A duplicate title in California costs $28, paid to the DMV under Vehicle Code Section 9265. Add $15 if you want rush processing, which requires the DMV to complete the request within 72 hours of receiving a proper application. Standard processing runs about two to three weeks.1California Department of Motor Vehicles. Appendix 1F – Fees2California Public Law. California Vehicle Code Section 9270
The $28 covers issuance of a replacement certificate whether your original was lost, stolen, damaged, or simply never arrived in the mail. The $15 rush fee is authorized by Vehicle Code Section 9270.2California Public Law. California Vehicle Code Section 9270
How You Can Pay
What the DMV accepts depends on how you file:
- In person: cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. Card payments and digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay carry a 2.1% service fee on top of the title fee.
- By mail: check (including eCheck from a bank account) or money order payable to DMV. Cards are not accepted by mail.
- Online: the DMV’s virtual office takes electronic payment during the application.
The 2.1% card surcharge is trivial on a $28 fee, but worth noting if you’re paying for other transactions at the same visit.3California Department of Motor Vehicles. Registration Fees
Who Has to Sign the Application
For vehicles two model years old or newer that have a legal owner (a bank, credit union, or other lender) on the title, that legal owner must complete the replacement application. If there’s no lienholder on record, the registered owner files it. For older vehicles, the registered owner applies directly.4California DMV. Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227)
Someone else can drop the form off or mail it, but the registered owner still has to sign. If you’re acting under a power of attorney, bring the documentation with the application.
If the registered owner has died, this stops being a duplicate-title question and becomes an ownership transfer, handled with an Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate (REG 5) or a Statement of Facts (REG 256) depending on the estate.5California Department of Motor Vehicles. Reporting a Death of a Family Member or Friend If the original title is also missing in that case, expect to handle both at a DMV office rather than online.
Three Ways to File
Online
The DMV’s virtual office is the fastest way to start. You’ll need your driver’s license or ID number, your license plate number, and the last five digits of your VIN. The system takes payment electronically, so nothing has to be printed or mailed.6California Department of Motor Vehicles. Replacement Title
By Mail
Complete an Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227) and send it with your check or money order to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 942697California Department of Motor Vehicles. Title Transfers and Changes
Rush applications go to a different address. Send them to the Special Processing Unit at Department of Motor Vehicles, Rush Title Processing – MS D825, 2415 1st Ave., Sacramento, CA 95818, with the $28 fee plus the $15 rush fee.8California DMV. Rush Titles (VC 9270)
In Person
You can bring your completed REG 227 and payment to any California DMV field office. Bring a valid photo ID; the clerk will verify it and note your driver’s license or ID number on the form.4California DMV. Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title (REG 227)
What the REG 227 Asks For
The form is available as a PDF on the DMV website or on paper at any office. It asks for:
- Vehicle details: license plate number, VIN, and the year and make of the vehicle.
- Owner information in Section 1: the registered owner’s full name, current address, and driver’s license or ID number.
- A brief statement in Section 3 explaining why you need a replacement — lost, stolen, or damaged.
The registered owner must sign it. If a legal owner or lienholder is on record, their information belongs on the application too.9California Department of Motor Vehicles. Application for Duplicate or Transfer of Title
How Long It Takes
Online requests take about two to three weeks.10California Department of Motor Vehicles. Processing Times Mail applications run on a similar timeline, generally 15 to 30 days.7California Department of Motor Vehicles. Title Transfers and Changes Rush cuts that to 72 hours from when the DMV receives your complete application, though mail transit time in both directions still counts.2California Public Law. California Vehicle Code Section 9270
The duplicate is mailed to the address the DMV has on file. If you’ve moved, update your address first through the DMV’s online change-of-address system. The DMV itself recommends completing an address update before requesting other services.11California Department of Motor Vehicles. Submit a Change of Address Online If it doesn’t arrive within the expected window, contact the DMV to check the status.