January 16, 2019

How to Get a Duplicate Title Easily So You Can Donate Your Car to Charity with No Fuss

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Your car title is one of the most important requirements when you donate your vehicle to charity. All charitable organizations will need it from donors for proof of ownership. Whatever state you’re from, all vehicle donations require the transfer of title from the donor to the charity, hence, the need for a title.

Here are some frequently asked questions—and their answers—regarding this matter:

1) ‘I can’t find my car title anymore. What happens next?’

If you happen to have lost or misplaced your title, there’s no need to panic. Duplicate copies are also accepted by the DMV for title transfers, and we at Veteran Car Donations will be glad to walk you through in getting your own replacement.

Before anything else, you must know that rules and regulations on title transfers may vary from one state to another, so it’s a good idea to talk to your local DMV first. The states have differing policies regarding the types of documents you should submit, how long the process usually takes, and how much should you pay. To give you an example, California residents are charged a fee of $21 to obtain the document while motorists in Nebraska need to pay just $14 to have their title duplicated.

Securing a replacement title does not really involve a lengthy and complicated process. As a matter of fact, the transaction only takes two steps:

First: Fill out a “Replace Car Title”

As every state would require specific documents, it’s important that you learn about yours here. We also suggest you ask your local DMV if they need to have your forms notarized since there are states that require vehicle owners to do so.

Second: Submit the forms along with your payment.

There are states that allow drivers to mail their papers, while there are also states that mandate residents to present their documents in person. If ever you apply personally, make sure that you bring your ID.

Again, it’s crucial that you check with your state’s DMV first. They will provide you with a comprehensive list of instructions to ensure that you go through a smooth and painless transaction. Do not hesitate to ask them for assistance should you have any concerns or uncertainties.

2) ‘Can I get my duplicate title the week following my application?’

It actually depends on the state you reside in. There are states that offer rush service, so it’s best that you consult your local DMV. If they do, expect to be charged with additional fees.

3) ‘What should I do if there’s a lien on my car?’

You will need to visit your local DMV office and tell them about it. States also have their own policies when it comes to vehicle liens.

4) ‘My car was titled in New York, but I live in Illinois. What will happen?’

To apply for a duplicate title, car owners must comply with the guidelines of the state where they purchased their vehicles. In your case, you must follow all the rules mandated by the New York DMV office.

5) ‘I’ve found my car title in one of my office folders. Should I still keep my duplicate copy?’

Yes, you definitely should. In fact, you have to destroy the original copy since it has already been voided. Keeping it will likely get you in trouble with the law.

Uplift Lives of Struggling Vets with Your Car Donation

With your car title—either original or duplicate—in your hands, you can now easily donate your old and unwanted vehicle to us at Veteran Car Donations and gain all the perks due you, including a top tax deduction, free and fast professional towing services, and no-paperwork and no-hassle donation process.

The most significant result of your charitable contribution, however, is the life-transforming benefits it will give to the poor, handicapped, unemployed, sick, and homeless veterans in your area. The proceeds from the auction sale of your donated vehicle will help our IRS-certified 501(c)(3) charity partners in providing these veterans with mortgage-free and specially adapted homes, free physical and mental health care services, employment opportunities, job training, transitioning assistance, education scholarships, financial assistance, grief counseling, and assistance in accessing the full range of benefits available to them among many other benefits.

For more information on our car donation program, feel free to visit our FAQs page. For inquiries, you can call our toll-free 24/7 hotline 877-594-5822 or send us a message online.

You can donate to Veteran Car Donations by either calling us or filling out our secure online donation form. We accept vehicle donations wherever you are in the United States since we have car donation programs in all 50 states.

It’s Easy to Gain the Rewards of Car Donation

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Misplacing or losing a car title is no hindrance to extending a helping hand to our nation’s heroes. Call us at 877-594-5822, and we’ll make it easy for you to gain all the great rewards of car donation!

Last Updated: August 24th, 2023