How To File For A Lost Automotive Title In Texas

By Johnny Bevers

Buying a vehicle from junk yards can be a cheap alternative to buying one used. The problem here is that the titles of the car are often misplaced. Titles are only needed when borrowing, selling, or buying a car, so when they are sent to the junkyard they often come without titles. The good news is that it is relatively easy to obtain the title copies by mail and in person. This article will go in depth on the specifics of purchasing a motorized vehicle in Texas, securing the title, and making sure it is 100% legally yours.

 

You’re going to want the cars license plate number, the vehicle identification number, Texas Application for a Certified Copy of Title Form, a photocopy of your ID or driver’s license, and $2 or $5.45 in the form of a check, money order, or cash (if you are going about it in person). Here’s how it’s done:

In Person

If your old school, which many people still are, and want to go about this in person, you will come across a couple disadvantages that getting title copies by mail don’t have. First of all (and everyone’s favorite), you will have to wait in a long DMV line. Secondly the price is slightly higher if you want to go about getting your papers this way ($5.45 versus $2).

1. First on the list is to get your Texas Application for a Certified Copy of Title form (also known as the VTR-34). This can be obtained at the Texas Department of Transportation website. A direct link can be found at the bottom of this article. From there just click on the appropriate form.
2. Print and fill out the form. It will ask you for the make and year of the vehicle along with the license plate number and vehicle identification number. The form itself is very short and shouldn’t take long to complete.
3. With your form, driver’s license or photo ID, and supporting documentation in hand, go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles. From here you simply turn in your application, pay the $5.45 fee, and wait for a copy of your title to be mailed directly to you.

By Mail

If you don’t want the inconvenience of waiting in line or the extra fee then this can be done painlessly by mail. The first two steps are the same.

1. First on the list is to get your Texas Application for a Certified Copy of Title form (also known as the VTR-34). This can be obtained at the Texas Department of Transportation website. A direct link can be found at the bottom of this article. From there just click on the appropriate form.
2. Print and fill out the form. It will ask you for the make and year of the vehicle along with the license plate number and vehicle identification number. The form itself is very short and shouldn’t take long to complete.
3. Write a money order or a check payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.
4. Gather the necessary documentation: a copy of your photo ID or driver’s license, and supporting information and documentation.
5. Mail this all to the DMV.
6. Wait for the DMV to mail you back your title copy.

Where to print your form:

http://txdmv.gov/forms