How To Get Title From Dmv

To register a vehicle, either new or used, with DC DMV, you must have proof that you own it, or that you hold the vehicle title. The title is the legal form that establishes ownership of the vehicle. The title will have the vehicle identification number and some other important information that identifies the specific vehicle.

If you purchase a new vehicle, a Certificate of Origin will be provided from the vehicle dealership. The original Certificate of Origin serves the same purpose as a title for your new vehicle until you title it with DC DMV.

To get a current, valid title to a vehicle you purchase or otherwise obtain, you will have to submit certain documents to DC DMV. The following original documents are required to obtain a new vehicle title (DC DMV cannot accept photocopies or scanned documents):

Current title or Certificate of Origin

Altered titles are not acceptable; you will have to apply for a replacement title if the title to the vehicle has been altered. If you are transferring a vehicle from another jurisdiction to the District of Columbia and the vehicle has a lien on it, you will need to contact the lienholder and have the original title sent to one of DMV's service centers. Access the lienholder out of state title request form: Lienholder Out of State Title Request Form

DC DMV driver license or DC DMV non-driver identification card

If the vehicle has multiple owners, all owners must be listed on the title. The primary owner must be a District resident with a DC DMV credential. Additionally, information on the other owners, including photo identification, will be required for vehicle registrations. More information on required documents for registrations is available at: District Residency and Documentation for Vehicle Registrations

Car Bill of Sale

Proof of Insurance (proof of insurance must be printed out)

Proof of Valid Odometer Statement

For a new car, the dealer's odometer statement
For a used car, either:

Certification of odometer mileage on back of title (when signed over)
Certification of odometer mileage on dealer reassignment form (if purchased from dealer)

Lien contract (if applicable)

Lease contract (if applicable)

Your DC DMV vehicle title will be mailed to the primary owner, or the primary lien holder, within 10 business days of presenting all the required documentation to DC DMV.

Obtain an online estimate of the vehicle registration and title fees.

Note: If you acquire the vehicle through the death of the vehicle's owner, you will need to provide additional information, whether you are a surviving owner also listed on the title or not.

If you only want the title to your vehicle—and you do not intend to operate it in the District—it does not need to pass inspection or be insured. However, you may not operate a vehicle in the District unless it is registered; to register the vehicle, it will have to have a valid inspection sticker and be insured.

If you would like to title and register a vehicle that has been branded "salvage," the vehicle must pass a safety inspection first at the Inspection Station. You must also submit the title to DC DMV's Southwest Service Center for a Metropolitan Police Department Auto Theft Inspection. You can use the links below to obtain the address and hours of operation for the Southwest Service Center and the Inspection Station:

Southwest Service Center
Inspection Station

To Replace a Vehicle Title

If your vehicle title is lost or stolen, or the lien on the vehicle has been satisfied, you may obtain a duplicate title. You will have to provide certain documents (listed below) and pay a fee.

If there are no changes to your title, such as removing a lien or changing ownership, you may apply for a duplicate title online.

Skip the Trip Logo You can also mail the documents and fee to:

DC DMV
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090

Your Duplicate Title application will be processed within 7–10 business days from receipt. Please allow up to 15 business days to receive your product before contacting DC DMV. You can also visit a DC DMV service center with the required documents and fee.

If your vehicle title has been lost or stolen, you will need the following documents:

Valid photo identification of vehicle owner(s)
A Vehicle Power of Attorney form and copy of the valid DC DMV credential for the District resident owner of the vehicle if you are not the owner, but requesting the duplicate title for the owner.
Vehicle information—at least one of the following items to identify your vehicle:
Vehicle renewal notice
Vehicle registration
Vehicle identification number
DC DMV title number
Vehicle tag number

To obtain a duplicate title once a lien has been satisfied (i.e., you have paid off the vehicle), you will have to submit or bring to a DC DMV service center the documents listed below:

Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application (must be signed by all owners)
Valid photo identification of vehicle owner(s)
A Vehicle Power of Attorney form and copy of the valid DC DMV credential for the District resident owner of the vehicle if you are not the owner, but requesting the duplicate title for the owner.
Vehicle information—at least one of the following items to identify your vehicle:
Vehicle renewal notice
Vehicle registration
Vehicle identification number
DC DMV title number
Vehicle tag number
One of the following documents showing the lien is satisfied:
Letter of financing on company letterhead stating that the lien is satisfied
Loan agreement stamped "paid" by the financial institution and certified by an appropriate party
Title stamped with lien release from the financial institution

Dealers may request duplicate titles on behalf of customers by providing the following documentation and paying the appropriate fee, either by mail or in person at a DC DMV service center:

Certificate of Title/Temporary Tag Application
A copy of the customer's driver license or non-driver identification card
Vehicle Power of Attorney form

To replace a title and/or request a change of name or change of address, please bring in the supporting documentation. Information on name and address changes is available at the links below:

Replace Vehicle Title
Name Changes and Corrections
Change of Address

To replace an existing DC DMV title due to an incorrect vehicle identification number (VIN), you must bring one of the following documents:

VIN correction from DC DMV inspection station
VIN correction letter on letterhead from another state's motor vehicle agency

View more information on titles for salvage vehicles.

Your Out of State Title Status will be logged for customer access within 7–10 business days of receipt of the Out of State Title at the DC DMV.