How To Replace A Lost Car Title In Texas

Replacing a car title is straightforward, and Texas Car Title And Payday Loan Services, Inc. is here to tell you all about it. In this quick guide, you’ll learn an in-depth, step-by-step process to replace your lost car title with help from the Department Of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Read through to the end to know precisely what needs to be done to get a new title. Plus, learn a few reasons why you should not delay this process any longer than necessary!

5 Steps To Replace Your Lost Car Title In Texas

When you lose your car title in Texas and need a replacement, you must work with the Texas Department Of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Browse their website and find the closest office to your location.

Then, follow the steps below to get a new copy of your car title:

Step 1: Get And Complete The Form

The first step of this process is to get the form needed to secure a certified copy of your car title.

Once you have that form, complete it to the best of your ability. That will include providing your basic information, like your name, phone number, and details about your vehicle.

Remember: consult the DMV office if you’re unsure about any part of the form. It’s better to ask than to provide inaccurate information.

Step 2: Provide Identification

Next, you must provide a valid form of identification along with the form as instructed. Typically, your driver’s license or another government-issued ID card will do.

This step is crucial to confirm your identity and prove that you are the vehicle’s rightful owner.

Step 3: Get The Form Notarized

Once you’ve completed the form along with your identification, you must then get it notarized.

To get a form notarized, you must have a notary public to officially verify your identity and witness your signature on the form. Then, the notary will affix their official seal to the form to vouch for its authenticity.

Getting your form notarized helps to prevent fraud. For example, no one else can claim to be you and try to get a copy of your car title.

One way to get your form notarized is to bring it to an independent notary. Besides that, you can also get the same service performed at a law firm or local government offices.

Remember that notarizing forms also costs money. So, be sure to ask about the price before you proceed.

Step 4: Pay The Fee

After that is done, you’ll need to pay a fee to the DMV. To be clear, this is the fee to apply for a certified copy of your car title, and it’s separate from the earlier fee to have the form notarized.

This fee can vary, so it’s always best to check with your local DMV office first. For example, the fee to get a new title in person is not the same as if you wanted it sent to you by mail.

Step 5: Submit The Form

After completing Steps 1 to 4, you are ready to submit the form to get a certified copy of your car title.

Remember: you can do so in person at your local DMV office, as well as by mail. Be sure to refer to the Texas DMV website for the latest instructions on how to do that.

Once that’s done, you only need to wait for the DMV to process your request. Typically, an in-person request is completed much quicker. Meanwhile, if you want your car title sent by mail, it could take weeks to receive it.

Why Do I Need My Car Title?

Some people might not consider a lost car title a big deal. However, delaying the process of getting a replacement is a big mistake.

Your car title is a crucial document that you must always have access to. 

Here are 5 important reasons you’ll want to replace your lost car title as soon as possible:

1. For When You Want To Register The Car

First and foremost, your car title is something you must have with you when you want to register the car. Registering the vehicle is the only way you can legally drive it on public roads, and a title is necessary to do that.

For example, you’ll need it if you’re registering your car with the Texas DMV or anywhere else for the first time.

2. To Prove That You Own Your Vehicle

The primary purpose of a car title is to prove that you own your vehicle. It is the only document clearly stating your name as its owner, authorized to do whatever you want with the car.

Replacing your lost car title as quickly as possible is crucial to ensure you have valid proof that the car is indeed yours.

3. For When You Want To Sell The Car

A car title is also crucial if you want to sell the vehicle. As you read earlier, the title proves you own the car and can sell it to someone else.

Just as important is that a car sale can only be completed with a title transfer that legally changes the vehicle’s ownership.

That title transfer cannot happen without your car title. So, until you have a replacement in your hands, you won’t be able to complete the sale.

4. For When You Want To Buy Insurance

Besides registering your vehicle, you must also have auto insurance to drive on public roads. Insurance providers will not sell you a policy if you can’t prove that you own the vehicle.

As you might’ve guessed, the only way to do that is with a car title.

5. For When You Want To Use The Title As Loan Collateral

Last, your car title can be a lifesaver if you ever need to borrow money in an emergency. Depending on the value of your car, the title can be used as collateral to secure a title loan worth up to $15,000.

Title loans only have a few requirements you must meet. For one thing, you must have a lien-free car title that’s registered in your name. That will enable you to use the title as collateral. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID. 

One important note is that you do not need to surrender your car to get a title loan. However, you must have it inspected by one of our helpful representatives. The inspection will only take a few moments to assess its value by checking its condition, make, model, and year.

Assuming all goes well and you get approved, the money could be yours as early as the same day or by the next business day. That means you can cover your emergency costs with little or no delay.

Of course, all of the above is only possible if you have your car title with you.

Take The First Step Now!

Replacing a car title in the state of Texas isn’t as difficult as some might assume. All you need to do is visit your local DMV office and follow the earlier steps. Just remember that you should never delay replacing a lost car title.

Among other things, it can help you get an emergency loan from Texas Car Title And Payday Loan Services Inc. Once you have your title, get in touch by submitting your information through the secure online form and wait for a callback soon after.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.