You can likely purchase a new title for your car if you are the titled owner. If your state sent your title to your lien holder until you satisfy your car loan, which is a requirement in some states, you can't obtain the title until you pay off your loan.
Resources
Call your state's department of motor vehicles or visit its website to determine the procedure for obtaining a title replacement. You can always go to a DMV office, talk to a representative, and order your replacement. Some states offer a title replacement service you can access online. As long as your address has remained the same, you can likely order your replacement title without having to visit an office if your state allows it.
Proof of Ownership
Take proof of ownership with you to the DMV office. A driver's license is often all you need, but if you don't have your license, your state may accept other forms of identification. You may be able to provide a military identification or passport, but some states require several forms of identity. Take your Social Security card and birth certificate with you if you are unsure. If you are not the vehicle's titled owner, you won't be able to obtain a duplicate title.
Time Frame
If you plan to sell your car or trade it at a dealership, find out how long it should take to receive your duplicate title. Some states offer instant titles, meaning you can wait while a motor vehicle representative prints one for you. Other states process paperwork differently and may have to submit your duplicate title application to your state's main office. It may take several weeks to obtain your title by mail. If you need your title sooner, ask if you can go to the state's main office to obtain it, which is an option in some states.
Pricing
States differ widely on the cost of title replacements. You may pay as little as $5 or up to $100 for a new title. In states that don't offer an instant title, ask if a "rush title" option exists. This option costs more money but expedites the processing and delivery. Check your state's website for exact title replacement costs. You can also determine acceptable forms of payment, as some state motor vehicle offices may only accept cash or money orders while others accept major credit cards.
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