HOW TO OBTAIN A DUPLICATE VEHICLE TITLE IN TEXAS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Introduction
Consequences of Losing a Vehicle Title
Eligibility for Requesting a Duplicate Title
Special Cases
Step-By-Step Guide to Obtaining a Duplicate Title in Texas
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
How Our Services Can Help You
FAQ About Duplicate Vehicle Titles in Texas
Introduction
Losing your vehicle title can be stressful, but obtaining a duplicate title in Texas is a straightforward process if you know the steps or are using a trusted third-party title provider. This guide covers everything you need to know to successfully replace a lost vehicle title, including eligibility, necessary documents, and how our services can save you time and hassle.
The Importance of a Car Title In Texas
A vehicle title is a legal document that proves ownership of your vehicle. Whether you need to sell your car, register it, or transfer ownership, a valid title is essential. Without it, these tasks become significantly more complicated.
Consequences of Losing a Vehicle Title
Difficulty transferring ownership
Inability to register or sell your vehicle
Legal complications if ownership is disputed
2. Eligibility for Requesting a Duplicate Title
Who Can Apply for a Duplicate Title?
Registered Owners
Lienholders
Authorized Agents (with proper documentation)
3. Special Cases
Deceased Owners: Proof of inheritance or probate documents may be required for processing.
Multiple Owners: In many cases, all listed owners must consent to the application, however, all circumstances may vary. Click here for assistance with multiple owners.
Business Titled Vehicles: In most cases, proper business identification or authorization is required. Click here for assistance with multiple owners.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Duplicate Title in Texas
Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining Duplicate Texas Car Title
Preparing Your Application: What You Need To Know
Preparing your application for a duplicate title is a crucial step in the process. To ensure a smooth experience, it’s essential to understand the Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34)
Applying for a Lost Title - Options & Procedures
Options for Replacing Your Lost Title In Texas
When it comes to replacing your lost title in Texas, you have three primary options. Let’s explore each one:
Option One: Apply By Mail - Self Service
This cost-effective method allows you to apply for a lost/duplicate title by mail. While it offers savings, it demands meticulous attention to detail to avoid delays or rejections.
Option Two: Apply In-Person at County Treasurer’s Office
For a quicker turnaround, visit your County Treasurer’s Office in person. Ensure you have all necessary documents and check with your specific County Treasurer to confirm requirements.
Option Three: Apply Through J.G. Title Company
J.G. Title Company offers a swift and hassle-free solution. They handle all paperwork, submissions, and are insured against errors, making them a secure and efficient choice.
Option One: Apply By Mail - Self Service
Although more cost effective, this method requires you to have attention to detail. It is vital to follow the instructions of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles carefully, as mistakes could result in a postponement or rejection of the application.
Below is an 8-step process to complete the Application for a Certified Copy of Title (VTR-34 Rev. 06/21)
Download the Texas Application for a Certified Copy of Title (VTR-34 Rev. 06/21)
Prepare the required elements of the application:
A check/money order made payable to “TxDMV” for $2.00
A clear and color copy of an acceptable government issued photo ID for EACH recorded owner and/or agent. This is a requirement.
A black or blue pen, as all signatures must be completed originally and with either black or blue ink.
An original Lien Release if the vehicle had a lien on the vehicle at a particular time. This is required if the vehicle’s record with the state shows a loan. In many cases, a lien is recorded and is never reported as paid, so it is important that you obtain any original records of the payment of any loans on the vehicle.
An acceptable form of signature authority, if applicable. For instance, businesses, Power of Attorney signatures, etc.
Complete the Vehicle Information Section
Complete the VIN, Year, Make, Body Style, and Model boxes. The Title/Document Number and Texas License Plate Number boxes should be completed if this information is available.
Complete the Recipient Information Section
For one Owner, complete the First, Middle, Last, and Suffix EXACTLY as the vehicle’s title was completed originally. For multiple Owner’s, complete the first box with the following structures “John J. Doe and/or Jane J. Doe”. Make sure to type the full name of the first owner, followed by an “and/or” depending on the title record, and then the subsequent owner’s name.
After completing the name section, complete the Mailing Address section. This can be an address that you’d like the Duplicate Title mailed to. This DOES NOT need to be the same address that shows on the vehicle record with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle.
Next, complete Email and Phone Number boxes. These should be your main email and phone number as these will be the contact lines that the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle will use to contact you if they have questions or concerns on your application.
Complete the Government Issued Identification
Check the box describing the type of ID you are attaching with the application. Check U.S. Driver License/ID Card, Passport, or Other. If Other, writing on a separate piece of paper the reasoning and description of the Other ID is very helpful in answering further questions that the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle may have due to an Other ID. See the section at the end of this guide for other acceptable forms of ID.
