NYS DMV Form MV-902. Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title

The New York State MV-902 “Application for Duplicate Title” is the form used when the original Certificate of Title for a vehicle, boat, or manufactured home has been lost, destroyed, damaged, or becomes unreadable. Although the form itself looks simple, the process is tightly regulated: only the legal owner or a properly authorized representative can request a new title, and certain supporting documents must be submitted depending on the situation. This guide explains what each section means, how to avoid common mistakes, and what documentation is required in typical real-world cases.

Purpose of the Form

The Certificate of Title is the official legal document establishing ownership of a motor vehicle or vessel in New York State. When the original is missing or unusable, MV-902 allows you to request a replacement. The duplicate title issued through this application becomes the only valid title for all future transactions, including sale, transfer, and trade-in.

Under New York State law, a duplicate title must be mailed to the owner; it cannot be picked up in person at a DMV office. This requirement is designed to prevent fraud and unauthorized transfers.

Who May File the Application

• The registered owner listed on the existing title.
• A person with documented Power of Attorney (POA).
• An executor, administrator, or next of kin when the owner is deceased.
• A corporate representative for vehicles titled to a business.

Anyone filing on behalf of someone else must provide the appropriate legal documentation, such as POA papers, court letters of appointment, or death-related documentation.

When You Must File MV-902

• The title was lost or stolen.
• The title was damaged (torn, water-damaged, faded).
• The title is illegible, including titles altered by age or accidental damage.
• The owner’s name or address changed and a new title is required.
• A lien was recently satisfied and you need a clean title (with an accompanying original lien release).

When Filing Is NOT Required

• If you are selling a vehicle and the buyer has already received the original title from you.
• If you changed your name but are not applying for a corrected title (NY allows selling under the old name if documentation supports it).
• If your registration changed but the title remains accurate.

Explanation of Each Key Section

Section 1 — Owner Information

This section establishes your identity and connects the application to a specific vehicle or vessel. You must enter:

• Owner’s full legal name (or business name), including middle initial if applicable.
• Date of birth.
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Hull Identification Number (HIN).
• Year, make, and license plate number.
• Current mailing address — this is where the new title will be sent.
• Daytime telephone number for DMV contact if clarification is needed.

Common mistakes: misspelling the owner’s name, entering a previous address, or writing the VIN incorrectly — even one wrong digit can delay processing.

Section 2 — Certification

By signing this section, you certify that:

• The previous title is lost, destroyed, or damaged.
• All information provided is true and complete.
• You understand that the new title replaces all previously issued titles.

Submitting false information can be treated as a criminal offense in New York State.

Special Situations (Name Change, Deceased Owner, Power of Attorney)

The form instructions include additional requirements depending on your situation:

• Name change: You must provide legal proof, such as a marriage or divorce certificate.
• Deceased owner: Executors or next of kin must include supporting documents (death certificate, letters of administration, etc.).
• Power of Attorney: A valid POA document must be included when signing on behalf of the owner.
• Lien release: Only original lien release documents are accepted — photocopies are rejected.

Required Supporting Documents

• Proof of identity (meeting NY’s 6-point ID requirement).
• Proof of date of birth.
• POA documents if applicable.
• Marriage/divorce certificate for name changes.
• Original lien release (if applicable).
• Death-related documentation for deceased owners.

Practical Filing Tips

• Double-check the VIN — it's the most common rejection reason.
• Use the address currently on file with DMV; mismatches may delay mailing.
• Never send original identity documents by mail — use photocopies when mailing.
• If filing due to damage, include the damaged title to speed up processing.
• Ensure your check or money order is payable to “Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.”

Real-World Examples

• Lost title during a move: A vehicle owner relocates and misplaces the title box; MV-902 is required to obtain a new one before selling the car.
• Water-damaged boat title: A boat stored in a damp environment caused the title to become unreadable; the owner submits the damaged document with MV-902.
• Deceased parent’s vehicle: A son handling estate matters uses MV-902 with death-related paperwork to obtain a title needed for sale.
• Corporate fleet title reissue: A company representative files MV-902 to replace a title lost in an office file transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to receive a duplicate title?

Most mailed applications are processed within several weeks, though timelines vary based on workload and documentation completeness.

Can I pick up the duplicate title at a DMV office?

No. New York law requires that the duplicate title be mailed to the owner’s address.

Can someone else sign for me?

Yes, but only with documented Power of Attorney or appropriate estate documents.

What if my address recently changed?

You may need to update your DMV address information before filing, or check the box indicating a new address on the form.

Do I need a title to sell my vehicle?

Yes. A duplicate title is required if the original has been lost or damaged.

Is an original lien release required?

Yes — photocopies are not accepted by New York DMV.

Can I apply online?

Yes, but only if your address has not changed since your last registration and the vehicle information matches DMV records.

Micro-FAQ (Short Answers for Quick Reference)

• Purpose: Replaces a lost, damaged, or destroyed title.
• Who files: Owner or authorized representative.
• Fee: $20 per application.
• Required ID: 6-point NY identity proof.
• Mailing: Must be mailed; not available for pickup.
• Lien release: Original document required.
• Deceased owner: Estate documents required.
• POA accepted: Yes, with valid documentation.
• Online filing: Allowed with unchanged address.
• Where mailed: NYS Title Bureau, Albany.

Related Forms

• MV-103 — Odometer and Damage Disclosure Statement
• MV-900 — Lien Release
• MV-82 — Vehicle Registration/Title Application
• ET-85 — Affidavit for Estate Proceedings

Form Details

• Form name: Application for Duplicate Title
• Form number: MV-902
• State: New York
• Agency: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
• Revision: 4/22
• Pages: 2