What You Need to Know About Getting a Title Copy

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will send you a duplicate title if your original is lost, damaged, or you need an extra copy for a transaction. You request this through the DMV, not through a dealer or county office. The process takes about two to three weeks by mail, though you can pick one up in person at a DMV office the same day if you go in person. The fee is $20 for a duplicate title.

A duplicate title looks and functions exactly like an original — it has the same legal weight and can be used for sales, loans, or registration. The DMV will note on the back that it is a duplicate, but this does not affect its use. You do not need to explain why you need a copy; the DMV issues them routinely.

Key Takeaways

  • Request a duplicate title from the California DMV by mail using Form REG 17, or visit a DMV office in person to receive one the same day.
  • You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration, and proof of identity to request a duplicate.
  • The fee is $20, payable by check, money order, or credit card depending on how you submit your request.
  • Mail requests take two to three weeks; in-person requests at a DMV office are processed when ready during business hours.
  • A duplicate title is legally identical to an original and can be used for any transaction requiring the title document.

Requesting a Duplicate Title by Mail

To request a duplicate title by mail, complete Form REG 17 (process for Duplicate or Triplicate Title). You can read this form from the California DMV website or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill in your name, address, VIN, and current license plate number. Sign and date the form.

Include a copy of your current vehicle registration and a copy of your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Mail the completed form, copies, and a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form — this is typically the DMV regional office that serves your county. Do not send cash. Allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery.

If you are the registered owner but someone else is signing the form on your behalf, that person must also sign and include a copy of their ID. If the vehicle is registered to more than one owner, all owners must sign the form.

Getting a Duplicate Title in Person at a DMV Office

Walk into any California DMV office with your current registration, government-issued photo ID, and the $20 fee. Tell the staff you need a duplicate title. They will print one for you while you wait — this usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

Bring the original registration document, not just a photo of it. If you do not have your registration with you, staff can look it up in the system using your driver's license number and VIN, but this takes longer. If the vehicle is registered to multiple owners, all owners should be present or you should bring a signed authorization from the other owner.

DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open Saturday mornings. Check the DMV website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go.

What Information You Need Before You Start

Gather your vehicle identification number (VIN) before you request a duplicate. You can find this on your current registration, on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side, or on insurance documents. You will also need your current registration document itself — either the physical card or a photo of it if you are requesting by mail.

Have your government-issued photo ID ready. This can be a California driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The name on your ID should match the name on the vehicle registration. If your name has changed since the title was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

If you are requesting the duplicate on behalf of someone else, you will need a signed authorization from the registered owner and a copy of their ID, in addition to your own ID.

When You Cannot Locate Your VIN or Registration

If you have lost both your title and your registration and do not know your VIN, you can still request a duplicate, but the process is slower. Call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and provide your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. The DMV can look up your vehicle information in their system and tell you the VIN and current registration details.

Once you have the VIN, proceed with either the mail or in-person request as described above. If you are requesting in person, bring your driver's license and tell the staff you need help locating your vehicle record — they can pull it up for you.

Paying the $20 Fee

The duplicate title fee is $20. If you are requesting by mail, pay by check or money order made out to the California DMV. Do not send cash through the mail. If you are requesting in person at a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Some DMV offices accept payment by phone or online before you arrive, which can speed up your visit. Check the DMV website or call ahead to see if your local office offers this option.

What Happens After You Request a Duplicate

If you requested by mail, the DMV will send your duplicate title to the address on your registration. If that address has changed, update your registration first or include a note with your request asking the DMV to mail it to a different address. Mail delivery takes about two to three weeks from the date the DMV processes your request.

If you requested in person, you will receive the duplicate title before you leave the office. The title will be printed on security paper and will have "DUPLICATE" printed on the back. This does not affect its legal use — you can use it when ready for a sale, transfer, or loan.

If you do not receive your duplicate title by mail within four weeks, contact the DMV to confirm it was sent. Have your request date and the address where you asked it to be mailed ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a duplicate title if the vehicle has a lien on it?

Yes. The lienholder's name will appear on the duplicate title just as it appears on your original. If the lien has been paid off but the title still shows the lienholder, you will need to request a lien release from the lienholder first, then request a new title. The DMV cannot remove a lien from a title.

Do I need a duplicate title if I am just renewing my registration?

No. Renewing your registration requires only your current registration card and payment. You only need a duplicate title if you are selling the vehicle, transferring ownership, using it as collateral for a loan, or if your original title is damaged or lost.

What if my name on the title does not match my current ID?

Bring documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update the title to reflect your current legal name. You may need to request a corrected title rather than a duplicate, which is the same process and the same $20 fee.

Can someone else pick up my duplicate title at the DMV office?

Yes, if you provide them with a signed authorization letter and they bring a copy of your ID along with their own. The authorization should state that you are authorizing them to pick up your duplicate title on your behalf.

How many duplicate titles can I request?

You can request up to three duplicate titles at once. Each one costs $20. Some people request multiples if they are selling the vehicle and want backups, or if they are managing a transaction where multiple parties need a copy.