dociya

Vehicle Title (US)

The Certificate of Title is legal proof of vehicle ownership (distinct from registration). Issued by each state's DMV; transferred at sale, replaced if lost, updated when a lien is paid off.

Do it on the official site

State DMV/title agency — CA dmv.ca.gov (REG 227); TX county tax assessor-collector (130-U); NY dmv.ny.gov (MV-82/MV-902); FL flhsmv.gov

Fees

CA transfer $15, duplicate $28; TX $28–$33; NY title $50, duplicate $20; FL original $77.25–$85.25, duplicate $75.25, Fast Title $10 [confirmed]

Processing time

FL 'Fast Title' same-day; NY duplicates ~72 hrs then mailed; standard titles a few weeks

How long it lasts

Does not expire — valid until ownership changes, lien added/removed, or replaced

What to know first

  • Title = ownership; registration = permission to drive.
  • A lien blocks transfer — the lender must release it first (TX within 10 days of payoff).
  • Some states use electronic titles (ELT) — no paper while a lien is recorded.
  • Never drive away without a properly signed-over title + odometer disclosure.

How to do it

  1. 1Transfer: seller signs title over + odometer disclosure; buyer submits signed title (+ title app) with payment.
  2. 2Lien release: get the lender's release after payoff; submit to DMV for a clean title.
  3. 3Replace: file a duplicate-title application (REG 227 / MV-902 / FL duplicate) with ID + fee.

What you need to bring

  • Existing title properly signed/assigned (transfer)
  • Title application form (130-U / MV-82 / REG 227)
  • Odometer disclosure; bill of sale; photo ID
  • Lien release (for release); payment + sales/use tax

In person

Nearest DMV / title office, or county tax assessor-collector / tax collector office

Questions people ask

Title vs registration?
Title = ownership; registration = permission to drive.
Paid off my loan?
Lender releases the lien; DMV issues an updated title.
Lost title — can I sell?
Not until you get a duplicate.

Documents that travel with it

Sources

  • dmv.ca.gov titles; txdmv.gov add-remove-lien; dmv.ny.gov titles; flhsmv.gov/fees (accessed 2026-06-26)