Losing or damaging your car title is a bureaucratic nightmare.
It's like losing your passport in a foreign country. Only that, this could be worse. You are pretty much stuck because you cannot show
that you own your car.
And without the right information, replacing it can be tedious and time-consuming, where you’ll have to keep filling out mountains of paperwork, paying exorbitant fees, and dealing with indifferent government officials.
It's a frustrating and infuriating experience that will have you questioning why you even bother owning a car in the first place. But this article will help you deal with that.
Why You Might Need a Replacement Title
A replacement title is necessary when your original title is:
Lost
Stolen
Damaged beyond use
Without a valid car title, you won’t be able to sell your vehicle, transfer ownership, use it as collateral for a loan, or even prove you legally own the car.
Steps to Get a Replacement Car Title
Contact One of our 4 Locations
Visit Our website or contact us and we’ll help you through the process of getting yours done.
Most DMVs have forms and information online that will simplify the process.
Fill Out the Application
Every state has an official form for requesting a duplicate title.
You’ll need to provide important information like your name, address, vehicle information (such as the VIN), and why you need a replacement. And we’ll do the rest.
Provide Proof of Ownership and Identity
You will need to show that you own the car. Usually, you can do this by showing the original title (if you still have it), a bill of sale, or some other proof that you bought the car.
You also have to show a valid ID, like a driver's license or passport, to prove who you are.
Pay the Fee
Replacing a title usually comes with a small fee, which will be included with your fees when we help you handle it.
Additional Considerations
Lienholders
If your car has a lien on it, which means it was financed or used as collateral, the lender will need to release the lien before you can get a clear title.
If the lien is not resolved, the title will be marked as having an outstanding lien.
Electronic Titles
Most states have an electronic title option. This means that the title is kept digitally, which makes it less likely to be lost or stolen.
We will opt for this when applying for a replacement for you and if you need a physical copy, you can always mention that. It’ll cost a little extra fee.
Tips for Avoiding Lost Titles
Store Your Title Safely
Consider Electronic Titles
Notify Your Lender
If your car is financed, keep your lender informed about any title replacements, as they may have specific steps for you to follow.
Get Back to What Matters
You do not have to stress when you need to replace a lost car title. Follow the simple steps highlighted above, gather the proper documents, and you're ready!
When it comes to getting your Fort Lauderdale tag and title needs completed, don’t waste your time at the Broward County DMV. Come to East Broward Auto Tags for all things Fort Lauderdale tag renewals. Auto Tags of East Broward is the best Broward County tag agency. Give us a call or visit our website to learn more, or to start your online renewal.
For more information on replacement car titles, check out these great resources below:
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