Pennsylvania Replacement Title
To replace a car title in Pennsylvania, you’ll need a completed Form MV-380, valid ID, no outstanding charges or liens, and payment for fees.
Written by Holden Easterbrook
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
To replace a
car title
in Pennsylvania
, you’ll need a completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title by Owner (Form MV-380), valid ID, no outstanding charges or liens, the original title (if not lost or destroyed), and payment for fees.Your car’s title is one of the most important documents you have for your vehicle. If the title has been lost or damaged in any way, you need to begin the process of replacing it as soon as possible.
What you’ll need to replace a title in Pennsylvania
To save yourself some time, you should collect all the necessary forms, documents, and information you’ll need before you apply. Start by finding:
- Valid ID
- Can be a driver’s license, ID card, or passport
- The title will need to match the address on your ID
- Your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Your car’s title number
- The original title
- This requirement can be skipped if the original title is lost or destroyed
- A check or money order for the replacement title fee of $58
- Will need to be made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
You will also need to find out if there are any outstanding liens or charges against your vehicle. If there are, you will not be able to receive your replacement title. Contact your local DMV for more information.
How to apply for a replacement title in Pennsylvania
Applying in person
To apply for a replacement title in person, simply stop by your local DMV. To save yourself a long wait time, check to see if you can schedule an appointment beforehand.
When you visit your local DMV to apply, be sure to have:
- Your completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title by Owner (Form MV-380)
- A valid form of photo ID
- The original title, unless it was lost
- A check or money order for the replacement fee
- Fee: $58
- Your fee payment will need to be made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Applying by mail
To apply for a replacement title by mail, you will need:
- A completed Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title by Owner (Form MV-380)
- Your application will need to be notarized before it can be submitted
- The original title, unless it was lost
- A check or money order for the replacement fee
- Fee: $58
- Your fee payment will need to be made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Once everything is ready to be submitted, mail your application to:
PA Department of Transportation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68593
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8593
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Applying out-of-state
If you’re re-titling your vehicle in another state—and you have an out-of-state address—your application process is the same as a standard one.
The only additions to your application will be:
- A copy of your out-of-state driver’s license
- An official document with your name and out-of-state address
- This document can be a utility bill, bank statement, credit card bill, or tax records
When you have these additional documents ready, mail them and the rest of your application to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Once your request has been processed, your duplicate title will be mailed to your out-of-state address.
If you have a lien
If there is a lien on your vehicle, you cannot apply for a replacement title. Your original title will have been sent to the lienholder, and they will keep it until the lien has been satisfied.
If the lien has been removed from your vehicle, but the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation records has not been updated, you’ll need to do one of the following with your application:
- Attach a copy of your lien release letter from your lienholder
- Attach a copy of the original Pennsylvania Certificate of Title showing that the lien has been satisfied
- Have your lienholder complete Section D of your application
- You will need to have this section notarized
If you are a lienholder and need a duplicate title, or need to make changes to an existing title, you’ll have to complete Form MV-38L. You’ll mail your completed application, along with your fee payment, to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
How long does it take to get a replacement title in Pennsylvania?
You can often receive your replacement title in five to seven business days. However, it’s not uncommon to sometimes wait for one to two weeks, if you’ve applied by mail.
When do you need to replace your car title?
Your title is proof that you are the rightful owner of your car. Without it, transferring ownership (such as selling your vehicle, or re-titling it in another state) is impossible. You should begin the process of getting a replacement title immediately!
Begin the application process for a duplicate certificate of title if your vehicle’s title is:
- Damaged
- Illegible
- Altered
- Lost
- Stolen
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FAQs
Can I apply for a replacement title by mail?
Yes, you can. Simply fill out a notarized Form MV-380, attach the original title (if you still have it), and include a check or money order of $58 (payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania).
Once all that is done, mail your application to:
PA Department of Transportation
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 68593
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8593
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