Substitute Titles

DMV issues a substitute title when information on the previously issued title needs to be changed. DMV also issues replacement titles if you do not wish to change any information on the existing title certificate. Once a substitute title is issued, all prior titles are invalid.

Please note that if there is a lien on the vehicle, you will need to contact the lienholder to make any changes to the existing title record.

Removing Deceased Owner(s)

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

• A certified or notarized death certificate
• The existing title certificate
  
  • If your existing title is lost, stolen, mutilated, or illegible, you must complete an "Application For Supplemental Lien, Replacement Title, Transfer of Lien and Substitute Title" (VSA 66). You will not be required to obtain a replacement title first; however, if your title is mutilated or illegible, you will be required to surrender it. If your title is lost or stolen, DMV will process your substitute title without the current title.
• Substitute title fee

If you are not a joint owner, or are a joint owner without the right of survivorship, and you need to remove a deceased owner's name, you will need to meet the requirements provided in Transferring Vehicle Ownership and Titling a Vehicle in Virginia.
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Name Change

If you are changing your name on a title:

• Complete an "Application For Supplemental Lien, Replacement Title, Transfer of Lien and Substitute Title" (VSA 66). All owners must sign to give authorization.
• Show legal documentation evidencing the name change (for example, marriage license, divorce decree, other court order or corporation license).
  NOTE: Same-sex marriage documents are not acceptable as evidence of a name change or as a secondary proof of identification.
• Submit the existing title certificate.
• Pay the substitute title fee.

Address Changes

To change your address on a title:

• Complete an Address Change Notification (ISD 01) if your address has not been updated previously.
• Complete an "Application For Supplemental Lien, Replacement Title, Transfer of Lien and Substitute Title" (VSA 66). All owners must sign to give authorization.
• Submit the existing title certificate.
• Pay the substitute title fee.

Corrections

• Complete an "Application for Change of Record" (VSA 71) showing the correct information (vehicle identification number (VIN), gross weight, body type, etc.).
  • Additional documentation may be required when changing vehicle information, including an inspection of the subject vehicle.
• Complete an "Application For Supplemental Lien, Replacement Title, Transfer of Lien and Substitute Title" (VSA 66). All owners must sign to give authorization.
• Pay the substitute title fee.

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Lien Removal

• Complete an "Application For Supplemental Lien, Replacement Title, Transfer of Lien and Substitute Title" (VSA 66). All owners must sign to give authorization.
• Submit the title provided by the lienholder (or proof of lien release if DMV still has a lien on record).
• Pay the substitute title fee.

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Supplemental Lien or Transfer of Lien

For lien transfers or supplemental liens:

• Complete an "Application For Supplemental Lien, Replacement Title, Transfer of Lien and Substitute Title" (VSA-66). All owners must sign to give authorization, except for a transfer of lien.
• Submit the existing title certificate.
• Pay the substitute title fee.