A duplicate vehicle title is an official replacement issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when the original title is lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible.

🔁 When Is a New Title Needed?

Although a duplicate title doesn’t expire, you may need to request a new one in these situations:

🧾 Key Features of a Duplicate Title

⚠️ Important Considerations

1. Title Fraud Risk

A duplicate title gives someone the ability to transfer ownership of your vehicle. Always:

• Store titles securely
• Report lost or stolen titles to the DMV immediately
• Avoid sharing the title unless necessary

2. State Requirements Vary

Some states may require additional steps before using a duplicate title, especially if there are liens or multiple owners.

3. Vehicle History Reports

When buying a used car, always check the title history through services like:

• Carfax
• AutoCheck
• NMVTIS.gov – U.S. national database

This helps verify that the duplicate title isn’t part of a fraud scheme.

📋 Example: How Different States Handle Duplicate Titles

If you’d like, I can give you state-specific instructions based on where you live.

🛡️ Best Practices for Managing Your Duplicate Title