Motor vehicle owners can complete their procedure of replacing a Louisiana lost car title through the state Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) by submitting the required paperwork. The LA OMV has set specific requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title for individuals who have misplaced or destroyed their proof of vehicle ownership.

In addition to providing the applicable documents to replace a lost car title at the DMV in LA, car owners will also need to arrange payment for the set fees. Replacing a lost or stolen title certificate timely and properly is necessary due to the importance of this document for several vehicle-related proceedings, including title transfers and vehicle registrations. Find out how to request a replacement car title in Louisiana by reading the applicable sections below.

When do you need to get a duplicate car title in Louisiana?

The process of how to replace a vehicle title in Louisiana can be initiated in several instances, as stated on the state application form. One of the reasons for replacing a car title in LA is in the event the original document is lost or mutilated.

Vehicle owners can also apply for a lost car title replacement is they have never received an original certificate of title. Applicants will need to specify the exact reason for submitting a replacement title application form with the OMV and follow the given directions to successfully complete their transaction.

Documents Required When Applying for a Louisiana Car Title Copy

Meeting the specific LA requirements for replacing a lost or damaged vehicle title is mandatory for applicants who wish to finalize their transaction in a timely manner. Only the last registered owner or their agent is eligible for this procedure. A mandatory document for replacing a lost car title is the OMV vehicle application form, which must be filled out correctly.

The OMV will also require applicants replacing a vehicle title to submit a satisfaction of lien provided the vehicle has a lien. If the lien is to remain on the vehicle, motor vehicle owners must complete the Affidavit of Non-Possession of Title by Lienholder section of the replacement title application form and have it signed by the lienholder and notarized.

Individuals submitting a Louisiana replacement car title request may also be required to provide the OMV with a copy of their vehicle registration certificate, if available. Otherwise, they will need to notify the OMV they are unable to submit a copy, thus preventing the replacement title application form being rejected.

If the process to replace a lost car title at the DMV is finalized by an agent, then he or she will need to present a notarized power of attorney as well. Registered owners who are no longer LA residents will need to submit a statement obtained from the motor vehicle department of their new state confirming that no title has been issued under that jurisdiction.

Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in Louisiana

If you are wondering how to get a new title if lost in LA, then note that you can apply for a duplicate by personally visiting a local OMV title office or you may submit your application package via mail to headquarters. Both methods for requesting a replacement car title will require you to submit the applicable documents and duplicate fees.

If submitting an application for an LA lost car title replacement that is not notarized, then you will need to sign the form in front of an OMV employee or a public tag agency employee. In such case, do not forget to bring proper identification document.  Presently there is no way to replace a car title online.

By Mail

If allowed to replace a car title by mail, then registered owners or their agent will need to submit all the required paperwork and the applicable prices simultaneously to the Office of Motor Vehicles. Mail-in requests for replacing an auto title in Louisiana will require applicants to remit their payment in the form of personal or business checks, cashier checks, money orders or electronic funds transfer.

Vehicle owners paying by a personal or business check must include their driving license number, phone number and street address. Otherwise, their check will be returned and a car title search will not be conducted.

In Person

In the process of how to apply for a car title replacement in LA, you will be required to go to a nearby Louisiana OMV title office and present the applicable documentation. In addition to submitting an application for a lost vehicle title replacement, make sure you have any additional paperwork pertaining to your case.

If your replacement title application form is not notarized, then the Office of Motor Vehicles will allow you to sign the document in the presence of an OMV or public tag agency employee. In such case, remember to present an acceptable proof of identification. Payments for in-person transactions can be arranged by utilizing a credit or debit card, cash, money orders, e-checks and electronic funds transfer.

How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in Louisiana

Submitting a properly completed application to request a car title replacement is a mandatory step for motor vehicle owners unless they want to have their request for a duplicate rejected. When completing their Vehicle Application form during the process of how to replace a stolen car title, applicants will need to enter specific information including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Details about the vehicle in question (the vehicle identification number, make, year, body and more)
  • The vehicle owner’s personal information
  • A duplicate title affidavit (signed by the owner and notarized)
  • Lienholder information and affidavit of non-possession (if necessary)
  • Applicant’s signature and date

Note: Any false statement provided in a Louisiana lost car title application is punishable by law and may result in fines, jail sentences or both.

Louisiana Car Title Replacement Fees

In addition to this basic $68.50 title cost, a handling fee will also apply when requesting a duplicate. Note that prices may vary and are subject to change without notice. The Office of Motor Vehicles assesses additional transaction costs for payments made with debit or credit cards and e-checks.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.