Michigan Title Replacement: How to Replace Your Lost Title

A vehicle doesn’t have many purposes without its title. By not having a title, you’re restricted from selling and trading. Or you are using it as collateral in a loan application. This is quite the trouble because you can’t technically prove vehicle ownership!

Michigan requires replacing a car title if lost, damaged, or stolen. You can get a duplicate title a few ways in Michigan. This article will share the options you have.

What’s Needed to Replace a Car’s Title in Michigan (or Get a Duplicate)

You can replace your vehicle’s title in-person at a local MI DMV Secretary of State (SOS) location. Mail-in options are available, too, providing a quick-and-easy way to get back on the road but are typically reserved for those currently out of the state.

You must file the Application for Michigan Vehicle Title (TR-11L).

You will show your driver’s license or ID, then submit a $15 duplicate title fee when processing the replacement request. The entire process shouldn’t take longer than ten days.

Other items you may need:

  • Driver’s license or ID card
  • License plate number
  • Vehicle’s VIN, make, model, and year
  • Vehicle’s registration proof of ownership
  • Any lien details

Having these items when you go in-person can make the process faster, but an ID will generally suffice for the Michigan SOS.

Replacing/Duplicates In-Person

Replacing a title in-person requires you to:

  1. Locate your local SOS/DMV office
  2. File and bring the Form TR-11L
  3. Pay the fee (check, cash, card)

Replacing/Duplicates by Mail

Replacement and duplicate titles are available through the mail. This is a great option if you’re currently out of state. This process shouldn’t take long if you have the paperwork and payment ready.

You can get a duplicate title by mail by following these steps:

  1. Gather your proof of vehicle ownership
  2. Complete the TR-11L form
  3. Complete a Special Mailing of Title Request (TR-114)
    1. If: You’re having it mailed to a different address than listed on file
  4. Include a payment
    1. Check or money order
    2. Address to: State of Michigan

You will send these documents and payment to:

Michigan Department of State

Special Services Branch

7064 Crowner Drive

Lansing, MI 48918

Congratulations! You’re good to go!

Title Updates

It’s recommended you consider updating personal information when filing for a replacement or duplicate title. You can do this personally at the SOS office while filing the title request.

You will show your documents, and ID/driver’s license and pay the fee when updating.