Lost the Title to My Car How Do I Get a New One?

May 8, 2022

The title of your car may seem like just a piece of paper, but in actuality, it is an extremely important piece of paper. So, with that said, what happens if you lose the title to your car? We answer that below in our blog post Lost The Title to My Car How Do I Get a New One we’ll go over how to replace it step-by-step.

What is a Vehicle Title?

For those who don’t know, the vehicle title is proof that you own the vehicle. You will have the title of your car on you if you own the car outright.

Otherwise, if you took out a loan to buy the vehicle then the title will still list you as the owner but it will also list the bank or credit union as the lienholder. Based on that info, the title will remain with the financial institution until your loan is paid off.

It is important to get a new title for your car if you’ve lost your vehicle title. There are more than a few things you won’t be able to do without your car title, for instance, if you are looking to sell your car, you won’t be able to do so without the title.

Why is a Car Title Important

A car title is a legal paper that says you own your car. It has important details like the car’s make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It also has the name and address of the owner. This title is very important. It proves you own the car when you want to sell it or use it to get a loan. It is also needed to register the car or renew its registration. Lastly, insurance companies may ask for it to give you insurance coverage.

Losing your car title can cause many problems. It can make it hard to sell the car. It can also cause legal issues if there is a fight over who owns the car. So, it is important to keep the title safe. If you lose it, you should try to replace it right away.

How to Easily Replace a Lost Car Title

If you lost the title to your car the process to replace it varies state-to-state. Below we will go over how to replace your car title in Oregon and Washington.

Replacing a Car Title in Your Name

In Oregon and Washington, replacing a car title that is in your name is a relatively straightforward process. If your title is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can apply for a replacement title. In Oregon, you will need to complete an Application for Replacement Title (Form 735-515) and submit it along with the required fee to the Oregon DMV. In Washington, you will need to complete an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest (Form TD-420-040) and submit it along with the required fee to the Washington State Department of Licensing. It is important to provide accurate and complete information on the application to avoid any delays or issues in processing. Additionally, you should report a lost or stolen title to local law enforcement to prevent any fraudulent use of your title.

Once you have submitted your application and fee, the DMV will process your request and issue a new title. It is important to note that any liens on the vehicle will still be in effect and will be reflected on the new title. Additionally, if you find your original title after receiving the replacement, the original title will no longer be valid, and you should destroy it to prevent any confusion or fraudulent use. It is always recommended to check with your local DMV office or their website for the most up-to-date information and requirements as they may vary or change over time.

Replacing a Car Title Not in your Name

In Oregon and Washington, replacing a car title that is not in your name can be a bit complex as it involves legalities surrounding ownership. If you need to replace a title not in your name, you must first ensure that the vehicle’s owner transfers the title to you. The current owner must complete the transfer section on the existing title, including the buyer’s (your) name and address, the date of sale, the selling price, and the odometer reading.

Both the seller and the buyer must sign the title. Then, you can apply for a new title in your name by submitting the completed title, a completed Application for Title and Registration, and the required fees to the DMV. If the current owner cannot locate the title, they will need to apply for a replacement title before transferring ownership to you. It is important to note that you cannot legally replace a title that is not in your name without the current owner’s consent and proper transfer of ownership.

In both Oregon and Washington, it is essential to complete a vehicle history report or a title search to ensure there are no liens on the vehicle and that it is not stolen. Additionally, you may need to complete a bill of sale, which includes the vehicle’s purchase price, the buyer’s and seller’s names and addresses, and the vehicle’s details. This document may be required by the DMV when applying for a new title. It is always recommended to check with your local DMV office or their website for the most up-to-date information and requirements as they may vary or change over time.

How to Replace a Title for a Car in Oregon

Two things to note upfront about replacing your title in Oregon are;

1. The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division (DMV) will only issue a replacement vehicle title if the title is lost, destroyed, or damaged.
2. A stolen car title is not considered lost if you know who lost or stole the car

Here are step-by-step instructions from the Oregon DMV to replace or duplicate your title:

• Fill out the Oregon DMV application for replacement/duplicate title form. It is important to note that all owners on the vehicle title must sign the application form.
• Pay the appropriate fees:
  • Passenger Vehicles and Trucks (26,000 pounds GVWR or less)
    • 1999 or older – $101
    • 2000 or Newer with 0-19 combined MPG – $101
    • 2000 or Newer with 20-39 combined MPG – $106
    • 2000 or Newer with 40+ combined MPG – $116
    • Electric Vehicle – $192
• Other Title Fees
  • Light Trailers, Travel Trailers, Motorcycles, Mopeds, Motor Homes, Busses, Campers, Park Model RV, ATVs – $101
  • Heavy Vehicles – $90
  • Salvage Titles – $27

You can find more information about different situations about replacing a lost or damaged title at the Oregon DMV.org site.

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How to Replace a Title for a Car in Washington State

While Oregon has you work with the state DMV office, in Washington State you will be working with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to replace your lost vehicle title.

Things to know right off the bat according to the Washington State DOL:

• Replace your title if it gets lost or damaged, fees vary
• If you’re still making payments on the loan then the lien-holder must apply to replace the title
• We mail titles within 8–10 weeks. If you need it sooner, apply for a Quick Title. See below for details

Start the process of replacing your lost or damaged title by going to the Replace Title webpage on the Washington DOL site. From there the process to replace your vehicle title is relatively simple.

How to Replace a Title

1. Complete an Affidavit of Loss/Release of Interest form.
2. Registered owners sign the form and get it notarized.
3. Mail or bring the completed form and fee to a DOL office:

• Vehicle licensing office — title mailed to you within 4–6 weeks:
  • Vehicle replacement titles cost $35.50
  • Trailer replacement titles cost $35.50
  • Boat replacement titles cost $26.75

OR

• Quick Title office — mailed or given to you immediately:
  • Vehicle replacement titles cost $85.50
  • Trailer replacement titles cost $85.50
  • Boat replacement titles cost $76.75
  • You can’t get Quick Titles for:
    • Vehicles or boats reported stolen
    • Insurance or wrecker destroyed vehicles and boats
    • Vehicles with a “WA rebuilt” on the title

Here are a few links to replace your vehicle tabs, registration, etc.

• Vehicle tabs
• Registration
• License plates

Don’t feel overwhelmed by the above processes. The Oregon DMV and the Washington State DOL site clearly outline the process to get a new car title. Conveniently, you are able to fill out most of the forms online, from the comfort of your own home. No need to wait in line at the DMV.

The takeaway, make it easier on yourself and store your vehicle title in a safe place to minimize the risk of having to replace it.

If you are looking for more information to transfer a car title you can read about that process in our other blog post: How to Transfer a Car Title

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