NY Duplicate Title Guide: How to Replace a Lost Title

New York Duplicate Title

Forget about selling and trading a car without its title. You can’t use the title-less vehicle as collateral when applying for loans, either.

The point: You need to replace a lost title if it’s ever lost, damaged, or stolen.

You could:

  • Enter your vehicle info on the NY DMV website
  • Complete and mail in the Application for Duplicate Title (MV-902)
  • Visit a local NY DMV, file the paperwork, and get the duplicate title

Let’s investigate what’s needed when doing one of these:

Replacing a Car’s Title in New York: What’s Needed

As mentioned: You can replace a title in-person at a local NY DMV location, file an Application for Duplicate Title (MV-902) and mail it in, or do this electronically through the NY DMV website.

You’ll submit a $20 duplicate title fee (in-person) when processing the request.

Other items you’ll need include:

  • Driver’s license, ID card, or passport
    • Title/Registration matches these addresses on file
  • The vehicle’s title
  • No outstanding liens or charges

You may call (518) 486-4714 for any questions directed at the Title Bureau.

Replacing/Duplicates Online

The online replacement process is quick and easy – it’s the preferred method. You cannot get a duplicate title if it’s been processed within 15-days, though. Or, it has major changes like belonging to a deceased owner or an amended title certificate.

What you’ll do:

  1. Visit the NY DMV website
  2. Provide Id and title information
  3. Process your online payment

You should receive your title in the mail in about 2 – 3 business days.

Replacing/Duplicates In-Person

Replacing a title in-person requires you to:

  1. Locate your local DMV office
  2. File and bring the Form MV-902
  3. Pay the fee (check, cash, card)

Replacing/Duplicates by Mail

Replacement and duplicate titles are available through the mail.

Provide:

  • Proof of ID
  • Completed MV-902 form
  • $20 payment (check or money order)

Send this information to:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

Title Bureau

P.O. Box 2750

Albany, NY 12220

You may also order this title by express mail (though costing extra):

Duplicate Title Certificates

NYS DMV

6 Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY  12228

Title Updates/Errors

You should consider updating personal info when filing including an updated name or address. The state will mail an updated title within 90-days of these changes. You’ll need to provide valid proof of ID.

You will then file the MV-902 application and pay the replacement title fee as normal.