Having a valid car title is necessary to show legal ownership of a vehicle. In addition to other types of paperwork, such as a bill of sale, you need this proof of ownership to complete certain vehicle transactions (think a car registration or title transfer).

Therefore, if your title is ever lost or damaged, it will need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Replacing a Texas Vehicle Title

To replace a damaged or lost title, you will need to complete a certified copy of the title application and show your TX drivers license, passport, military ID, or other form of photo identification. The fee is $2 to request a replacement title by mail or $5.45 to request a replacement title at the nearest vehicle titles and registration regional office.

If you have additional questions regarding how to obtain a duplicate title, you can contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at (512) 465-7611.

Car Titles and Liens

If you're like the majority of Texas residents, you probably took out an auto loan to purchase your vehicle. Until your loan is paid off, the lienholder is considered the legal owner of the vehicle. Therefore, if you have an unpaid loan for your vehicle, the lienholder will need to be the one to complete the application for a copy of the title.

Power of Attorney and Vehicle Title Requests

If you are requesting a copy of a vehicle title with Power of Attorney, you will need to provide photo identification for both the original owner of the vehicle and the person who has been granted Power of Attorney. If a business has been granted Power of Attorney, you will need to produce a letter on company letterhead, a business card, or an employee ID.