If you need to replace a lost or damaged car title in Massachusetts
, complete the application for a replacement title and submit it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) for a $25 fee. A car title certifies who legally owns the vehicle. It contains the name and address of the owner as well as the vehicle identification number (VIN). When you move to a new state or sell your car, the title’s ownership must be transferred. If it gets lost, stolen, or becomes too damaged to use, you can apply for a replacement title.
Requesting a replacement or duplicate title is not complicated, but the rules vary from state to state. To help you with this process, car insurance
broker app Jerry
has created a how-to guide on title replacement. What you’ll need to replace your title in Massachusetts
To start, you’ll need to gather all the required documentation and complete the title replacement application. You will need to have the following information:
Certificate of title number (this information can be found on your registration)
Federal Identification (FID) number if the owner of the vehicle is a business
If there is a lien on your vehicle at the time of application, the lienholder’s information must be filled out in the specified fields on the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title.
If you previously had a loan on your car
and that loan was paid off, contact your former lienholder (such as a bank or credit union) to confirm that they aren’t still in possession of your title. If they do not have it, you will need to get a letter on their letterhead stating that the loan has been paid off. Make sure that this letter specifies the year, make, VIN, and all titled owners of your car. The original copy of the letter must be submitted with your application regardless of the age of the loan.
How to apply for a replacement title in Massachusetts
You can apply for a replacement title by mail or online
. Regardless of which method you choose, you will need to do the following: Complete the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title
Pay the $25 application fee by check or money order—payable to MassDOT
To request your replacement title by mail, send the completed application and payment to:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
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How long does it take to receive a replacement title in Massachusetts?
It may take up to 10 business days to receive your duplicate title in the mail.
When do you need a replacement title?
You need a car title to prove or transfer its ownership
. If you move to another state or sell your car, the title must be transferred to the new jurisdiction or owner—that’s why the title is one of the most important documents associated with your car. You must apply for a replacement title if your title is:
Damaged or mutilated (include the damaged title
with the application form) Never received from the DMV
Key takeaway: The title is important! Make sure you keep it in a safe place you can access easily.
Finding insurance for your vehicle
After you’ve successfully requested your replacement title, you may want to take a moment to make sure you’re getting the lowest rate on your car insurance. With Jerry
, saving money on car expenses has never been easier. Jerry is a licensed insurance broker
—and an app! All you need to do is download the free app, answer a few simple questions, and in just 45 seconds Jerry finds you the most competitive car insurance quotes
from over 50 top-rated insurance agencies. “I moved states recently and my old provider didn’t cover me anymore, so I tried using Jerry
. They handled everything from fetching the quotes to purchasing the new policy. Now I save $30 a month with Progressive!” —Kay J.
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