How to Get a Copy of a Title in California

In California, how you get a copy of “title” depends on what you own: for vehicles and most boats, apply for a duplicate title through the California DMV (you can submit the form online via DMV’s Virtual Office, by mail, or in person); for real property, you obtain a copy of the recorded deed from the county recorder where the property sits; for mobilehomes/manufactured homes, you request a duplicate title from the state’s Housing and Community Development (HCD) Registration and Titling Program. Gather identifying details (VIN/CF number/APN), proof of identity, any lien releases, and the required fee, and expect processing to take from several days to a few weeks depending on the agency and method.

First, identify which “title” you need

California uses different agencies and documents depending on the asset. Clarifying which type you need will save time and fees and ensure you request the correct record.

• Vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles): California DMV issues the Certificate of Title.
• Boats and vessels: Most recreational vessels are titled and registered by the California DMV.
• Real property (homes, land): There is no “title certificate”; ownership is evidenced by recorded deeds at the county recorder.
• Mobilehomes/manufactured homes: Titles are handled by California HCD’s Registration and Titling Program, not the DMV.

Once you know the asset type and the responsible office, you can follow the appropriate steps and avoid submitting the wrong form to the wrong agency.

Vehicles (cars, trucks, motorcycles) — Replace a lost title with DMV

For vehicles, you request a duplicate California Certificate of Title from the DMV using its standard process. You can apply online through the DMV Virtual Office, by mail, or at a DMV field office.

1. Check for any lienholders and whether the title is held electronically under the Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) program. If a lender still has an interest, you will generally need their authorization or lien release.
2. Gather required information: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), license plate number, current registered owner information, and your valid ID.
3. Complete the Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title (commonly referred to as DMV form REG 227). If your name has changed, include supporting legal documentation.
4. Obtain a lien release from the lender if a lien has been satisfied but still shows on DMV records. If the title is electronic, request the lender to release it to paper so DMV can issue a duplicate.
5. Submit the application:
   – Online via DMV Virtual Office by uploading your completed form and paying fees electronically;
   – By mail to the DMV (include the completed form, any lien release, and payment); or
   – In person at a DMV field office (appointments recommended).
6. Pay the required duplicate title fee (amount set by DMV; confirm on the current fee schedule).
7. Receive the replacement title by mail at the address on file. Update your address with DMV if needed before you apply.

Most duplicate title requests are straightforward if ownership is unchanged and there are no open liens. Submitting a complete, legible application with all supporting documents helps avoid delays.

Fees, timing, and eligibility

DMV charges a set fee for a duplicate title, which can change periodically; verify the current amount before applying. Processing time typically ranges from a couple of weeks to several weeks depending on workload and whether your request is submitted online, by mail, or in person. DMV will not issue a duplicate if there are unresolved ownership disputes, certain stops on the record, or if required signatures or lien releases are missing.

If there’s a lien or the title is electronic

Many California titles are held electronically by lenders under the ELT system. If your vehicle still has a lien, or you paid it off but never received a paper title, take these steps.

• Confirm payoff status with your lender and request an official lien release if paid in full.
• Ask the lender to release the electronic title to paper so DMV can issue a duplicate in your name.
• Include the lien release with your duplicate title application; DMV cannot remove a lien without it.
• If multiple owners are listed on the title, ensure the correct owners sign the application as required (AND vs. OR ownership matters).

Clearing the lien on DMV records before or with your duplicate request is crucial; otherwise, DMV will issue a title that still shows the lienholder.

Boats and vessels

For most recreational boats and vessels registered in California, the DMV also handles title replacements. The process is similar to vehicles, and you’ll need your Certificate of Number (CF) and Hull Identification Number (HIN) details.

1. Locate your CF number and HIN and verify whether a lender has a recorded lien.
2. Complete the DMV application for a replacement vessel title as directed by DMV.
3. Submit via DMV Virtual Office, by mail, or in person, attaching any needed lien release and paying the applicable fee.
4. Receive the replacement Certificate of Ownership by mail.

If your vessel is federally documented with the U.S. Coast Guard rather than titled by DMV, you must work through the National Vessel Documentation Center, not the DMV.

Real property (homes, condos, land) — Get a copy of your deed, not a “title certificate”

In California, there is no state-issued “title certificate” for real property. Ownership is established through documents recorded with the county recorder’s office. To prove your ownership or obtain an official record, you request a copy of the recorded deed.

1. Identify the county where the property is located. The county recorder (or registrar-recorder) in that county maintains the official records.
2. Search the recorder’s index using the property address, Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), or owner name. Many counties offer online databases; you can also search in person or by written request.
3. Order the document you need:
   – An unofficial copy (for reference) or
   – A certified copy (for legal purposes, such as proving ownership to a lender or court).
4. Pay the per-page copy fee and any certification fee and select delivery (download, mail, or pick-up if available).

Certified deed copies are government-issued and widely accepted. If you need to confirm liens, easements, or a complete chain of title, consider ordering a title report from a title company in addition to the deed copy.

