Duplicate Car Title in California: When & Why You Need It
A duplicate title is an official copy of the document confirming ownership of the vehicle. It is required in case of loss, damage, or theft of the original. You can obtain a duplicate through the DMV or online using services such as Xtreet. It is important to prepare the documents correctly, pay the appropriate fees, and meet the deadlines to avoid fines and ownership issues. But first things first.
What is a vehicle title?
A vehicle title is a legal document that confirms ownership of a vehicle. In California, this document is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and is considered one of the key documents when purchasing or selling a car, transferring ownership, or registering a vehicle.
What information does the title contain?
The original document includes:
- VIN code (Vehicle Identification Number) — a unique 17-digit identifier for the car;
- Full name of the owner or several co-owners, indicating the type of ownership (for example, joint ownership);
- The owner's address;
- The make, model, year of manufacture, and class of the vehicle;
- Ownership history — previous owners, dates of transfer;
- Records of liens — if the car was purchased on credit or leased;
- The estimated value of the vehicle (in some cases).
The title is the main legal proof that you are the actual owner of the vehicle. Without it, you:
- you will not be able to sell the car,
- you will not be able to transfer ownership,
- you will not be able to register the car if you change your address or move,
What is a duplicate title?
A duplicate title is an official replacement for a lost, damaged, or invalid original title issued by the same government agency (California DMV).
Important to know:
- A duplicate has the same legal force as the original.
- When selling a car, you are required to transfer the title to the new owner, so if you don't have it, you must first order a duplicate.
- The average processing time for a paper duplicate is 7–30 days (you can track it through the DMV).
- For an electronic title (e-Title), copies are issued only after authorization is confirmed through the DMV.
To order a duplicate, you will need to fill out form REG 227 or REG 156 (depending on the situation) — you can download it from the official DMV website.
When do you need a duplicate title?
A duplicate title is a legally valid copy, without which you cannot complete any official transaction involving a car: neither sale, nor gift, nor registration after moving. Below we will look at the most common situations in which it is necessary to order one.
Loss of the original
This is the most common reason for contacting the DMV. The original may be lost during a move, repair, or simply lost over the years. If you cannot physically provide the title when re-registering a car, selling it, or applying for a loan, you need to obtain a duplicate.
Example:
Martin bought the car five years ago, but while preparing to sell it, he couldn't find the document. He requested a duplicate from the DMV so he could complete the sale.
Theft or significant damage
Sometimes the document, along with other papers, is stolen from the glove compartment or damaged (wet in the rain, burned, torn, etc.). In such cases, the DMV requires an official replacement, as the damaged title is no longer considered valid.
Tip: even if the document is only partially damaged but cannot be read in its entirety, it is better to request a duplicate immediately.
Correcting errors
Even a small error in the name, address, VIN code, or other data can lead to legal complications. You cannot change the title manually. If the DMV recognizes that the information in the title is incorrect (due to a mistake by the seller, dealer, or even a typo), you must submit a request for a duplicate with corrections.
Example:
Alice noticed that her title had an incorrect letter in the VIN code. The DMV did not accept the document for registration of the new owner. She had to apply for a duplicate with the correct information.
Change of personal or legal information
Changes in life also affect documents. If:
- You changed your last name after marriage or divorce,
- You registered a new legal entity that became the owner of the car,
- There have been changes in the type of ownership (for example, from personal to joint ownership),
— you need to obtain an updated title with the new information.
Such cases do not always require complete re-registration of the vehicle, but always require a new title with up-to-date information.
Inheritance, gifting, or court decisions
Legal changes caused by the death of the owner, distribution of property, or a court decision require re-registration of the rights to the vehicle. This is often done not through a traditional sale, but through an official title update. However, without the original (which is often lost after the owner's death), a duplicate will have to be issued.
Example:
After his father's death, Colin inherited his car. But the original title was not preserved. To register the car in his name, he filed inheritance documents with the court and a request for a duplicate title in his name with the DMV.
How to obtain a duplicate title in California?
