Your car’s title is an important document signifying your legal ownership of the vehicle. If you’ve lost or damaged your North Carolina title or your legal name has changed, you can get a replacement or duplicate online, by mail, or in person for $21.50.

Since the title signifies you as the legal owner of your car, you will need it in order to sell the car or otherwise transfer ownership. It’s important to keep your title in a secure and accessible location, alongside your registration and proof of

car insurance

Luckily, it isn’t difficult to get a new one if you lose or damage your title. Here, the car insurance shopping app and licensed broker

Jerry

explains the process of getting a duplicate or replacement title in North Carolina.

What you’ll need to get a replacement title in North Carolina

The first step to getting your new title is to assemble the necessary information and paperwork.

The exact documents you’ll need depend on whether you’re getting a duplicate title (when you’ve lost the original title) or a replacement title (when you’ve changed your legal name or there was an error with the original title).

For a duplicate title, you’ll need:

Notarized

Application for Duplicate Title

(MVR-4)

Proof of identification: state or driver’s ID card

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Lien release form (if applicable)

Damaged title (if applicable)

For a replacement title, you’ll need:

Notarized

Application for Replacement Title

(MVR-5)

Current odometer reading if car is less than 10 years old

Court order or naturalization paperwork if due to a legal name change

Proof of identification

VIN

Lien release form (if applicable)

If your car has a lien on it, you’ll need the lienholder to sign the title application and lien release form in the presence of a notary.

MORE:

What is MVR-615 or declaration of eligible risk in North Carolina?

How to apply for a replacement title in North Carolina

You can apply for a new title with the DMV in person, online, or by mail.

To apply in person:

Print out the MVR-4 or MVR-5 form and bring it to the nearest DMV office

Complete and sign the document

If applicable, show the damaged title, your lien release form, or both

Show proof of identity: state ID or driver’s license

Pay $21.50 via check, cash, or card

Some North Carolina branches offer an instant title for a higher fee of $98.

To apply online:

Submit the required documents via the NC DMV website (use your MyDMV login)

Complete an online payment of $21.50

To apply by mail:

Submit the required documents and enclose a check or money order for $21.50

Send to NCDMV, 3148 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27697-3148

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How long does it take to get a replacement title in North Carolina?

You’ll usually have to wait 10-15 days before you receive a finalized duplicate title. As mentioned above, you can get a same-day title at some branches in person for a $98 fee.

MORE:

North Carolina car insurance laws

When do you need a replacement title?

Your car’s title contains basic information—like your name, address, and car VIN—but it’s a very important document. You’ll need your title if you move to another state or sell your car, among other situations.

So if your title is damaged in any way or you lose it, it’s important to apply for a duplicate right away.

You need to apply for a replacement or duplicate title if your title was:

Lost

Stolen

Illegible

Mutilated or damaged

Altered

Never received from the DMV

If you know where your title is, you cannot apply for a duplicate title. Make sure it’s always stored somewhere easy to access and secure.

Finding insurance for your vehicle

Some aspects of car ownership, like applying for a duplicate title, can feel like a bit of a hassle—but finding a cheaper car insurance rate has never been easier, thanks to

Jerry

Jerry is a free-to-download app that helps you save time and money on your car insurance—and you’ll never have to fill out long forms again. After browsing quotes from over 50 top providers, Jerry will show you a variety of competitive quotes to compare.

Just make your selection and Jerry will even help cancel your existing policy!

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FAQs

Can I apply for a replacement title by mail?

Yes, you can apply for a North Carolina replacement or duplicate title by mail. Remember that it will take 10-15 days for your new title to arrive by mail.

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