Next, complete the “Issued By” box. This box should reflect where your ID was issued from.
Complete the “ID Number” box. This box should reflect exactly as your ID Number reflects on the physical ID.
Lastly complete the “Expiration Date” box.
Repeat this process for ALL other owners or interested parties.
Lastly, after completing all of the information, print a clear photocopy of EACH ID listed in the Government Issued Identification Section to attach with the physical application.
Complete the Certification Box
The first line is the signature line. Make sure that you sign in black or blue ink on this line, making a clear and legible signature.
The next line immediately next to the signature line is the Printed Name line. Clearly print your name on this line.
The last line is the Date line. Complete this line as the day you are applying for the Duplicate Title.
For additional owners, there is another line labeled “Signature of Additional Applicant(s)/Owner(s) (if any)”. Additional Owners will follow the same process listed above on this line.
Review the Application for Accuracy
It is very important that before you send your application, it is reviewed for accuracy. This can save weeks of waiting times. Click here for our Texas Duplicate Title Auditing Services.
Mail the Application and Additional Documents to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
After preparing the application, attaching your subsequent documents, and attaching payment to TxDMV, prepare your USPS label or envelope.
You will send the application, documents, and payment to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 1601-A Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls, TX 76302
Wait Period - 4-8 weeks (if completed correctly)
Costs: $2.00 + shipping costs
Option Two: In-Person Application at the County Treasurer’s Office
When it comes to getting your lost title in Texas replaced, opting for an in-person visit to the County Department of Motor Vehicle office can expedite the process. Here’s what you should know:
Find Your Local County Department of Motor Vehicle Office
Texas County Department of Motor Vehicle Offices are able to accept duplicate title applications at their discretion. It is advised to confirm with the local office to ensure that they will accept an in-person visit for a lost title. The following offices have confirmed that they will accept in-person applications:
Abilene - 4210 N. Clack St., Abilene, TX 79601
Amarillo - 5715 Canyon Dr., Building H, Amarillo, TX 79110
Austin - 1001 E. Parmer Ln. Ste. A, Austin, TX 78753
Beaumont - 8550 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX 77708
Corpus Christi - 602 N. Staples St., Ste. 130, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Dallas - 1925 E. Beltline Rd., Ste. 100, Carrollton, TX 75006
El Paso - 1227 Lee Trevino, Ste. 100, El Paso, TX 79907
Fort Worth - 2425 Gravel Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76118
Houston - 2110 East Governors Cir., Houston, TX 77092
Longview - 4549 W. Loop 281, Longview, TX 75604
Lubbock - 135 Slaton Rd., Lubbock, TX 79404
Odessa - 3901 East Highway 80, Odessa, TX 79761
Pharr - 600 West Expressway 83, Pharr, TX 78577
San Antonio - 15150 Nacogdoches Rd., Ste. 100, San Antonio, TX 78247
Waco - 2203 Austin Ave., Waco, TX 76701
Wichita Falls - 1601-A Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls, TX 76302
2. Call Ahead for a Smooth Experience
Before heading to the County Department of Motor Vehicle, it’s a good practice to call ahead. Contact the specific County Department of Motor Vehicle office which will ensure that you have the correct and proper documentation to process your lost title application.
3. In-Person Submission
Once you arrive at the County Department of Motor Vehicle Office, you’ll submit your duplicate title application and payment directly to the office. If there are multiple owners, it is advised to have those parties with you in order to ensure they can answer any questions that the office may have expeditiously. After the county representative confirms that the application is valid, they will accept the application and give you a receipt of payment. Your title will then be mailed at a later date to the address of your choosing. The department should provide you with a certified copy of the title, which in many cases can serve as proof of ownership for the vehicle for a variety of situations.
Wait Period: 3-8 weeks
Costs: $5.45
Option Three: Choose the Expedited Solution: Apply Through J.G. Title Company
When it comes to resolving your title problems swiftly and efficiently, J.G. Title Company is your trusted partner. Here’s why you should consider this authoritative option:
Expertise and Experience
J.G. Title Company, a privately-owned automotive title company specializes in handling bulk duplicate/lost title and intricate title transactions. Their wealth of experience allows them to navigate the complexities of title issues with precision.
Officially Sanctioned
Rest assured that title companies like J.G. Title Company are governed and sanctioned by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Their operations adhere to the highest standards, ensuring the legitimacy and reliability of your title transactions.
Speed and Simplicity
J.G. Title Company’s extensive associations with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle make them the most efficient and accurate option to resolve your title problems. J.G. Title Company will handle all aspects of your application, including the preparation of title applications, addendums, powers of attorney, or any other required document needed for your specific title transaction.
Error-Proof and Secure
Your peace of mind is paramount. J.G. Title Company is not only efficient but also insured and bonded against errors and omissions. This ensures a secure and error-free process, guaranteeing that your lost of duplicate car title will be obtained without hiccups.
