If you have lost your car title or it’s been stolen (or even if it’s badly damaged and illegible), you will need to apply for a duplicate title – effectively a title replacement – through the Ohio BMV. To replace a lost title, Ohio BMV requires the titled owner to request a duplicate in person at a County Clerk of Courts Title Office (in some cases you can do it by mail, but in-person is quickest). Here are the steps:
- Application: Visit the title office and ask for an Application for a Duplicate Certificate of Title. You’ll fill out this form with your name, address, the vehicle’s details (VIN, make, model), and indicate that you are requesting a duplicate because the original was lost/stolen.
- Owner Identification: Only the registered owner (or an authorized power of attorney) can apply for a duplicate title. So be prepared to show a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license) to prove you are the person named on the title record. If a lien was on the vehicle, you may need a lien release or for the lienholder to be present/notify the BMV, depending on whether the lien is still active or not.
- Pay the Fee: Pay the duplicate title fee, which is approximately $15.00 in Ohio (plus a small processing fee in some counties). This fee covers issuing the new title.
- Title Issuance: The title office will process your application and print a new title for you. Duplicate titles are usually issued on the spot (you’ll get it during your visit). The new title will have a stamp or indication that it’s a “duplicate.” Once it’s issued, the lost title (if someone found it later) becomes void and is no longer valid. Only the duplicate is considered the current title.
Replacing a lost title is generally straightforward. However, if someone else’s name was also on the title (co-owner) or if your address changed, be sure to update that information during the application. Also note, if the title had a lien that hasn’t been released yet, the duplicate will still show that lien; you’d need to provide a lien release to get a clear title.
For convenience, you can use our duplicate Ohio title service to handle this process. We’ll help you with the Ohio title replacement paperwork and can even submit the application on your behalf, saving you a trip. This is especially useful if you’re not currently in Ohio or can’t get to the title office easily. In any case, once you have your duplicate title, keep it in a safe place to avoid the situation in the future!
