Motorists need to discover how to replace a vehicle title in Michigan when faced with a lost credential and prior to obtaining a duplicate. Moreover, you may replace your lost car title as soon as you notice that is missing in order to avoid identity theft or fraud. Vehicle titles are documents that motor vehicle owners need to keep in order to prove their ownership rights when needed.

Motorists may be able to request a replacement car title by using one of the methods offered by the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS). MI residents may replace a car title online or in person at the MI SOS, while out-of-state residents may use the mail-in replacement method. To find out more information about how to get a replacement car title in Michigan and about the mandatory documentation, continue reading the sections below.

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

Vehicle owners need to replace a lost car title at the DMV in Michigan in situations when their current credentials become lost, stolen or mutilated. The replacement procedure for a lost car title must be completed immediately so that vehicle owners have proof of ownership whenever they are requested to provide one. Therefore, motorists may replace a lost car title in person, online or by mail if they are currently out of the state.

Documents Required When Applying for a Michigan Car Title Copy

When replacing a car title online, in person, or by mail, motorists may be required to provide certain documents to support their replacement procedure. A mandatory document for replacing a lost car title is a Duplicate Title Application form, which must be submitted to the MI SOS along with payment for the applicable replacement fees.

In addition, motorists who are requesting a replacement car title in MI may be also required to provide other documents. For instance, when motorists visit a local MI SOS branch to replace a lost car title in person, they may be required to present identification and photocopy of the driver’s license or ID card.

Note: Vehicle owners who want to replace a lost car title at the DMV in Michigan but are unable to appear personally at the MI SOS may complete an Appointment of Agent (Power of Attorney) form and hand it to another person to complete the procedure on their behalf.

Available Methods for Replacing Your Car Title in Michigan

The replacement methods available when replacing a stolen, mutilated or lost car title in Michigan are somewhat similar but each method has different requirements. Since the requirements for replacing a lost or damaged car title may vary based on the replacement method, vehicle owners need to read each method into further detail in order to learn how to replace a vehicle title in Michigan.

Online

To replace a car title online in Michigan, vehicle owners may use the state’s official online portal and follow the instructions given for either an individual or a business. Individuals who want to request a replacement car title online need to provide the following information:

• The last four digits of a Social Security Number (SSN)
• The applicant’s current MI driver’s license or ID card number
• The applicant’s date of birth and eye color

Businesses that want to replace a car title online in Michigan through the state’s official online portal need to provide the name of their business, the ZIP code, the vehicle title number issued in the business’s name and personal information about the employee who applies for a duplicate car title.

Note: Motorists who are wondering how to get a new title if lost or damaged after a change of address in the last 10 days or when they have a power of attorney form, must note that they will not be able to use the online service and will be required to appear in person at a local MI SOS title office.

By Mail

Motorists may replace a cat title by mail or fax when they are currently out of the state but want to obtain a duplicate credential. In such situation, they may request a replacement car title by completing and signing a Duplicate Title Application form and sending it to the MI SOS by mail or fax along with payment for the applicable fees. The payment may be submitted by check or money order, but applicants may also pay with a credit card and include the credit card information on the replacement title application form.

Note: When completing the process of how to replace a stolen car title by mail, make sure to clearly write the out-of-state mailing address section. Moreover, if you want to remove a security interest, then you must provide a termination statement from the lending institution. Additionally, when dealers are applying for your replacement title, they need to submit also a copy of their dealer license and telephone number.

In Person

To replace a lost car title in person at a local MI SOS branch, vehicle owners need to submit the following:

• A completed and signed replacement title application form
• An Appointment of Agent (Power of Attorney) form and photocopy of driver’s license or ID card if needed
• Proof of identification
• Payment for the applicable replacement fees

How to Fill out the Duplicate Car Title Application in Michigan

When requesting a replacement car title in Michigan, motorists will be required to complete a Duplicate Title Application form and submit it in person, by mail or via fax to the MI SOS title office. A replacement title application form must contain the following:

• Motor vehicle information
• Owner’s personal information
• Details about both first and second secured party
• Applicant’s out-of-state mailing address if applicable
• Reason for duplicate title
• Payment method information

Michigan Car Title Replacement Fees

To finalize the procedure for replacing a lost car title at the DMV in Michigan, motorists need to provide payment for the $15 duplicate credential cost. Vehicle owners who are wondering, “What are the fees to replace a lost car title in MI?” should know that the basic fee is the same for each method.

Therefore, drivers need to pay the same amount of money no matter whether they are within the state or currently out of Michigan. However, if you are replacing a lost car title in person at a nearby MI SOS title office and want to get a same-day instant title service, you will be required to pay an additional fee.

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