How To Get A New Title For A Car

Replacing a Title

At a Secretary of State Office

If your vehicle title is lost, you may replace it by processing a replacement title application at a Secretary of State branch office. The owner shown on the title record must sign the title application and present identification. If an owner cannot appear, they may complete and sign an Appointment of Agent form designating another individual to sign on their behalf.

When there is joint ownership on a title, only one of the owners must appear and sign the replacement title application. An Appointment of Agent form from the co-owner is not required.

NOTE: An owner completing an Appointment of Agent form must provide a photocopy of their valid driver license or state ID card to the person they appoint as their agent. This photocopy will be required at the Secretary of State office.

Your replacement title will arrive in the mail in 14 days. If you need your title sooner, instant (same-day) title service is available at all branch offices. Instant title service requires the vehicle owner to appear in person. The owner cannot appoint an agent for an instant replacement title transaction. If the vehicle is titled in two owners' names, at least one owner must appear in person for an instant replacement title transaction. An appointment of agent is not needed from the other owner. Both owner names will appear on the duplicate title.

Locate a branch to purchase a replacement title.

The replacement title fee is $15. There is an extra $5 fee for same-day instant title service.

Online

You may also request a replacement title online through ExpressSOS. Ordering a replacement title online costs $15 and the title can only be issued to the owner listed on the title document.

If you have submitted a change of address to the Secretary of State's office within the last 10 days or have an appointment of agent or power of attorney designation, you will need to visit a Secretary of State office to obtain a replacement title. Same-day title service is also available at a branch office for an extra $5 fee.

NOTE: Your situation may differ from the information outlined above. Please check with our Information Center at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) to make sure you have all the correct paperwork before going to a branch office.

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