Duplicate Title in California: Replacement Help

A duplicate title California owners request through the DMV replaces a Certificate of Title that was lost, stolen, damaged, or never arrived in the mail. The DMV calls it a replacement title, and the application is form REG 227. Set an appointment at our North Hollywood office and we prepare the application with you.

Request an Appointment Call (818) 649-3232

What this service covers

The California Certificate of Title shows who legally owns a vehicle. When it is gone, the DMV issues a replacement after the registered owner signs an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) and pays the replacement fee. The same form covers a title too damaged to read, a name correction, or a sale that has to go through without the original.

Who needs it

Owners who lost the title or had it stolen
Owners whose title is torn, stained, or unreadable
Sellers who need a clean title before a buyer will pay
Owners who paid off a loan but never received the paper title
Owners correcting a misspelled name on the title

What to bring to your appointment

Sourced from the DMV's requirements. Bring originals where the DMV asks for them. We confirm the exact list when we set your time.

What to bring: Duplicate Title

Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227)
Signed by the registered owner. Someone else may submit it for you, but the owner's signature is required.
Photo driver license or ID card
The DMV checks the applicant's photo ID and records the number on the application.
At least one proof of ownership document
The DMV asks for evidence that the vehicle belongs to you.
Any pieces of a damaged or unreadable title
The DMV wants the remnants turned in with the application.
Statement of Facts (REG 256)
Only for a name correction or name change filed along with the REG 227.
Notarized section 5 of the REG 227
Only when a legal owner or lienholder is on the vehicle record.

Based on DMV requirements as published on dmv.ca.gov, checked 2026-10-12. The DMV may ask for more depending on your vehicle. We confirm your exact list when we set your appointment.

When you might need this service

Lost or stolen title

The registered owner completes the REG 227 with the missing title statement in section 3, shows a photo ID, then pays the replacement fee. The DMV accepts it by mail or in person. If the name or address on a mailed application does not match the DMV record, the DMV asks the owner to come in with ID instead.

A lender is on the record

If a legal owner or lienholder shows on the record, section 5 of the REG 227 must be notarized. When the vehicle is from one of the two newest model years, the request has to come from the lender rather than from you. Many lenders hold titles electronically, so once the lender reports the loan satisfied, the DMV issues the paper title to you.

Selling without the original title

The DMV accepts a properly completed REG 227, signed by the registered owner, in place of a lost or unreadable title for a transfer. That lets the title transfer go forward without waiting on a replacement.

Name correction on the title

A misspelled name is corrected with a Statement of Facts (REG 256) plus the REG 227, proof of ownership, plus the replacement fee, which the DMV accepts by mail. A legal name change has to be submitted in person with your driver license or ID card.

How it works with us

Call or send a request
Tell us why the title needs replacing and whether a lender is on the record. Mention if you moved since the DMV last mailed you anything.
We confirm what to bring
We send a short list: photo ID, proof of ownership, any remnants of the damaged title, and a REG 256 if a name correction is involved. We also set a time at our North Hollywood office.
We prepare the REG 227 with you
We complete each section, confirm the missing title statement is filled in, then flag whether a notary is required for the lienholder section. We also check that your name matches the DMV record.
We handle the paperwork for the transaction
The DMV reviews the application, collects its fee, then mails the new title to the address on record, usually within 15 to 30 days by its own estimate.

Fees

DMV fees are set by the State of California, not by us. Only the DMV decides the final total, which depends on your vehicle, the transaction, and any penalties already on the record.

The DMV's fee page lists the replacement title fee at $28. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)
The DMV's procedures manual says renewal fees and parking violations do not have to be paid to issue a replacement title on its own. (DMV source, checked 2026-10-12)

Our service charge

Every transaction is different, so our service charge depends on the paperwork your case needs. Tell us about it when you call or send a request and we will explain our charge before you decide to proceed. DMV fees, taxes, and penalties are separate.

DMV fee calculator

How California registration fees add up

Common issues and special cases

Your address changed

On a mailed application, a name or address that does not match the DMV record means the DMV asks the owner to appear in person with photo ID. You can change your address online with the DMV before you apply.

The lender holds the title electronically

Many California lenders use the DMV's Electronic Lien and Title program, so there is no paper title while the loan is open. Once the lender reports the lien satisfied, the DMV issues the paper title to the registered owner. If you paid off the loan long ago with nothing in the mail, a replacement request makes sense.

You need the title to sell right now

You do not always have to wait for the replacement. The DMV accepts a REG 227 signed by the registered owner in place of the lost title for a transfer. Lien sale buyers have their own process; see our lien sale processing page.

Questions about duplicate title

How do I get a duplicate title in California?

Fill out an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227), sign it as the registered owner, then get it to the DMV by mail or in person with your photo ID and the replacement fee.

Can I get a replacement title online from the DMV?

The DMV's virtual office has a replacement title request that starts online. Its page says to gather your driver license or ID card, the license plate number, and the last five digits of the VIN. It does not list every situation it covers, so call us if a lender is on the record or your address changed.

Does the REG 227 need to be notarized?

Only section 5, and only when the vehicle record shows a legal owner or lienholder. With no lender on record, the DMV does not require a notary.

Can someone else submit the application for me?

Yes. Under the DMV's procedures manual, another person can hand in the REG 227 for you, but your own signature has to be on it. That is how our office helps.

I sold the car using the replacement title. What else should I do?

File a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability with the DMV within 5 days of the sale. Our release of liability page explains how, including the online option.

What does a paperless or electronic title mean?

It means the lender holds the title record electronically in the DMV's Electronic Lien and Title program. The DMV says paper plus electronic titles carry the same legal weight, and it issues the paper title to the registered owner once the lien is satisfied.

Ready to set an appointment?

Call or send a request. We will confirm what to bring and a time that works.