When a title is lost, stolen, damaged, or illegible, a duplicate title can be obtained by filing a REG 227 — Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title — with DMV. The registered owner (or the lienholder, if there is one) files the application, and DMV issues a replacement title.
As a dealer, you’ll encounter duplicate title situations frequently. A customer brings a vehicle for trade-in but can’t find the title. A vehicle acquired at auction comes with a title that’s damaged beyond use. In these cases, a duplicate title must be obtained before the vehicle can be transferred.
The duplicate title process takes time, so plan accordingly. Don’t assume you can acquire a vehicle without a title and have a duplicate in hand by the end of the week. Processing times vary, and DMV may require additional documentation — especially if the application raises any flags, such as a vehicle with an outstanding lien or a vehicle reported stolen.