The procedure for obtaining a duplicate title in California is very clear and requires you to take several consecutive steps:
Step 1: Prepare the necessary documents
- Application for a duplicate title (Form REG 227)
- Your identification (driver's license or ID)
- Vehicle details: VIN, make, model
Step 2: Pay the fee
The cost of obtaining a duplicate title in California is approximately $23 (as of 2025). This amount must be paid when submitting the application.
Step 3: Submit your application
You can submit your application:
- Online through the official DMV website (if available)
- In person at your local DMV office
- By mail (by sending the completed form)
Step 4: Receiving a duplicate
Once your application has been processed, your new title will be mailed to you within 2–4 weeks.
How to obtain a duplicate title from Xtreet
Obtaining a duplicate title may seem like a simple procedure, but in practice, it is one of those processes where any minor oversight can lead to delays, refusals, or the need to re-fill out documents. This is especially true if this is your first interaction with the DMV, or if the situation is not entirely standard — for example, the title has been stolen, and the owner or registration address has changed.
That's why many drivers in California choose Xtreet, a service that specializes in the legally correct processing of all transportation documents.
Online submission without queues
Instead of going to the DMV office, standing in line, and risking mistakes in your documents, you can complete everything online, from your home or office, at a time convenient for you. Just fill out the form on the website, provide the minimum information, and we will take care of the rest.
Example: Marla lost her title and planned to go to the DMV, but didn't have time because of work. Through Xtreet, she submitted her documents online in 10 minutes and received confirmation by mail without having to visit the DMV.
Application verification and support
Before submitting your documents, our team checks all fields for accuracy to avoid rejection by the DMV. If you need to add proof of payment, clarify the VIN, or explain the circumstances of the loss, we will tell you how to do it correctly.
Even a small mistake — such as an extra letter in the VIN or an incorrect address — can cause you to wait another 2–3 weeks. We help prevent such situations before they become a problem.
Help with paying fees
Xtreet will help you:
- calculate the exact amount of fees for a duplicate title,
- pay online or prepare a check,
- make sure that all payments are reflected in the DMV system.
This is especially important if you need to combine several actions at once — for example, a name change on the title + a duplicate.
Fast processing and real-time status
We provide a tracking report, application status updates, and a temporary document (if possible) that you can print out and place on your car's dashboard. This allows you to continue using your car as usual while the duplicate is still in transit.
Consultations and live support
Need advice on how to prove ownership? Not sure which form to fill out — REG 227 or REG 156? Changed your state or last name? We will explain, advise, and even prepare the forms for you so that all you have to do is sign.
When is Xtreet the best solution?
- If you don't want to waste time at the DMV.
- If you need to complete the procedure as quickly as possible.
- If you want to avoid common mistakes.
- If you are unsure which form to submit or what documents are required.
Obtaining a duplicate title is not difficult if you know what you are doing. However, in many situations — especially if you lack experience or are dealing with unusual circumstances — it is better to entrust this task to specialists.
With Xtreet, you will have a reliable assistant in preparing all the necessary documents. We value your time, money, and nerves — and we do everything to make the process simple and predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does it cost to obtain a duplicate title in California?
The fee is approximately $23, but it is subject to change. Always check the current prices on the DMV website.
2. Can I get a duplicate title online?
Yes, in some cases, you can apply online through the DMV or an intermediary, such as Xtreet.
3. How long does it take to get a duplicate?
It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date of application.
4. What should I do if the duplicate title does not arrive?
Contact the DMV or the service through which you submitted your application to check the status.
5. Can I sell a car without a title?
No, selling without a title is prohibited and can lead to legal problems.
6. Do I need a duplicate title when transferring a car by inheritance?
Yes, it is usually required to confirm the heir's ownership.
7. Can I appeal a refusal to issue a duplicate?
Yes, you can contact the DMV with a request for review or hire a lawyer.
Conclusion
A duplicate title is an important document for confirming ownership of a car. It helps owners avoid problems if the original is lost, stolen, or damaged. The process of obtaining a duplicate in California is fairly simple, but it requires proper preparation of documents and payment of the appropriate fees.
Services such as Xtreet greatly simplify this procedure, allowing you to obtain a duplicate online, quickly and without unnecessary complications. If you need to obtain a duplicate title, don't put off the decision and contact the professionals.