(a) If a certificate of title is lost, stolen, mutilated, destroyed, or becomes illegible, the first lienholder or, if none, the owner or legal representative of the owner named in the title as shown by the records of the department shall apply for and obtain a duplicate title upon furnishing information satisfactory to the department and payment of the prescribed fee. The duplicate title must indicate that it is a duplicate title, and it shall be mailed or delivered to the first lienholder named in it or, if none, to the registered owner.
(b) A person who recovers an original title for which a duplicate has been issued shall immediately surrender the duplicate to the department.