VTR-34 is the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) application for a Certified Copy of Texas Title when the original Texas Certificate of Title for a motor vehicle is lost, stolen or mutilated. The owner or lienholder on the TxDMV record, or an authorized agent, signs it and sends it with copies of photo ID and any lien release. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the form is published by TxDMV at the official source URL, and the application goes to TxDMV through the channels described below.
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What is VTR-34?
Form VTR-34, Application for Certified Copy of Title, is the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) form used to apply for a Certified Copy of Texas Title for a motor vehicle when the original Texas Certificate of Title is lost, stolen or mutilated.
A Certified Copy of Texas Title replaces the original Texas Certificate of Title and any Certified Copy of Texas Title issued earlier. The form is a two-page document. Page 1 holds an application checklist, the vehicle information, the recipient information, a government-issued identification section and the certification with signatures. Page 2 explains the applicant identification requirements, the list of acceptable photo IDs, the rules for a lien still shown on the title record, and the mailing and in-person options.
The certification states that the signer is the recorded owner, lienholder, or verified agent of the owner or lienholder, and that the original title has been lost, destroyed, or mutilated. The form warns that state law makes falsifying information a third degree felony.
The form is for a certified copy of a title only. If a lien is still on the TxDMV record, it refers you to the lienholder for an original, signed release of lien, which can be on the lienholder's letterhead or on the Prescribed Form for Release of Lien (Form VTR-266).
Who needs to file VTR-34?
The applicant, meaning the person signing the application, must be the owner or the lienholder on the TxDMV motor vehicle record, or an authorized agent of the owner or lienholder.
- Individual owner: if the vehicle is titled to one individual, that person signs and provides a copy of their government-issued photo ID. If it is titled to several individuals, each one signs and provides an ID copy, or a power of attorney is required for each owner.
- Entity owner: an agent representing the entity signs, and provides a letter of signature authority on letterhead, a printed business card with the agent's name, or an employee ID (copies allowed), plus a copy of the agent's photo ID.
- Lienholder: if a lien is recorded, the lienholder or its agent may apply and sign. An individual lienholder provides a current photo ID copy; an entity lienholder's agent provides the same entity documents and photo ID as above.
- Power of attorney: the requirements apply both to the person or entity granting the power and to the one receiving it.
If the recipient is not the applicant and picks up the copy in person, the recipient must show an acceptable photo ID and the ID details must be written on page 1.
When to file VTR-34
File VTR-34 when the original Texas Certificate of Title for the vehicle has been lost, stolen or mutilated and you need a replacement. The form prints no deadline of its own.
If you apply by mail, the form says to allow at least 15 days to receive your Certified Copy of Title. TxDMV states it cannot give the status of an application and that application tracking is unavailable, so plan the timing before you send it.
If a lien still appears on the TxDMV record, obtain the original, signed release of lien from the lienholder before you submit, because it must go in with the application even if the vehicle loan has been paid in full. Photo IDs must be valid or expired not more than 12 months.
Documents you need
- Copy of an acceptable government-issued photo ID for each recorded owner and each agent; it must be valid or expired not more than 12 months. Photocopies, faxes or scans are accepted.
- Original, signed release of lien, on the lienholder's original letterhead or on Form VTR-266, only if a lien is shown on the TxDMV record, even if the loan is paid in full. Photocopies, scans, faxes and emails are not acceptable.
- Letter of signature authority on letterhead, printed business card with the agent's name, or employee ID (copies allowed), when an agent signs for an entity owner or entity lienholder.
- Copy of the agent's government-issued photo ID, when an agent signs for an entity.
- Power of attorney, when it is used instead of a joint owner's signature or when someone signs on another person's behalf; ID and entity documents are needed for both the grantor and the person granted the power.
- Letter of signature authority or similar proof attached to Form VTR-266, when the lienholder's agent signs that release of lien for an entity.
- Court documents, such as divorce decrees or court orders, only if you submit them; they must be originals or certified copies.
How to fill out VTR-34
Review the application checklist
On page 1, check each box to acknowledge the fee, photo ID copies, original signatures, release of lien, and signature authority requirements. Check only the ones you have met.
Enter the vehicle information
Write the Vehicle Identification Number, Year, Make, Body Style and Model. Add the Title/Document Number and the Texas License Plate Number, or leave them blank if unknown.
