§ 27-14-720 - Lost or damaged certificates and plates.
27-14-720. Lost or damaged certificates and plates.
(a) In the event any registration certificate or license plate is lost, mutilated, or becomes illegible, the owner or legal representative or successor in interest of the owner of the vehicle for which it was issued, as shown by the records of the Office of Motor Vehicle, shall immediately make application to the office for, and may obtain, a duplicate or a substitute or a new registration under a new registration number, as determined to be most advisable by the office, upon the applicant's furnishing information satisfactory to the office.
(b) (1) (A) In the event any certificate of title is lost, mutilated, or becomes illegible the owner or legal representative or successor in interest of the owner of the vehicle for which it was issued, as shown by the records of the office, shall immediately make application to the office for and may obtain a duplicate if the conditions of this subdivision (b)(1) are satisfied.
(B) The following information shall be included in the application:
(i) The year, make, model, vehicle identification number, and body style of the vehicle;
(ii) (a) The name of a lienholder; and
(b) A release if the applicant claims that the lien has been released; and
(iii) Other information required by the office.
(C) The fee for a duplicate title shall accompany the application.
(D) The office may issue a duplicate title without notice if the records of the office do not show that a lien exists against the vehicle.
(E) (i) (a) The office shall mail notice to a lienholder shown in the records of the office at the address shown in the records for the lienholder.
(b) The notice shall state that the lienholder must respond to the office within ten (10) business days from the date of the notice if the lien has not been released, or the duplicate title will be issued without recording the lien.
(ii) (a) At the earlier of the time the lienholder responds indicating that the lien has been released or the expiration of the time for response by the lienholder, the office may issue a duplicate title without recording the name of the lienholder.
(b) If the lienholder responds within the time for response indicating that the lien has not been released, the office may issue a duplicate that places the name of the lienholder on the duplicate title.
(iii) The notice required under this subdivision (b)(1)(E) shall not apply to a motor vehicle dealer approved by the Department of Finance and Administration.
(2) Upon issuance of any duplicate certificate of title, the previous certificate last issued shall be void.