How to Replace a Lost Car Title in California
Get a duplicate or replacement car title in California — the right form, exact fee, processing time, and step-by-step instructions.
California Duplicate Title Application: REG 227 (Application for Duplicate Title) or REG 488C
California offers online duplicate title requests at dmv.ca.gov for eligible vehicles (no lien, registered owner matching records). The $23 fee is paid online. Standard processing takes 3–4 weeks; walk-in at a DMV office may be faster.
Required Documents in California
- ✓REG 227 completed and signed by all registered owners
- ✓Government-issued photo ID
- ✓Payment of $23 fee
- ✓If lien exists: lien release document or lienholder authorization
ALL registered owners listed on the title must sign REG 227. If there are two registered owners connected by "and," both must sign. If connected by "or," either may sign.
If There Is a Lien on the Title
If a lienholder is listed on the California title, the lienholder must authorize the duplicate title issuance or release the lien. The DMV will mail the duplicate title to the lienholder of record, not to the registered owner.
Fastest Way to Get a Duplicate Title in California
Best option: Walk-in at a DMV field office
California does not offer a paid expedite service for duplicate titles. Walk-in at a high-volume DMV office can sometimes result in same-day processing of the REG 227 form, though the title itself is still mailed.
Moved Out of California? How to Get Your Title
If you no longer live in California, you can submit REG 227 by mail with a notarized signature to the DMV headquarters address (2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818). Include a copy of your current out-of-state ID.
Common Reasons People Need a Replacement Title
- →Title lost during a move
- →Title damaged, torn, or illegible
- →Title stolen
- →Buyer requests a duplicate title before accepting the vehicle
- →Title mailed to wrong address and never received
A duplicate title application creates a new title with the same information as the original. If any title information needs to be corrected (wrong name, address, etc.), use REG 488C instead of REG 227.
California Title Note
California participates in the Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) program. If your lender uses ELT, there is no physical title — the title is electronic. To get a physical duplicate title from an ELT record, contact your lender to convert to a paper title first.
Duplicate Title FAQ — California
What form do I use to replace a lost car title in California?
Use REG 227 (Application for Duplicate Title) or REG 488C to apply for a duplicate title in California. Submit at California DMV. ALL registered owners listed on the title must sign REG 227. If there are two registered owners connected by "and," both must sign. If connected by "or," either may sign.
How much does it cost to replace a car title in California?
The duplicate title fee in California is $23. California does not offer a paid expedite service for duplicate titles. Walk-in at a high-volume DMV office can sometimes result in same-day processing of the REG 227 form, though the title itself is still mailed.
How long does it take to get a replacement car title in California?
Standard processing time in California is 3–4 weeks (standard). Walk-in at a DMV field office may be faster.
Can I apply for a duplicate title online in California?
Yes. California offers online duplicate title requests at dmv.ca.gov for eligible vehicles (no lien, registered owner matching records). The $23 fee is paid online. Standard processing takes 3–4 weeks; walk-in at a DMV office may be faster.
What if there is a lien on the car title I need to replace in California?
If a lienholder is listed on the California title, the lienholder must authorize the duplicate title issuance or release the lien. The DMV will mail the duplicate title to the lienholder of record, not to the registered owner.
I moved out of California — how do I get a replacement title?
If you no longer live in California, you can submit REG 227 by mail with a notarized signature to the DMV headquarters address (2415 1st Ave, Sacramento, CA 95818). Include a copy of your current out-of-state ID.