What you need to do to get a duplicate title

To get a copy of your car title in Texas, you file a form with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and pay a fee. The form is called the process for Duplicate or Corrected Title (Form VTR 227). You can file it by mail, in person at a DMV office, or online through the Texas DMV website. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, or same-day if you go in person.

You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), the vehicle's license plate number, and proof that you own the vehicle. If someone else holds the title (like a lender), you may need their permission or signature depending on your situation. The fee for a duplicate title in Texas is currently $20.50, though this can change.

Texas does not mail duplicate titles to you automatically. You have to request one each time you need a copy. If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, filing for a duplicate is your only option to get an official replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • File Form VTR 227 (process for Duplicate or Corrected Title) with the Texas DMV by mail, online, or in person to request a copy of your title.
  • You will need your VIN, license plate number, and proof of ownership, and the current fee is $20.50.
  • Processing takes about two to three weeks by mail or same-day if you submit in person at a DMV office.
  • If a lender or lienholder is listed on your title, you may need their written consent before the DMV will issue a duplicate.

Filing by mail versus in person

Filing by mail is slower but requires no trip to an office. You mail Form VTR 227, a copy of your driver's license or ID, and the $20.50 fee to the Texas DMV address listed on the form. The DMV processes mail requests in the order received, which typically takes two to three weeks. You can track your process status online using your VIN and driver's license number.

Filing in person at a DMV office is faster. You bring the completed form, your ID, and payment, and you can often receive your duplicate title the same day or within a few days. To find the nearest DMV office, use the Texas DMV office locator on their website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go.

Filing online through the Texas DMV website is also available for duplicate titles. You will need to create an account, upload images of your ID and proof of ownership, and pay the fee by credit or debit card. Online filing typically processes in the same timeframe as mail filing.

What counts as proof of ownership

The Texas DMV accepts several documents as proof that you own the vehicle. A current vehicle registration in your name is the most straightforward proof. If you do not have the registration, you can use a bill of sale, a previous title in your name, or a court order transferring ownership to you.

If the vehicle is financed and a lender holds the title, you will need written permission from the lender to request a duplicate. Some lenders provide this permission in writing when you ask; others require you to contact them directly. The DMV will not issue a duplicate title if a lienholder is listed and has not consented.

If you are the executor of an estate or have inherited the vehicle, bring a copy of the will or court documents showing your authority. Proof of ownership in these situations is different from a standard sale, and the DMV may ask for additional paperwork.

When you need a duplicate title

You need a duplicate title when you plan to sell the vehicle, trade it in, or transfer ownership to someone else. The buyer or dealer will ask for the title as proof of ownership. You also need it if you are refinancing a loan and the lender requires a new title document.

If your title is damaged, faded, or illegible, request a duplicate even if you are not selling. A damaged title can cause problems when you renew your registration or if you need to prove ownership later. The DMV treats a damaged title the same as a lost one — you file the same form and pay the same fee.

If your title was lost in a move, fire, flood, or theft, file for a duplicate as soon as you realize it is missing. Having an official copy protects you if someone else tries to claim ownership of the vehicle or if you need to prove ownership in a legal dispute.

What happens if a lienholder is on your title

A lienholder is a bank, credit union, or finance company that holds a security interest in your vehicle because you borrowed money to buy it. Their name appears on your title. If a lienholder is listed, the DMV will not issue a duplicate title without their written consent.

Contact your lender and ask them to provide written authorization for a duplicate title. Some lenders have a standard form they use; others will write a letter on company letterhead. Include this authorization with your Form VTR 227 when you file. If the lender refuses or you cannot reach them, you cannot get a duplicate title until the loan is paid off and the lien is released.

Once you pay off the loan, the lender will send a lien release document to the DMV. After the DMV records the release, the lienholder's name will no longer appear on your title, and you can request a duplicate without their permission.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a duplicate title in Texas is $20.50. This fee covers the cost of processing your request and issuing the new title document. If you file in person at a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, or debit card. Some offices also accept credit cards, but this varies by location.

If you file by mail, include a check or money order payable to "Texas Department of Motor Vehicles." Do not send cash through the mail. If you file online, you can pay by credit or debit card during the process process.

If your process is denied or incomplete, the DMV will return your fee. If you need to correct information on the title (not just get a duplicate), the fee may be different. Contact the DMV directly if you are unsure whether you need a duplicate or a corrected title.

Tracking your duplicate title request

If you filed by mail or online, you can check the status of your request on the Texas DMV website. You will need your VIN and your driver's license number. The status page will tell you whether your process is pending, approved, or ready for pickup.

If you filed in person, ask the DMV staff when you can expect to receive your title. Some offices will give you a receipt with an estimated completion date. If more than three weeks have passed since you mailed your process and you have not received your title, contact the DMV to confirm they received it.

If your process is denied, the DMV will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include missing information, a lienholder's refusal to consent, or a problem with your proof of ownership. The letter will tell you what to do next and whether you can resubmit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a duplicate title if the vehicle is still being financed?

Yes, but only with written permission from the lender or lienholder. Contact your lender and ask them to provide authorization. Once you have their written consent, include it with your Form VTR 227. Without it, the DMV will deny your request.

How long does it take to get a duplicate title in Texas?

By mail, processing takes two to three weeks. In person at a DMV office, you may receive it the same day or within a few days. Online filing typically takes the same time as mail filing. Call your local DMV office to ask about their current processing times.

What if I lost my title and do not have a copy of my registration?

You can still request a duplicate title, but you will need some proof of ownership. A bill of sale, a previous title, or a court document showing ownership will work. If you have none of these, contact the DMV to ask what other documents they will accept.

Can someone else pick up my duplicate title for me?

If you filed in person and the title is ready, yes — someone else can pick it up if you give them written authorization and they bring a photo ID. Call the DMV office first to confirm their policy, as rules vary by location.

What is the difference between a duplicate title and a corrected title?

A duplicate is an exact copy of your current title. A corrected title fixes errors on the existing title, such as a misspelled name or wrong VIN. If you need corrections, you file a different form (VTR 227 also handles corrections, but note this in your request). The fee is the same.