Rules on Selling a Car With a Lost Title

All vehicles sold in the United States must come with a title. If you have lost the title, you should request a duplicate before selling the vehicle. Selling a car without the title does not allow the buyer to legally assume ownership. Duplicate titles must be requested through your state's motor vehicle department.

Features

To receive a duplicate title, you must fill an application at your motor vehicles division. Its website may also allow you to download and mail the forms for processing. As long as you prove that you are the current owner of the vehicle, a duplicate title can be mailed to you. On the application form, your name address must match the same on file with the motor vehicles division. A copy of your birth certificate and a valid driver's license may be required to certify your identity.

Considerations

In special circumstances, additional documentations may be required before a duplicate title is administered. For instance, if the owner of the vehicle has died and the title has been lost, a copy of the death certificate must be provided along with proof you are the spouse or next of kin. If you have power of attorney and have lost a title to the owner's car, the original signed power of attorney document must be brought for review.

Time Frame

Before you list the car for sale, you should have the duplicate title in your possession. It takes up to eight to 10 weeks for your state's motor vehicles division to mail the title. You must also pay any fees associated with the replacement of the title. Make sure that you let potential buyers know that the vehicle comes with a duplicate title and not the original title. Fill out the seller and buyer information on the duplicate title to transfer ownership to the buyer.

Significance

If there are liens on the vehicle, you will not be able to receive a duplicate title before selling the car. The liens must be settled with the lien holder before a new title can be released. The lien holder must prepare a letter on official company letterhead that states the lien against the vehicle has been satisfied and the title can be given to you.