Form VTR-34 — Application for a Certified Copy of Title (Texas)

Form VTR-34, Application for a Certified Copy of Title, is an official Texas Department of Motor Vehicles document used within the Texas vehicle title system to request a certified copy of an existing motor vehicle title record. The form applies only when a title record already exists in the DMV system and does not create, modify, or transfer ownership.

Official purpose of Form VTR-34

The purpose of Form VTR-34 is to allow the Texas DMV to issue an official certified reproduction of a vehicle title record maintained by the agency. A certified copy confirms the contents of the existing title record as held by the DMV and serves as an official record extract for authorized parties.

Role within the Texas vehicle title system

Form VTR-34 functions as a record confirmation mechanism within the Texas vehicle title framework. It is used when the physical title document is unavailable, lost, destroyed, or otherwise inaccessible, while the underlying title record remains on file with the DMV. The form does not request issuance of a new title and does not authorize changes to ownership.

Legal scope and limitations

The certified copy issued through Form VTR-34 does not establish ownership authority and does not substitute for legally required ownership transfer procedures. The form cannot be used to resolve ownership disputes, establish heir authority, or bypass probate or affidavit-based transfer requirements. Requests submitted under Form VTR-34 are evaluated solely for purposes of record access and confirmation.

Relationship to ownership transfer mechanisms

Form VTR-34 operates separately from ownership transfer processes within the Texas DMV system. While a certified copy of title may be required in connection with a later transfer, the form itself does not authorize issuance of title in another name. Ownership changes must proceed through affidavit-based, court-authorized, or other statutorily defined transfer mechanisms.

Administrative characteristics

Form VTR-34 is processed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles in accordance with applicable statutory and administrative requirements. Acceptance of a request depends on the existence of a retrievable title record and recognition of the requester’s legal standing. Submission of the form does not guarantee issuance of a certified copy.

Form identification details

• Form name: Application for a Certified Copy of Title
• Form number: VTR-34
• Issuing authority: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
• Jurisdiction: State of Texas
• Revision date: As issued by Texas DMV

How the Texas DMV evaluates certified copy requests in specific situations, including requests after an owner’s death and cases involving authority limitations, is explained in how Texas DMV restores or confirms a vehicle title record.