e-mail to our Customer Support department so we can help you speed this process according to your needs.
If I want to replace the title by mail does it cost the exact same amount of money? Also is it not possible to due this process online?
The easiest way to replace your title is to do it by mail. Have your documentation properly signed and notarized. Note that your payment fees depend on the type of vehicle you own. Contact your DMV for more information about it.