California Bonded Title Guide
If you are registering a vehicle without a title in California, you may need to purchase a surety bond. Read on to learn all about the bonded title process.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To provide financial security if there are disputes about a vehicle's ownership
- Who Needs It: Individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership in California
- Regulating Body: The California Department of Motor Vehicles
- Required Amount: Equal to the fair market value of the vehicle
- Premium Rates: $10 per $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100
How Much Does a California Title Bond Cost?
California motor vehicle ownership title and undocumented vessel bond costs start at $100 for the state-required 3-year term. Your exact cost will vary depending on the surety bond amount required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Bond amounts up to $6,000 cost just $100.
- Bond amounts from $6,001 to $50,000 cost $10 for every $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100.
- Bond amounts for more than $50,000 must be reviewed by an underwriter for pricing, starting at $500.
Bond amounts $50,000 and less are available for instant issue. This means your bond is offered at the same price regardless of credit scare and will be processed instantly.
How Do You Get a California Title Bond?
You can purchase your California defective title bond online 24/7 for a motor vehicle or boat. You must provide the following information for Department of Motor Vehicles filing approval.
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle year, make, model, and body type
Once we process your order, you'll receive a digital copy of your surety bond by email. Then, we'll mail your official California title bond via FedEx to your preferred mailing address.
How Fast Can I Get a Title Bond in California?
We deliver your official California title bonds faster than any other surety provider. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically shipped same-day.
The DMV requires your California motor vehicle ownership or undocumented vessel bond be physically issued and shipped to you, so choose overnight shipping during checkout if you're in a rush.
What Is the Purpose of a California Lost Title Bond?
California Vehicle Code Sections 4157 and/or 4307 requires a title bond for the current legal owner of a vehicle when they are unable to provide evidence of vehicle or vessel ownership. Bonded titles give the owner the same ownership rights as a regular title.
Vehicle or watercraft owners are required to get a bond to protect the state from any financial losses that might occur as a result of the issuance of a new certificate of title.
If a claim is made against the bond, the surety will cover any losses up to the full amount of the bond, and the principal (vehicle owner) must reimburse the surety.
Who Needs a California Vehicle Title Bond?
A California title bond is required for vehicle and boat owners who don't have sufficient proof of ownership for DMV registration. Once you've purchased and received your official title surety bond, you'll be able to apply for your California bonded title.
If you own a mobile home, commercial coach, truck camper, or floating home without an official ownership title, visit our California mobile home title bond page instead.
Who Regulates Vehicle Title Registration in California?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles enforces title registration requirements for vehicles and boats with lost, stolen, or defective titles. To get your official California bonded title, you'll file your certificate of title surety bond with your local California DMV. If you have questions about your vehicle value or bonded title application, contact your local DMV office.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires this bond for vehicle title registration. If you plan on selling vehicles, the DMV requires a separate California auto dealer license bond.
How Long Does a Bonded Title Last in California?
California bonded titles are issued for three-year terms. After three years, the vehicle owner no longer needs a bond and can get a regular vehicle title.
How is the Bond Amount Determined?
The required bond amount is equal to the fair market value of the vehicle as determined by a licensed motor vehicle dealer or insurance representative OR the average valuation from a recognized industry source, such as Kelley Blue Book. If you need help determining your surety bond amount, contact your local DMV office before purchasing your surety bond.
How Do I Renew My Title Bond in California?
A California motor vehicle ownership title bond or undocumented vessel bond does not renew. Owners no longer need a title bond after 3 years. At this time, the vehicle owner is eligible for a regular car title.
How Do I Get a Bonded Title in California?
Learn How To Get A California Bonded Title by reviewing our comprehensive guide.
