How to replace a lost or stolen car in Pennsylvania

No matter how hard you try to be well organized and in the know, sometimes things still go missing. If that missing piece is your car, there's no need to stress. Instead, you can get a duplicate vehicle and worry about it. Title is what indicates that you are the registered owner of the vehicle and gives you the right to transfer ownership and/or sell the vehicle.

In the state of Pennsylvania, duplicate vehicle licenses are issued to people who have had their license stolen, lost, damaged, or simply illegible. The permit will be issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) with a relatively quick and easy process. Here are the required steps.

Begin by downloading, printing, and completing the Application for a Duplicate Certificate of Ownership from the Owner (Form MV-38 O). You will also need information about any lien on the vehicle, your driver's license number, VIN and title number.
Be sure to also report the stolen vehicle to your local law enforcement agency, as a copy of the report will be required with your application.
The cost of a duplicate title is $51 and can be paid by money order or check payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Send the fee and completed form to the following address:

PA Department

Transport

Bureau of Motor Vehicles

st. South Front, 1101

Harrisburg, PA 17104