Enter the recipient's name
Under Recipient Information, enter the First Name (or Entity Name), Middle Name, Last Name and Suffix of the person or entity to whom the certified copy will be given or mailed.
Enter the recipient's contact details
Fill in the Mailing Address, City, State, Zip, Email and Phone Number for the recipient.
Complete the identification section
For each ID you provide, check U.S. Driver License/ID Card, Passport or Other, then enter the issuing state or country, ID number and expiration date. The form has four ID rows; attach a photocopy of each ID.
Certify and sign the application
Sign in black or blue ink (unless signing electronically), and print your name and the date. If the vehicle has more than one owner, each owner signs in the Additional Applicant(s)/Owner(s) line.
Review, download and assemble the package
Check every entry, then download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF. Add the ID copies, lien release and signature-authority documents, and submit the package through one of the channels described under How to submit.
How to submit VTR-34
You can submit Form VTR-34 by mail or in person at a TxDMV Regional Service Center. A fee applies, it is different for mail and in person, and it is non-refundable; the amounts are printed on the form, and TxDMV answers questions at (888) 368-4689.
- By mail: send the completed application, the fee, copies of ID and any other documents to Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 1601-A Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls, TX 76302. Applications should be mailed only to the Wichita Falls Regional Service Center. Pay with a personal check, cashier's check or money order payable to the TxDMV. Do not mail cash, and temporary checks are not accepted.
- In person: take the application and documents to a TxDMV Regional Service Center. Locations are listed at www.txdmv.gov/regional-service-centers.
No documents submitted to a Regional Service Center are returned, including to the recipient listed on page 1. Send only an original, signed release of lien where one is required; photocopies, scans, faxes and emails are not acceptable. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; submission follows the channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending a photocopy, scan, fax or email of the release of lien; the form requires an original, signed release when a lien shows on the record.
- Mailing the application to a Regional Service Center other than Wichita Falls; mailed applications go only to the Wichita Falls Regional Service Center.
- Mailing cash or a temporary check; mailed fees must be a personal check, cashier's check or money order payable to the TxDMV.
- Submitting a photo ID that expired more than 12 months ago, or an ID type not on the acceptable list.
- Signing for a jointly owned vehicle with only one owner's signature and no power of attorney for the other owner.
- Sending an entity agent's signature without a letter of signature authority, printed business card or employee ID connecting the agent to the entity.
- Expecting documents to be returned; the department does not return anything submitted with the application.
- Waiting for a status update on a mailed application; TxDMV cannot provide application status and tracking is unavailable.
- Leaving out the recipient's ID details on page 1 when someone other than the owner will collect the copy in person.
Frequently asked questions
What is the VTR-34 form used for?
VTR-34 is the TxDMV application for a Certified Copy of Texas Title when the original Texas Certificate of Title for a motor vehicle is lost, stolen or mutilated. The certified copy replaces the original and any previously issued certified copy.
Who can apply for a certified copy of a Texas title?
The applicant must be the owner or lienholder on the TxDMV motor vehicle record, or an authorized agent of either. If the vehicle has several owners, each signs the application, or a power of attorney is required for each owner.
Do I need a release of lien with Form VTR-34?
Only if a lien is shown on the TxDMV record, even if the loan is paid off. You must then submit an original, signed release of lien on the lienholder's letterhead or on Form VTR-266. Copies, scans, faxes and emails are not accepted.
What ID do I need for the VTR-34 application?
A copy of a valid government-issued photo ID for each recorded owner and agent. TxDMV accepts IDs up to 12 months after expiration, and lists state driver licenses or IDs, Texas handgun licenses, passports, military and several federal IDs.
Where do I mail Form VTR-34?
Mail it only to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 1601-A Southwest Parkway, Wichita Falls, TX 76302. Include the fee, ID copies and any other required documents. You can also apply in person at a TxDMV Regional Service Center.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of title by mail?
The form says to allow at least 15 days when you mail the application. TxDMV cannot provide a status on an application and application tracking is unavailable, so contact TxDMV at (888) 368-4689 for questions.
How do I pay the fee for Form VTR-34?
A fee applies, and the amount differs for mail and in person; both are printed on the form. By mail, pay with a personal check, cashier's check or money order payable to the TxDMV, not cash or a temporary check. Fees are non-refundable.
Can I fill out VTR-34 online?
You can fill out the VTR-34 PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF does not file it with TxDMV; you submit it by mail or in person through the TxDMV channels.
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