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

May 8, 2022

The title to 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.

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.

How to Replace a Title for a Car in Oregon | Lost the Title to My Car How Do I Get a New One?

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:

• • To start, it’s $90 for a trailer loaded with more than 8,000 lbs
  • OR a motor with Gross Vehicle Weight over 26,001 lbs.
  • $98 to $187 for other vehicles
    • DMV only accepts checks or money orders made out to the “Oregon DMV.”
• Take your completed materials to the nearest DMV location or you can mail your application and fees to:
  • DMV Headquarters
  • 1905 Lana Ave NE
  • Salem, OR 97314

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

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 8–10 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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