Substitute Titles

DMV will issue you a substitute title when information on your existing title needs to be changed. Once you’re issued a substitute title, all prior titles are invalid. DMV also issues replacement titles if you don’t want to change any information on the existing title. 

Note: If there is a lien on the vehicle, you will need to contact the lienholder to make any changes to the existing title record.

There are several reasons to apply for a substitute title. Choose yours to see the application requirements.

Removing Deceased Owners

If you are a co-owner with the right of survivorship and your co-owner is deceased, we will issue a substitute title, in your name only, after you submit the following to DMV:

  1. Certified or notarized death certificate 
    • Existing vehicle title 
  2. If your existing title is lost or stolen, only the VSA 67 and the fee are required.
  3. $15 substitute title fee

If you are not a joint owner, or are a joint owner without the right of survivorship, and there is no executor or administrator appointed to the estate, submit the following to DMV:

  1. Certified or notarized death certificate
  2. Existing vehicle title
  3. $15 substitute title fee
  4. Notarized copy of the will or completed Statement of Authority to Assign Title

See Transferring a Vehicle from a Deceased Owner for more information.

Schedule an Appointment

Find Your Local DMV

Name Change

If you are changing your name on a title, you must:

  1. Change your name with DMV before updating your Virginia title. See How do I change my name?

then submit the following to DMV:

  1. Completed Application For Replacement and Substitute Titles signed by all owners of the vehicle
  2. Existing vehicle title 
    • If your existing title is lost or stolen, only the VSA 67 and the fee are required.
  3. $15 substitute title fee

Schedule an Appointment

Find Your Local DMV

Address Change

To change your address on a title, first update your address with DMV online by logging in or creating an account.

Then submit the following to DMV:

  1. A complete Application For Replacement and Substitute Titles (VSA 67). All owners must sign to give authorization.
  2. Existing vehicle title 
    • If your existing title is lost or stolen, only the VSA 67 and the fee are required.
  3. $15 substitute title fee

Schedule an Appointment

Find Your Local DMV

Corrections

To make a correction on a title, submit the following to DMV:

  1. Completed Application for Change of Existing Vehicle Record showing the correct information (vehicle identification number, business information, etc.) 
  2. Completed Application For Replacement and Substitute Titles showing the correct information (gross weight, body type, etc.) signed by all owners of the vehicle
  3. Existing vehicle title 
    • If your existing title is lost or stolen, only the VSA 67 and the fee are required.
  4. $15 substitute title fee.

Note: Additional documentation may be required when changing vehicle information, including an inspection of the vehicle.

Schedule an Appointment

Find Your Local DMV

Lien Removal

To get a title after removing a lien, submit the following to DMV:

  1. The title provided by the lienholder (or proof of lien release if DMV still has a lien on record).
  2. $15 substitute title fee.

Schedule an Appointment

Find You Local DMV

Supplemental Lien or Transfer of Lien

For lien transfers or supplemental liens, submit the following to DMV:

  1. Completed Application For Transfer and Supplemental Liens. 
    • For supplemental liens, all owners must sign to give authorization. This is not required for a lien transfer.
  2. Existing vehicle title 
  • If your existing title is lost or stolen, only the VSA 67 and the fee are required.
  1. $15 substitute title fee

Schedule an Appointment

Find You Local DMV

Designating a Beneficiary

To add, change or remove a beneficiary for a vehicle, submit a completed Beneficiary Transaction Request to DMV. The form must be signed by all owners of the vehicle.

Schedule an Appointment

Find Your Local DMV