California DMV Lost Vehicle Title Replacement

How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in California. If you have lost your vehicle title in California, you need to learn the specific steps to replace your lost vehicle title so that you can begin to drive legally again.

Just when you thought your day couldn't get any worse, it does. You lost your homework, your dog, and your mind - and then you lost your title. And while it might not matter at this particular second, you need that title if you ever want to sell your car to someone else. It's a pretty important piece of paper, okay?

Here's How to Replace a Lost Vehicle in California

Like all legal things, you need to fill out a form to get started: Application for California Duplicate Title (REG 227) form. This form can also be used to get a duplicate title as opposed to a replacement, so make sure you're clear what you're actually signing up for when filling things out. Again, ask that all too friendly DMV agent to guide you to the proper process. Now, once you have that form filled out, you need to have it notarized in order to prove you are the person who is signing it and giving the proper information on that form. You can find a notary public in the phone book.

Once you have your form all pretty and ready, it's time to go to the local DMV office to turn in your form. Or you can mail it to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Registration Operations
P.O. Box 942869 Mail Station E254
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001

Of course, there is a fee for this service - $17 for the title and $1 for a new license plate thingamajig. If you are just changing a name on your title, then you don't have to pay up. Whew.