Lost Car Title in Michigan: How to Replace It
Replacing a lost car title in Michigan costs $15, filed with Online or in-person via SOS (instant title same day, $20) (online (Michigan SOS account), in-person (instant title $20), mail (out-of-state residents)), with typical processing of Mailed duplicate ~14 days; same-day instant title in office. That's the entire DIY cost — form-prep services charge $150+ for the same paperwork.
Verified against official Michigan sources · 2026-06-12 · Reviewed by the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team
State fee
$15
Form
Online or in-person via SOS (instant title same day, $20)
How to file
online (Michigan SOS account) · in-person (instant title $20) · mail (out-of-state residents)
Processing time
Mailed duplicate ~14 days; same-day instant title in office
Official source: www.michigan.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 Michigan?
$15, paid to the state with Online or in-person via SOS (instant title same day, $20). Verified against the Michigan 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 Michigan?
Mailed duplicate ~14 days; same-day instant title in office, per the state's published guidance (available online (Michigan SOS account), in-person (instant title $20), mail (out-of-state residents)). Expedited options vary by state.
Can I sell a car in Michigan 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 $15 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 Michigan titling agency (linked above). Fees change by statute — always confirm against the official page before filing. Cite this page: CarWhere, "Lost Car Title in Michigan," carwhere.com/titles/lost-title/michigan, verified 2026-06-12.