The Lost Car Title in Texas Guide: Get Your Replacement

Car titles are essential to prove that you’re the owner of a car, and losing yours can be problematic. If you’re dealing with a lost car title in Texas, all is not lost. You can apply for a certified copy of your Texas auto title to get a new copy. 

Are you looking for a Texas vehicle title replacement? Our guide will take you through all the steps you need to take to get your title replaced in no time. 

How Much Is Texas Car Registration? How To Buy A Car In Texas

Texas Vehicle Title Replacement

A lost car title in Texas is inconvenient but it doesn’t have to be a big deal. If you’re looking for a Texas vehicle title replacement, you can apply for a certified copy of the title through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). You’ll need to fill out form VTR-34 (Application for a Certified Copy of Title), bring proof of ID, and a fee of $2 if applying by mail or $5.45 if applying in person. 

How to Get a Car Title in Texas

After you purchase a new car or move to Texas, you’ll need to get a Texas auto title. The process is fairly straightforward and accomplished at your local county tax collector’s office. For either a new car purchased in Texas or a title transfer, you’ll have to apply for a title within 30 days. 

Bring a completed Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U), the vehicle title signed over to you by the seller, the bill of sale, Odometer Disclosure Statement, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. If you’re purchasing the car through a dealership, the good news is that they can handle the process for you so you don’t have to worry about it. 

How You Can Apply

If you’ve got a lost car title in Texas, you’ll need to follow a different set of steps in order to replace your Texas auto title. If your car has a lien on it, the lienholder will need to fill out the application. Otherwise, you can go in person to a local TxDMV service center or mail in your request for a certified copy. 

Here’s how to replace your lost car title in Texas:

1. Fill out Form VTR-34 (Application for a Certified Copy of Title). All owners recorded on the title must sign the application. 
2. Bring your photo ID or make a copy. 
3. Go to a TxDMV regional service center and pay the $5.45 fee. An appointment is not required but is highly recommended. You’ll receive the certified copy right away.
4. If applying by mail, submit the application, a copy of your photo ID, and a check, cashier’s check, or money order for $2. Mail the application to: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 1601 Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls, TX 76302. You should receive your certified copy in about 10-15 business days. 

How To Transfer A Car Title in texas

What If It’s in the Name of a Business?

If the vehicle with the lost car title in Texas is owned by a business, you’ll have to follow a slightly different process to replace the title. In addition to bringing a valid photo ID and Form VTR-34, you’ll need to bring an original business card or a letter of authorization on company letterhead signed by an officer of the company. The letter must state that the representative is authorized to request the certified copy and must be signed by a different person than the one coming to the DMV.  

What If It’s in the Name of a Trust?

If the vehicle title is in the name of a trust, the process to obtain a certified copy of the Texas auto title will require additional support to prove that the trustee is authorized to act on behalf of the trust. This could include one of the following: 

• The original or certified copy of the trust agreement
• A Statement of Fact for a Trust
• An Affidavit of Trust

Bring these to the TxDMV, along with the trustee’s photo ID and Form VTR-34.

In some cases, the title application will need to be signed with a power of attorney. In addition to the above proof, you’ll need to bring the ID of the person named with the power of attorney and the ID of the owner or lienholder. If the power of attorney is given to a business, make sure you also bring a letter of authorization on the company letterhead or an original business card. 

Lost Car Title in Texas Conclusion

A lost car title in Texas doesn’t have to be the end of the world. By filling out an Application for a Certified Copy of Title and paying a small fee, you can get a Texas vehicle title replacement in no time!

Now that you know how to replace your Texas auto title, you can start thinking about purchasing your next vehicle. At Tipton Hyundai in Brownsville, we have a huge selection of new and used vehicles. We offer financing as well as expert car maintenance in one convenient location. Come take a look at the new lineup, including the new Hyundai Palisade, today! We’re in Brownsville and we serve McAllen, Weslaco, Pharr, and the rest of the state, including Austin and San Antonio. If you’re looking to buy or sell a new or used truck, we can help you! We also have a large selection of certified used cars for you to choose from. We can also help you with your auto repair and accessory needs, such as tires, batteries, oil changes, and window tints. 

New Hyundai Inventory Used Cars For Sale