How to Get a Duplicate Car Title in Ohio in 2026

How to Get a Duplicate Car Title in Ohio (2026 Guide)

Losing your car title — or realizing you never received one — can stop everything. You can’t sell the vehicle, transfer ownership, register it, or refinance until the title issue is fixed.

The good news: Ohio allows duplicate car titles, and in most cases the process is straightforward once you understand what’s actually blocking it.

This guide explains exactly how to get a duplicate car title in Ohio in 2026, what documents you need, what delays the process, and when a “duplicate title” request won’t work until another issue is resolved first.

Quick Answer: How Do You Get a Duplicate Car Title in Ohio?

To get a duplicate car title in Ohio, the titled owner must apply through their county Clerk of Courts Title Office, provide valid ID, complete the duplicate title application, and pay the required fee (currently $18 in most counties).

However, not all title problems are solved with a duplicate. If there’s an active lien, memorandum title, or ownership mismatch, those must be corrected first.

When You Can Get a Duplicate Car Title in Ohio

You can request a duplicate Ohio car title if:

  • The original title was lost, stolen, or damaged

  • The vehicle does not have an active lien

  • You are the current titled owner

  • The title information is accurate and unchanged

In these situations, a duplicate title simply replaces the original record already on file.

When a Duplicate Title Will Be Denied (Common Roadblocks)

A duplicate title request will not be approved if:

  • There is an active lien on the vehicle

  • The title is held by a lienholder electronically

  • The vehicle was issued a memorandum title

  • Ownership information is incorrect or disputed

  • The vehicle was sold but never properly transferred

Many people discover lien problems because they were issued a memorandum title instead of a clean title. If that applies to you, read our full breakdown of how an Ohio memorandum title works before attempting a duplicate title request.

What Is a Memorandum Title — and Why It Matters Here

An Ohio memorandum title is not transferable and exists only so the current owner can register and plate the vehicle while a lienholder holds the real title.

If your vehicle has (or had) a memorandum title:

  • You cannot get a duplicate title yet

  • The lien must be paid off

  • The lien release must be processed

  • The title must be converted to a clean, transferable title first

Trying to request a duplicate title before resolving this will result in delays or outright rejection.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Duplicate Car Title in Ohio

Step 1: Confirm Your Title Status

Before applying, confirm whether your title is:

  • Paper or electronic

  • Free of liens

  • Issued as a memorandum

If you recently paid off a loan but never received a title, the lien may still be showing. In that case, follow the payoff process outlined in our guide to getting your title after paying off a car loan in Ohio.

Step 2: Complete the Duplicate Title Application

You’ll complete the Ohio duplicate title application (BMV/Clerk form) with:

  • Vehicle information (VIN, year, make)

  • Owner information

  • Reason for duplicate request

Step 3: Visit the County Clerk of Courts Title Office

You must appear in person or use an authorized service. Bring:

  • Valid photo ID

  • Completed application

  • Payment (typically $18)

If the title is electronic and lien-free, the Clerk can issue a paper duplicate.

Step 4: Receive Your Duplicate Title

Processing time varies by county, but many offices issue duplicates the same day once approved.

What If You Paid Off the Loan but Never Got the Title?

This is one of the most common situations.

If the lien was paid but:

  • The lien release was never processed

  • The lender participated in Ohio’s electronic lien system

  • The title remained electronic

You cannot get a duplicate until the lien release is properly recorded. This is explained in detail in our walkthrough on how lien releases work in Ohio.

What If You Bought a Car and the Seller Lost the Title?

If the title was never transferred into your name, you cannot request a duplicate — because legally, you’re not the titled owner yet.

In that case, you’ll need to complete a proper title transfer first. The steps and requirements are covered in our full guide on how Ohio car title transfers work.

What If the Original Title Was Lost After Payoff?

If the lien is released but the paper title was lost afterward, a duplicate title is usually appropriate — assuming the lien release is already on record.

If ownership or lien status is unclear, it may require coordination with the Clerk and lender before a duplicate can be issued.

Common Mistakes That Delay Duplicate Titles

  • Applying before lien release is processed

  • Assuming a memorandum title can be duplicated

  • Attempting a duplicate when the title was never transferred

  • Incorrect owner name or VIN mismatch

  • Using outdated payoff documentation

If the original title was never issued to you due to loss or theft, a duplicate may still be possible once ownership is verified. For missing documentation scenarios, see our guide on replacing a lost Ohio car title.

Fees for Duplicate Car Titles in Ohio (2026)

  • Duplicate title: $18

  • Notary fees (if required): varies

  • Additional fees may apply if corrections are needed

Fees are set by statute but can vary slightly by county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a duplicate title online in Ohio?

Not fully. Some steps may be initiated digitally, but issuance is handled through the Clerk of Courts or an authorized service.

How long does a duplicate title take in Ohio?

Same day in many counties once approved, but delays occur if liens or ownership issues exist.

Can I sell my car while waiting for a duplicate title?

No. You must have a transferable title to complete a legal sale. Selling without it can invalidate the transaction.

What if my duplicate request is denied?

A denial usually means another issue must be resolved first — commonly a lien, memorandum title, or missing transfer.

Final Takeaway

A duplicate car title solves replacement problems, not ownership or lien problems.

If your title issue involves:

  • A memorandum title

  • A paid-off loan with no title

  • A sale that never transferred properly

Those must be corrected before a duplicate can be issued.

If you’re stuck or unsure which path applies, EZ Ohio Title helps coordinate lien releases, title corrections, and duplicate issuance so you don’t lose weeks guessing.

Need Help Fixing a Title Issue Fast?

If your duplicate title request is blocked by a lien, memorandum title, or transfer error, EZ Ohio Title can help you resolve it correctly and legally — without endless Clerk visits.

Get expert help and move forward with confidence.