(a) If a certificate of title is lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or becomes illegible, the first lienholder or, if there is none, the owner named in the certificate, as shown by the Department's records within 30 days shall obtain a duplicate by applying to the Department. The applicant shall furnish information concerning the original certificate and the circumstances of its loss, mutilation, or destruction as the Department requires. Mutilated or illegible certificates shall be returned to the Department with the application for a duplicate.

(b) The duplicate certificate of title shall be marked plainly “duplicate” across its face, and mailed or delivered to the applicant.

(c) If a lost or stolen original certificate of title for which a duplicate has been issued is recovered, the original shall be surrendered promptly to the Department for cancellation.