Vehicle Title Bond Guide
SuretyBonds.com offers the best service, fastest delivery and most affordable certificate of title bond prices in the industry.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To validate legal ownership of a vehicle when the original title is missing
- Who Needs It: Individuals registering a vehicle with a defective or missing title in most states
- Regulating Body: The Division of Motor Vehicles in the state of registration
- Required Amount: 1–2% of the vehicle's exact appraisal value, varies per state
- Premium Rates: Typically $15 per $1,000 in coverage, with a $100 minimum
Continue reading to learn how to get a bonded title quickly and easily.
What Is a Bonded Title?
A title bond is a legal document proving you are the rightful owner of a vehicle when the original title is lost, missing, damaged or nontransferable. A bonded title gives an owner the same rights as a standard vehicle title. It is required to register a vehicle when the original title has been lost or stolen.
State DMVs issue these documents to establish legal ownership of vehicles — including cars, motorcycles, trailers, mobile homes, watercraft, snowmobiles and more. Once you receive a bonded title, you can register, insure and sell the vehicle as you would with a traditional title.
What Is a Title Bond?
Title bonds establish legal ownership of a vehicle while financially protecting the state, previous owners and lienholders. They’re also referred to as:
- Certificate of title bonds
- Lost title bonds
- Defective vehicle title bonds
This type of surety bond guarantees that money is available to cover damages on a vehicle with a missing title.
SuretyBonds.com is licensed to issue lost car title bonds in all 50 states. We offer the best service, fastest delivery and most affordable prices in the industry.
How Do Title Bonds Work?
If you do not have a valid title, your DMV will likely require you to purchase a title bond and file for a bonded title. This guarantees you are the true owner and holds you financially liable if another party claims ownership of the vehicle.
After holding the bond for three years, the DMV will return it and issue a traditional title (assuming no claims are filed on the bond).
How Much Does a Bonded Title Cost?
Most states require a title bond amount of 1.5x the vehicle value. If you need less than $6,000 in coverage, you'll pay a flat rate of $100 for your bond. For title bonds over $6,000, the premium will be calculated based on the exact coverage amount required by your DMV. Typically, title bond premiums are around $15/$1k in coverage.
If you apply for coverage above $20,000, you application may need underwriting to determine your price quote.
Apply for a title bond in your state using the map below:
Why Do I Need a Certificate of Title Bond?
Title bonds verify that you rightfully own your vehicle and entitle you to insure, register or sell the vehicle. Here are common scenarios in which you might need a certificate of title bond:
- Original car title was lost or stolen
- Vehicle was paid for but the title was never given, and the lender is out of business
- Vehicle is too old to have a title
- Vehicle is custom-made
If you simply need a replacement title, you likely do not need a bond.
How Do I Get a Title Bond?
Lost title bonds can usually be purchased instantly online or over the phone. You’ll need to provide the following information when applying for your title bond:
- Name (as it appears on your driver’s license)
- Address
- Vehicle year, make and model
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle value (exact amount as determined by your local DMV)
Your title bond will be issued immediately once your application is approved and payment is processed. We'll mail your original bond documents which you must sign and file with the DMV.
Each state has a slightly different bonded title process. Check out our guide library for state-specific bonded title guides. If you know your bond amount, buy your title bond instantly online now!
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bonded Title?
Title bond orders received by 4 p.m. CST Monday-Friday are typically emailed same-day. Purchase now and choose overnight shipping to have your physical bond form by tomorrow.
Once you receive your bond, take it to your licensing office and file for a bonded title. The approval process can then take 4–5 weeks depending on the state.
