Losing your car title stops you in your tracks. You cannot sell the vehicle, trade it in, or transfer it to a family member without it.
While you can print a duplicate registration card from your home computer, you cannot print a duplicate Title online.Because a Title is a secure legal document, the Delaware DMV requires you to submit a physical application (Form MV213) either by mail or in person.
This guide shows you how to use online tools to prepare your application and get your replacement title as fast as possible.
Who Is Eligible to Request a Duplicate Title in Delaware
To protect against theft, the DMV strictly limits who can ask for a duplicate.
- Registered Owners: Only the person(s) currently listed on the DMV system can apply.
- Lienholders: If you have an active loan, the title belongs to the bank, not you. They must request the duplicate.
- Deceased Owners: If the owner has passed away, the executor must provide the death certificate and specific probate forms.
Moved Recently? If your current address is different from what the DMV has on file, the title will be mailed to the old address. You must complete a Delaware DMV Address Change before submitting your title request.
Step 1: Download Form MV213
The core of this process is Form MV213 (Application for Duplicate Title).
- Download: Get the PDF from the official Delaware DMV website.
- Key Details: You will need your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), Tag (Plate) Number, and Insurance information.
- The “Mileage” Rule: Unlike a sale, you generally do not need to enter the current odometer reading for a simple duplicate. The DMV will print the last recorded mileage on the new title. Entering a new number can sometimes cause a “not actual mileage” brand error, so leave it blank unless instructed otherwise by a clerk.
Step 2: Clear Any Liens (Crucial Step)
This is where most applications fail.
- Active Loan: If you are still paying off the car, you cannot get the title. The DMV will mail the duplicate directly to your bank.
- Paid Off Loan: If the DMV system still shows a lien (even if you paid it off years ago), they will not send the title to you.
- The Fix: You must submit a Lien Release Letter from your bank along with your application. The bank can also sign the specific “Lien Release” section at the bottom of Form MV213.
Step 3: Submit and Pay
You have two options to submit your paperwork.
Option A: Apply In Person at a Delaware DMV Office for the Fastest Processing
If you need the title immediately (e.g., you are selling the car tomorrow), you must go to the office.
- Book an Appointment: Walk-ins are accepted, but waiting times are long. Book a Delaware DMV Appointmentfor “Vehicle Services.”
- Bring: Form MV213, your Driver’s License, and the fee.
- Result: In many cases, you will walk out with the title in hand (depending on printer availability).
Option B: Apply by Mail for a Delaware Duplicate Title
If you are out of state or cannot visit an office:
- Include: The completed Form MV213, a photocopy of your Driver’s License, and a check/money order.
- Mail to:Delaware DMV Attn: Duplicate Titles P.O. Box 698 Dover, DE 19903
- Wait Time: Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
Delaware Duplicate Title Fees Explained
| Service | Cost |
| Duplicate Title (No Lien) | $50.00 |
| Duplicate Title (With Lien) | $55.00 |
| Retire Title (Sold Out of State) | $35.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In Delaware, you generally need the physical title to sign over ownership. If you have lost it and have a buyer waiting, you must obtain the duplicate first. If the buyer is impatient, you can try to meet them at the DMV to handle the duplicate and the transfer in one visit.
Throw it away or shred it. Once a duplicate is issued, the “Issue Date” in the DMV system updates. The old title is legally void. If you try to use the old one later, the sale will be rejected.
You can view your vehicle’s current status (including active liens) by purchasing your DMV Driving Record in Delawareor Vehicle History Report, but this won’t show the tracking status of a mailed title.
Conclusion
While you cannot “click and print” a title like an Amazon receipt, the process is straightforward. Download Form MV213, attach a copy of your license, and include the $50.00 fee. For speed, visit the office; for convenience, use the mail. Just remember: if you have an unreleased lien, your application will be denied instantly.
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