Lost Car Title in Maryland: How to Replace It
Replacing a lost car title in Maryland costs $40, filed with VR-018, Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (online (myMVA), in-person (MVA branch), mail), with typical processing of ~7-10 days by mail. That's the entire DIY cost — form-prep services charge $150+ for the same paperwork.
Verified against official Maryland sources · 2026-06-12 · Reviewed by the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team
State fee
$40
Form
VR-018, Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title
How to file
online (myMVA) · in-person (MVA branch) · mail
Processing time
~7-10 days by mail
Official source: mva.maryland.gov
Buying or selling while the title's being replaced?
A missing title is the moment to check the vehicle itself. The $9.99 Full VIN Report shows the federal record — recalls, owner complaints, service bulletins — plus the original window sticker where available, before any money moves. Run the report →
FAQ
How much does a duplicate car title cost in Maryland?
$40, paid to the state with VR-018, Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title. Verified against the Maryland titling agency, 2026-06-12. Form-prep services charge $150+ for this same paperwork; the state fee is all that's required.
How long does a replacement title take in Maryland?
~7-10 days by mail, per the state's published guidance (available online (myMVA), in-person (MVA branch), mail). Expedited options vary by state.
Can I sell a car in Maryland while the title is lost?
Generally no — you need the duplicate in hand first, and buyers should insist on it. If you're the buyer in this situation, run the VIN before money moves: the $9.99 CarWhere Full VIN Report shows the federal record (recalls, complaints, service bulletins) and the original window sticker where available, so you know what you're buying while the paperwork catches up.
Do I need a service to replace a lost title?
No. Replacing a lost title is a standard DMV transaction costing $40 that owners complete directly. Paid services charge $150+ to pre-fill the same public form — useful only if your situation is genuinely complicated (no proof of ownership, out-of-state liens, deceased owner).
Sources: fee, form, and timeline from the Maryland titling agency (linked above). Fees change by statute — always confirm against the official page before filing. Cite this page: CarWhere, "Lost Car Title in Maryland," carwhere.com/titles/lost-title/maryland, verified 2026-06-12.