Rapid Turnaround
Expect your duplicate title in hand within approximately 3 business days, making it one of the speediest options available.
Competitive Pricing
For the comprehensive services provided, J.G. Title Company offers a competitive cost of $99.99, offering you convenience without breaking the bank.
When it comes to securing your lost or duplicate car title in Texas, trust in the expertise, efficiency, and reliability of J.G. Title Company. Choose the path of least resistance and ensure a smooth and rapid resolution to your title problems.
J.G. Title Company is insured and bonded against errors and omissions making them a secure, effective, and simple method to obtaining a lost of duplicate car title in Texas.
Wait Period: Approximately 7-21 days
Costs: $99.99
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
In this section, we will review some common areas that our clients express trouble with regarding the replacement of a lost Texas Title:
Incomplete Applications
Double-check all information to ensure accuracy. Missing details can delay processing or keep the application from being validated. We recommend having another person review your application just to make sure that you have completed all the boxes and lines required.
Active Liens
Typically, the lien issue can occur when a vehicle is purchased, and a bank finances the vehicle for the owner. When a vehicle is purchased and subsequently financed, the lienholder reports their interest in the vehicle to the State. When this process is completed, the Department of Motor Vehicle will add the lienholder’s name to the title record filed within the State. Only until the State is provided an original lien release, will they remove the lienholder from the title record.
The original lien release can be obtained by calling the financial institution that held the loan, and request a lien release for the vehicle in question. If the loan is indeed paid off, the bank will provide a lien release. Typically, they will mail the lien release within 10 days of the request, but every bank varies.
To see if your vehicle has an active loan, click here to use our Lienholder Validation Tool
Lost Supporting Documents
Making sure that you have a valid ID is essential. We have listed the acceptable forms of ID below:
Driver License or ID issued by a state or territory of the US
Texas handgun license
U.S. or foreign passport
U.S. Military ID
North Atlantic Treaty Organization ID
ID issued under a Status of Forces Agreement
U.S. Department of Homeland Security ID
U.S. Department of State ID
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ID Document
The Department Policy as of Revision Date 06/21 states that the department will accept an identification for up to 12 months after expiration, however, if owner is receiving a certified-copy of the title in-person, a valid and current photo ID of the recipient must be presented and written on page 1 of the application.
Power of Attorney Signatures
If a power of attorney (POA) is used, all of the requirements for ID verification are required. This means that the party being granted the power of attorney must provide proper identification if signing for the original owner on the title record.
Business / Entity Signatures
In many cases when businesses or other organizations are buying/selling vehicles, representatives of the Company are typically granted power of attorney for the business/entity. In these cases, there are more requirements to validate the signature of the representative:
A copy of the agent’s government issued photo ID
Letter of signature authority for representative, signed by an authorized representative of the company. For example, if the representative signing is the CFO, a letter of signature authority signed by the CEO would suffice.
A printed business card with the representative’s name OR a copy of the employee ID connecting the signing agent to the company.
Note: The Texas Department of Motor Vehicle reserves the right to ask for more verification if needed.
Court Documents
Court documents such as divorce decrees and court orders must be originals or certified copies. It is important to note that the department WILL NOT return documents submitted with the application, so it is advised to obtain certified copies of these documents rather than sending the originals.
How JGT Services Can Help You
Navigating the process of obtaining a duplicate title after its been lost can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s where many people choose to lean on J.G. Title Company.
Why Choose J.G. Title Company?
Time Saving: The auditors at J.G. Title Company are trained to handle all paperwork and ensure accuracy at scale.
Expert Assistance: JGT has trained and specialized Texas Team Members, experienced with lost titles and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
Hassle-Free: JGT manages every step, so you don’t have to.
How It Works
Click the Submit Button below or call us at (913) 228-0333.
Complete the Steps of Submission
Sit Back and Relax!
FAQs About Duplicate Vehicle Titles in Texas
How long does it take to get a duplicate title?
The waiting time largely depends on the method you use for submitting the application. For instance, if you mail the application, you may run into delays with shipping which could add to the totality of waiting.
We have listed the estimated time frames of the different methods in the section above titled “Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Duplicate Title in Texas”
Can I expedite the process?
Yes, the process can be expedited by applying in-person or through JGT.
What happens if my vehicle has an active lien?
If there is indeed an active loan on the vehicle and money is still owed, the loan will have to be paid off in order for the bank to issue a lien release.
How much does it cost?
By Mail: $2.00
In Person: $5.45
Through JGT: $99.99 (easiest option)
Let JGT Handle It for You!
Why go through the hassle of dealing with forms and paperwork when we can do it for you? Start your application with us today and get started with your duplicate title without the stress!