Lost car title

[MegaDave]

If I have bought a car, and lost the title before I changed it into my name (very long story involving a car accident and having to get rid of my rental before I had to start paying for it), what should I do? I had heard once that you can file for a lost title, and I do have a bill of sale from the previous owners (whose name is on the title). Should I just take this up to the DMV? Anyone have any idea how much I can expect to pay for that, and how long it should take to get it?

[Thinks2Much]

It depends greatly on what state you're in. You'll have to post that before anyone can help you.

[DeVena]

According to my mom, the used car dealer... Contact the Department of Revenue- Automotive Title Division (or your state equivalent). Apply for a replacement title, you might be able to find this on the internet. It should cost between $15 to $100 dollars depending on your state.

NO white out or correction on the printed version, and it must be letter perfect.

[Mr. Blue Sky]

Originally posted by DeVena
NO white out or correction on the printed version, and it must be letter perfect.

Personal aside: When I bought my current car a couple of years ago, I had to put the mileage on the title. The question on the title asked for the odometer reading. I checked the odometer and it read 16,000 (approx), so I put that in the blank. The lady at the DMV asked me if it was supposed to be 116,000. I said yes, so she wrote in the first "1" and gave me a dirty look. Now, I know that if I had put that on there, she would have rejected the title.

[Chris Luongo]

Depending on what state you're in, some older cars don't even need a title, so be sure to ask about that.

In my state (MA), they'll generally only send the duplicate title ($25) to the person who is listed on the front of the title----that is, the person who sold the car to you. If your state is similar, you'll have to make some arrangements with the seller to watch for the duplicate title in the mail, and then sign it over to you.

At any rate, the motor vehicles department deals with lost titles all the time. Call yours to find out the specifics in your state.

[handy]

I got some duplicate ones in Calif & it cost me $7. Might be more today. I only needed it when I sold the car.

[MegaDave]

Well I am in Indiana, and I need it to register the car. I bought it, and when I did I had the title in another car. That car was involved in a car accident, and I ended up losing it. I am driving the other car now, and I need to get it registered and my plates transfered over. I don't think I can do that without the title to the car can I?

[Uncommon Sense]

You will need the title. How else would they know who owns it now? Unless you had previously registered it. Doesn`t sound like it to me.
Anyway, you may need to contact the person you bought it from and get them to sign off on the replacement title. The DMV probably thinks they (the previous owner) still owns it. You can get all the paper work from the DMV and get the rest of the scoop from them. Shouldn`t be a problem.

[handy]

"Do I have to register at the same time that I title?

No. However proper registration is required while operating a vehicle on Indiana highways. "

"# Duplicate title fee is $9.00"


http://www.onlinedmv.com/IN_Indiana_...r_vehicles.htm

[racer72]

A very quick check of your state statutes provides all the information you need. From the code: IC 9-17-3-2
Loss, mutilation, or destruction; application for duplicate; requirements
Sec. 2. (a) If a certificate of title:
(1) is lost;
(2) is mutilated;
(3) is destroyed; or
(4) becomes illegible;
the person who owns the vehicle or the legal representative or legal successor in interest of the person who owns the vehicle for which the certificate of title was issued, as shown by the records of the bureau, shall immediately apply for and may obtain a duplicate certificate of title.
(b) To obtain a duplicate certificate of title under subsection (a), a person must:
(1) furnish information satisfactory to the bureau concerning the loss, mutilation, destruction, or illegibility of the certificate of title; and
(2) pay the fee provided under IC 9-29.
(c) The word "duplicate" shall be printed or stamped in ink on the face of a certificate of title issued under this section.
(d) When a duplicate certificate of title is issued, the previous certificate of title becomes void.
As added by P.L.2-1991, SEC.5.

You can find the complete statutue
here.

[Uncommon Sense]

Right, and since you were never the official owner on the title, you will have to get the previous owners involved.