Replacing a stolen, damaged or lost car title is an important step in various situations, since your title certificate is the official proof of ownership of your motor vehicle. Note that a replacement car title is also necessary in circumstances when a title certificate is issued with certain errors. If you are wondering about the application methods for a duplicate title, note that you can submit your request for a title replacement either in person or by mail.

To successfully replace your car title in New Jersey through your local motor vehicle agency, you will be required to fill out and submit the standard application for a duplicate title certificate. You will also have to supply your car registration card, proof of vehicle insurance or your registration record. The presiding MVC agent will process your application for a copy of car title after you pay the applicable titling fees and present a valid proof of identity. For your convenience, the commission offices accept various forms of payment, such as credit cards, checks, money orders and cash.

If you choose to replace your NJ lost car title by mail, on the other hand, you will be required to mail your application package to the MVC Duplicate Titles Section in Trenton, NJ. Note that the documentation requirements for the mail-in procedure are the same as those that apply for the in-person method, outlined above. However, when obtaining a car title replacement by mail, you will be required to provide the fee payment in the form of a check or money order. Also, if the vehicle title was previously in the possession of a financial institution, you will need a lien release form, regardless of your chosen application method.

When applying for a DMV title replacement in NJ under certain unique circumstances, you may be required to complete slightly different steps than those outlined above. For example, if you are replacing a damaged title, you will have to write a letter requesting the issuance of a replacement title that will include the following information:

• The name and address information of the title holder
• The vehicle make, year and identification number
• The cause of the damage to the title certificate

When getting a copy of your car title in such cases, you will also be required to submit the damaged title as proof. Failure to do so may lead to certain fines and penalties, because you are prevented by law from hold two title certificates.