Replacing a Lost Texas Vehicle Title (Certified Copy of Title) in 2026

The rules

The TxDMV's copy of title page calls the replacement a certified copy of title, which replaces the original Texas certificate and any copy issued before it; the applicant must be the owner or lienholder on the TxDMV's record or an authorized agent. If a lien is recorded, the lienholder completes the application or provides an original release of lien, and a lien that was paid off but still shows on the title needs an original release as well, never a fax or photocopy. A 30-day waiting period runs from the issuance of the last copy. Texas cannot issue a replacement for another state's title, and a salvage or nonrepairable title is replaced with form VTR-34-S instead.

By mail, $2

Complete the Application for a Certified Copy of Title (Form VTR-34), signed by all recorded owners, enclose a copy of the photo ID of every owner and the $2 mail-in fee by check, cashier's check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, an original release of lien if a lien is still on record, and for an agent of the owner or lienholder a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, a business card or a copy of the agent's employee ID. Mail it to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 1601 Southwest Parkway, Suite A, Wichita Falls, TX 76302. The TxDMV's in-person services page says mailed fees may not be cash or temporary checks, cards are not taken by mail, fees are non-refundable, and mailing and processing take up to two weeks.

In person at a regional service center, $5.45

Take the completed VTR-34, signed by all recorded owners with their photo IDs or copies, and a valid photo ID to any TxDMV regional service center, with the $5.45 fee by check, cash or money order (credit cards with a convenience fee) and the release of lien or agent letter where needed. The TxDMV encourages booking a same-day or next-day appointment at its booking page, and customers with appointments are served first. The 17 open centers, with their addresses, phones and counties, are on the Texas DMV offices list.

Businesses, trusts and powers of attorney

When the vehicle is titled to a business, government entity, leasing company, lienholder or organization, the agent presents acceptable identification plus an original business card or an authorization on company letterhead that matches the employee's identification, signed by someone other than the agent. When it is titled to a trust, the trustee presents current identification and an affidavit of trust, a statement of fact for a trust, or an original or certified copy of the trust agreement. An application signed under a power of attorney adds current identification matching the person or employee named, acceptable identification of the owner or lienholder, and for a business an original business card or letterhead authorization.

Related records

A copy of a registration receipt costs $2 with the Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information (VTR-275) at a county office or regional service center, and the same form, marked with the applicable use on its second page, requests a title history or the identity of a bonded title applicant. Someone who bought a vehicle and received no title at all uses the bonded title process on the buying guide rather than a certified copy. For questions about lost titles the TxDMV answers at 1 (888) 368-4689 or (512) 465-3000.

Questions about replacement titles

What does a replacement title cost?

$2 by mail, by check, cashier's check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, or $5.45 in person at a regional service center by cash, check or money order, with credit cards accepted for an added convenience fee.

Can the county tax office issue it?

No. The TxDMV issues the certified copy of title at its regional service centers or by mail; the county handles transfers and registration. The TxDMV also cannot replace a title issued by another state.

There is still a lien on the record but the loan is paid.

An original release of lien from the lienholder is required; a fax or photocopy is not accepted. With a lien still recorded, the lienholder applies for the certified copy or provides the original release.

Is there a waiting period?

Thirty days after the last certified copy was issued before another can be applied for.

Who signs for a company car or a trust?

For a business, government entity, leasing company, lienholder or organization, an agent with acceptable identification plus an original business card or an authorization on company letterhead signed by someone other than the agent; for a trust, the trustee with current identification and an affidavit of trust, a statement of fact for a trust, or the trust agreement. A power of attorney needs its own identification and the owner's.

Where does the mail application go?

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 1601 Southwest Parkway, Suite A, Wichita Falls, TX 76302, the Wichita Falls regional service center, with Form VTR-34 signed by all recorded owners, copies of their photo IDs and the $2 fee.