Arizona car owners can obtain a duplicate title via AZ MVD Now online, or by mail, using Form 96-0236 and payment of a $4 fee. There may be other requirements if there is a lien, ownership transfer, estate or trust formation, or a power of attorney.
Usually, in Arizona, vehicle titles are kept in an electronic format, meaning that you may not be in possession of a paper copy. If you need to have a hard copy of a title, or if you have lost, damaged, defaced, or can no longer read it, you can ask the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division for a replacement, which currently costs $4.
Make Sure You Qualify
To make the request, the owner of record of the vehicle has to initiate the duplicate title request. Changing some aspects of ownership or ownership-related issues cannot be done via a duplicate title request, because those transactions need to follow a title transfer process or lien process. However, a change of the owner’s address or vehicle location address can take place during the duplication process.
Apply Online
Head over to AZ MVD Now, which is an official online service site of Arizona MVD. Sign in or activate your account, find the Title Replacement option among title services, select the right vehicle, verify your data, and pay $4. AZ MVD Now allows customers to access the title replacement service without actually visiting an MVD office.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s MVD, title information is typically kept in an electronic database. Should you choose to request a paper replacement, the paper title is mailed to the address that is on record for your vehicle. Before initiating your request, check that the address listed in your account is accurate.
Apply by Mail
Another option is to apply for a replacement by mail. Fill in Arizona’s Title and Registration Application, Form 96-0236. At the top of the application under Duplicate Title, check the box. Next, enter the vehicle identification number, registration details, owner name, and other necessary particulars. Sign the PDF application form. According to Arizona MVD requirements, only 1 owner’s signature is necessary for the purpose of applying for a duplicate title.
When submitting this application, be sure to include the $4 fee as instructed on the current form or MVD guidelines. Make copies of all documentation before sending it by mail. If you are using regular U.S. Postal Service, please address it to the following.
Motor Vehicle Division
PO Box 2100
MD 555M
Phoenix, AZ 85001
For FedEx, UPS or another delivery service, use:
Motor Vehicle Division
1655 W. Jackson Street
MD 555M
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Arizona says to allow up to six weeks for a mailed request to be processed.
Important Complications
When a lien is active, the lienholder holds the title electronically until the lien is satisfied. A replacement does not relieve the lien. If the title is held in another state, changes to ownership are needed, the registered owner is deceased, or you are representing someone else through a power of attorney, trust, or estate, you may need to follow a different method for conducting the transaction and submit some additional documentation.
Can someone who isn’t the vehicle owner request a duplicate title?
The answer generally is no. In the absence of any consolidating legal documents, like power of attorney, the registered owner should initiate the process.
How long does it take to receive a replacement title?
Online applications usually get processed more quickly than mailed applications, which can take up to six weeks to process.
What happens if the vehicle still has an active lien?
The lien continues to apply and the lienholder may continue to regulate how the electronic title is accessed until the lien is removed.
Do I need a paper title to sell my car in Arizona?
That is not always the case. The state of Arizona maintains most titles in electronic format, but certain steps related to title transfer are required whenever a car is sold through MVD. Your vehicle can be sold through our company if your proof of ownership is something other than a title, like bill of sale or insurance documentation (for example).
Can I request a duplicate title and transfer ownership at the same time?
No. Requesting a duplicate title does not transfer ownership, and therefore a sale must go through the title transfer process.
Can I sell the car if there is still a lien on it?
Before buyers can obtain a clear title to property, they must generally deal with the lienholder.