You may apply for a duplicate vehicle title if your original title is lost, stolen, or damaged. A vehicle with a missing title cannot be bought or sold, so owners must apply for and obtain a replacement before they can sell their vehicle.

WHAT YOU NEED WHEN APPLYING FOR A DUPLICATE/REPLACEMENT TITLE

1. Complete the Application for Duplicate Title, making sure to indicate on the form that you are applying for a duplicate title.
2. Attach copies of proof of identification.
3. If your original title is damaged or mutilated, you must return the original title when applying for a replacement.

FEES

Along with your application form and the other materials, you must submit a $20 duplicate title fee.

SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION

You could submit the application by mail, online or in person.

By Mail

For regular postal service, mail the package with the fee check payable to the New York State Department of Motor vehicles to:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Title Bureau
P.O. Box 2750
Albany, New York 12220-0750    

For express mail use the address:

Duplicate Title Certificates
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
6 Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12228    

Your title will take 6-8 weeks to arrive.    

Online

For online applications, you need to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for applying online. You can pay the duplicate title fee using an American Express, VISA, MasterCard or Discover credit/debit card. The new title will be mailed to you within 5-7 business days. You can choose to receive it by express mail if you want it sooner.

In Person

Visit the local DMV office with the Application for Duplicate Title and proof of identification and pay the requisite fee. The duplicate document would be mailed to you within 7 working days.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• See also Title Transfers, Replacing Your License, and Replacing your Registration.
• See also Address Changes and Bill of Sale.