Alabama Title Bond Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get your Alabama bonded title. Learn how to navigate the lost vehicle title bonding process with our complete guide.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To guarantee legal ownership of a vehicle
- Who Needs It: Individuals looking to register a vehicle without a valid title
- Regulating Body: The Alabama Motor Vehicle Division
- Required Amount: Varies based on vehicle type and year, $1k–$100k
- Premium Rate: Typically $100–$1,500 based on bond amount
What Is an Alabama Bonded Title?
A bonded title is just a standard certificate of title backed by a surety bond. An Alabama bonded title proves you are the legal owner of a vehicle when a valid title is not available.
What Is a Certificate of Title Bond?
Alabama State Code requires vehicle owners with invalid or missing titles to file a surety bond to verify legal ownership.
By filing a certificate of title bond, you can receive a bonded title to register your vehicle in Alabama.
How Much Bond Coverage Do I Need?
The state of Alabama sets the following defective title bond requirements based on your vehicle type and year.
Passenger Vehicles and Pickup Trucks
- <5 model years old: $50,000
- 5–10 model years old: $25,000
- 10+ model years old: $10,000
Trucks, Buses and Recreational Vehicles
- <5 model years old: $100,000
- 5–10 model years old: $50,000
- 10+ model years old: $25,000
Motorcycles
- <5 model years old: $25,000
- 5–10 model years old: $10,000
- 10+ model years old: $5,000
Trailers
- <5 model years old: $25,000
- 5–10 model years old: $10,000
- 10+ model years old: $5,000
Manufactured Homes*
- <10 model years old: $50,000
- 10+ model years old: $25,000
Your exact bond amount should be provided by the DOR along with your state-issued surety bond form.
*Manufactured home bond requests must be initiated through a designated Revenue Department agent using the ETAPS system.
How Much Does an Alabama Certificate of Title Bond Cost?
Alabama certificate of title bond premiums start at $100. All applicants are instantly approved at a set rate for title bonds up to $50,000 in coverage.
Exact prices vary depending on the required bond amount:
- $5,000 bonds cost $10
- $10,000 bonds cost $150
- $25,000 bonds cost $375
- $50,000 bonds cost $750
- $100,000 bond costs start at $1,500
Select your bond below to buy or apply now.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does an Alabama Vehicle Title Bond Work?
Alabama title bonds protect previous lien holders, owners and potential future owners from financial harm due to ownership disputes.
For example, if the original title is found and a valid claim is filed against the bond, the surety company will pay damages up to full title bond amount.
Who Needs a Vehicle Title Bond?
If you cannot prove sufficient ownership for an Alabama vehicle title application, you’ll need a title surety bond.
Vehicles with open liens cannot be bonded.
If you're planning to sell vehicles, a separate Alabama motor vehicle dealer bond is required.
How Do I Get a Vehicle Title Bond in Alabama?
Start by getting your official bond form from the Department of Revenue. Then, you can purchase your Alabama lost title bond online 24/7.
You’ll need to provide the following information on your application:
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle year, make, model and body type
- Number of cylinders
- Purchase date
- New or used vehicle status
Once you pay, you'll receive an email copy of your bond form and your official bond via your preferred shipping method.
How to Get a Bonded Title for a Vehicle in Alabama
The Alabama Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division enforces registration requirements for vehicles with lost, stolen or missing titles.
Follow these five steps to get your Alabama bonded title.
Step 1: Contact the DMV
To confirm your need and eligibility for a bonded title, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.
Step 2: Request a vehicle records search
Ask your DMV to check for any existing vehicle records or confirm a clean record. If your vehicle has an open lien, you’ll need to contact the former owner.
Step 3: Request a bonded title application
Next, request a title surety bond form (MVT 10-1A) through the MyDMV online portal.
You’ll need to provide ONE of the following proof of ownership documents:
- Original outstanding title (stamped SURRENDERED)
- Bill of sale containing the VIN
- Most current registration in your name
- Insurance settlement
- Foreclosure deed (Manufactured homes only)
- ALVIN title application from an inactive dealership (if applicable)
The Department of Revenue will review your request and, if approved, respond with the bond form and required bond amount.
Step 4: Purchase an Alabama title bond
Next, buy your Alabama certificate of title bond in the exact amount required by the state.
Step 5: Submit your application and bond
Finally, submit your bond and application documents through MyDMV or at your local DMV office to receive your bonded title.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bonded Title?
It typically takes 10–15 days for the DOR to process and issue an Alabama bonded title application.
You can expect to receive your bonded title in the mail about 3–6 days after issuance.
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
Yes, you may still be able to get a bonded title with bad credit.
Alabama certificate of title bonds are typically available for instant purchase with no credit check.
If your bond does require an application, we’ll search for the best available rate with our surety markets.
Can I Update My Bond Form?
Yes, if the Alabama DMV requires your lost title bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider.
If you purchased from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the request.
