Lost Car Title in New York: How to Replace It
Replacing a lost car title in New York costs $20, filed with MV-902, Application for Duplicate Title (online, mail (DMV Title Bureau, Albany), in-person), with typical processing of In-office processed within 72 hours, then mailed. That's the entire DIY cost — form-prep services charge $150+ for the same paperwork.
Verified against official New York sources · 2026-06-12 · Reviewed by the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team
State fee
$20
Form
MV-902, Application for Duplicate Title
How to file
online · mail (DMV Title Bureau, Albany) · in-person
Processing time
In-office processed within 72 hours, then mailed
Official source: dmv.ny.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 New York?
$20, paid to the state with MV-902, Application for Duplicate Title. Verified against the New York 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 New York?
In-office processed within 72 hours, then mailed, per the state's published guidance (available online, mail (DMV Title Bureau, Albany), in-person). Expedited options vary by state.
Can I sell a car in New York 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 $20 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 New York titling agency (linked above). Fees change by statute — always confirm against the official page before filing. Cite this page: CarWhere, "Lost Car Title in New York," carwhere.com/titles/lost-title/new-york, verified 2026-06-12.