If you live in the state of Maryland and own your vehicle then you also have what is called a title. This title proves that you are the registered owner of the vehicle. You'll need this title if you plan on selling your vehicle or registering your vehicle in another state. While it’s always important to keep it somewhere safe and secure, mishaps can happen such as losing your title, damaging it, or even having it stolen. Should this happen, you’ll want to apply for a duplicate title through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
The duplicate title will also show the lienholder, should a lienholder be involved. It will instantly void the prior title, which is good to know if it had been stolen.
Applying for the duplicate title is relatively easy and can be done one of three ways as we will outline here.
In person
- To apply in person you will need to complete the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form VR-018). This form needs to be signed by you and any other owner. Along with the form you must submit a copy of your ID card or driver's license, the damaged title if you have it, and the fee of $20.
By mail
- You will need to follow all the same steps as you did to file in person, and it can be mailed to your local MVA office. There is also an address on the actual form that you can use. Turnaround time is quite fast, usually it is sent out the next day after being processed.
Online
- This is meant to be the fastest and most convenient option. Just follow the steps online and have on-hand your license plate number and vehicle title number to enter in. Again the $20 fee will be required.
You can find more information about replacing a lost or stolen car title in Maryland by visiting the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles site.
