Your car title is your proof of ownership. It is a required document for virtually any transaction with that vehicle, from getting a replacement car title to transferring ownership. And if you recently paid off a car loan, you will need to ensure you receive a new, clear title without the prior lender’s information listed. If you need to obtain a new or replacement title, you can make the request via the Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas (DTOP), but it can be a frustrating experience. We have outlined the steps for title recovery below as a guide. But if you would rather skip the headaches, click the link below to get connected to our team, who can streamline and simplify the process.
To begin, you will need to gather the following forms, as well as several key pieces of information that you will be asked to provide when you request your vehicle title:
Puerto Rico has a very tight window of just three days to register a vehicle. You will also need to pay several fees, including:
Once you finish paying off your car loan, your lender is required to send a cancellation letter, usually via Form BRA-953. This is the lien release, which means the lender acknowledges the loan has been repaid and you own the vehicle outright. You may need to contact your lender (in writing) to initiate the lien release process. Once you receive the form releasing the lien, you will need to get it notarized. This usually requires an attorney who is licensed in Puerto Rico to process the “cancelación de gravamen,” which is needed to update the registry. To record your new, lien-free title, you will need the document from your lender and your original title when you go to the DTOP office.
We Help with Car Titles
Puerto Rico is among the more complicated places to do vehicle title recovery, filings and transfers. Not only are some of the processes different than in other states, but if you are not a native Spanish speaker, you will also need assistance with document translations. Fortunately, CarTitles.com has a team standing by to help. From pulling together the necessary forms and documents, to figuring out which fees you need to pay, we know what you need for all of your Puerto Rico vehicle titles. Let us help you avoid the hassles and frustrations of trying to navigate this complex process. Click the button below to contact us today.
You will need to complete Form DTOP-776 (Spanish version or English version) and return it to a CESCO (DMV) office. You will need your original title, proof of ID, import documentation, and proof of tax payment. Puerto Rico charges $30-$100 for the title transfer, $200-$400 for registration, and an excise tax of 6.6% to 13.5% of the vehicle’s value. You need to complete this process within 30 days of moving to Puerto Rico.
Apply for a duplicate title through the DTOP. You may need to visit your closest Colecturía (Department of the Treasury (Hacienda) tax collector’s office), or use the CESCO app, which is the official Puerto Rico DTOP system. You will need a completed DTOP-776 (Spanish version) (English version), your photo ID, and the required $10 fee.
You will need to visit a DTOP service center or CESCO with a valid photo ID, a completed Form DTOP-776 (Spanish version) (English version), and the $10 fee.
You can complete the transfer with the death certificate, original title, a completed DTOP-776 (Spanish version) (English version), and a valid photo ID. You will also need a tax sheet (Form SC-2042) and Internal Revenue Stamps. Visit the DTOP in person for this request. You will need a Declaration of Heirs if there is no will.
Apply for a duplicate car title at the DTOP or CESCO. You’ll need your damaged title, vehicle registration, photo ID, a completed DTOP-776 (Spanish version) (English version), and payment for the $10 fee.
Yes. We are familiar with the intricacies of Puerto Rico’s requirements and fees for car title transfer requests. We are happy to help you with anything from registering a new title to working through difficult lien release requests, court-ordered titles, and more. Contact us today to get started.
You will need a notarized lien release or letter that signifies the cancellation of your car loan. You will submit this with your original title, vehicle registration, and valid photo ID to a CESCO center so you can apply for a new, clear title. This will remove the former lienholder information from your title, to reflect that you now own the vehicle outright. If you need assistance, or if you are having trouble contacting your lender, we can help.