What a deed copy can and cannot do

A deed copy is a key ownership document, but it has limits. Understanding its role will help you decide whether you also need a professional title search.

• Can: Show the last recorded transfer and the vesting (how you hold title), legal description, and recording information.
• Can: Provide evidence of ownership for many administrative and legal needs when certified.
• Cannot: Guarantee “clear title” or reveal all encumbrances by itself; liens, easements, and other instruments may exist in separate recordings.
• Cannot: Substitute for title insurance; for transactions, lenders typically require a title insurance policy.

If you are preparing for a sale, refinance, or boundary dispute, a full title search and title insurance through a licensed title company is the safer route.

Mobilehomes and manufactured homes — Use California HCD

Mobilehomes and manufactured homes in California are titled and registered by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), not the DMV. HCD maintains its own records and forms for duplicate titles.

1. Gather the home’s identifying information: decal number, serial number(s), and registered owner details.
2. Complete HCD’s application for a duplicate certificate of title as instructed by the department.
3. If a lien exists, obtain a lienholder authorization or release, as required.
4. Submit the application and fee through HCD’s online services, by mail, or in person at an HCD office or participating partner location.
5. Receive the replacement title documentation from HCD by mail.

Because HCD records are separate from DMV and county land records, be sure you are using HCD’s system and forms specific to manufactured housing.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid these frequent errors that cause delays or denials when requesting a copy of title or deed in California.

• Requesting a property “title” from DMV or a vehicle title from a county recorder—use the correct agency.
• Submitting a duplicate vehicle title request without a required lien release or lender authorization.
• Using the wrong names or missing signatures when multiple owners are on record (AND vs. OR ownership rules matter).
• For property deeds, searching the wrong county or omitting the APN, which speeds record lookup.
• Failing to update your mailing address with the agency, leading to undeliverable title documents.

Double-checking the agency, record details, signatures, and your return address before you apply can save weeks of processing time.

Where to get help

If you’re unsure which office to use or what documents you need, these resources can clarify the process and confirm current fees and forms.

• California DMV: For vehicles and most vessels, including duplicate titles and ELT questions.
• County Recorder’s Office: For property deed copies; each county provides its own search and ordering options.
• California HCD Registration and Titling Program: For mobilehome/manufactured home title replacements.
• Licensed title companies: For comprehensive real-property title reports and title insurance.

Calling ahead or checking the agency’s website for current forms, fee schedules, and whether online submission is available will ensure you use the most up-to-date process.

Summary

In California, vehicle and most vessel titles are replaced through the DMV, property ownership records come from the county recorder as deed copies, and mobilehome titles are handled by HCD. Identify the correct agency, gather key identifiers (VIN/CF/APN/serial), resolve any liens, submit the proper application with fees, and allow time for processing. Using the right office and complete documentation is the fastest path to getting the title or deed copy you need.

Can I get a copy of my car title online in California?

Yes, you can get a copy of your car title online in California through the California DMV’s Virtual Office or by using a third-party service like eTags or CarRegistration.com, but the process will involve a fee. You’ll need to provide your driver’s license information, the license plate number, and the last five digits of the vehicle’s VIN to order a replacement title. The official California DMV website provides detailed instructions for this process. 
Using the California DMV Virtual Office

1. Access the Virtual Office: Go to the California DMV website to access the Virtual Office. 
2. Start a Replacement Title Request: Look for the option to request a replacement title. 
3. Provide Necessary Information: You will need your:
   • Driver’s license or identification card 
   • Last five digits of your vehicle’s VIN 
   • Vehicle license plate number 
4. Complete the Process: Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your request and pay the applicable fees. 

Using a Third-Party Service 

1. Visit a Third-Party Website: Navigate to a licensed service such as eTags or CarRegistration.com.
2. Provide Information: Enter your vehicle and personal details, including the VIN and license plate number.
3. Complete the Transaction: These services will guide you through the process to order your title replacement.

Key Information

• Form REG 227: You can also fill out the Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title (REG 227) form. 
• Fees: Be prepared to pay the required fees for a duplicate title. 
• Processing Time: The time it takes to receive your new title can vary. 

How much to get a replacement title in CA?

If you need a replacement title through the CA DMV here’s what you’ve got to do: Fill out an Application for Duplicate Title form. pdf Portal (Form REG 227) Pay the duplicate title fee of $20 (can vary depending on the motor vehicle)

What is the fastest way to get a duplicate title in California?

How to Request Rush Title Processing. To request rush title processing, submit: A California Certificate of Title or a completed Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) (PDF). For PTI trailers, submit a completed Permanent Trailer Identification (PTI) Application and Certification (REG 4017) (PDF).

Can I get a duplicate title at my local DMV?

You’ll need to go through your local DMV to get a replacement car title. The exact steps may vary where you live, but here is an example of a typical process, according to Credit Karma: Download the application form for a lost or stolen vehicle title from your state’s DMV (or transportation agency) website.