Idaho Vehicle Title Bond Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get an Idaho bonded title. Learn how to navigate the lost vehicle title bonding process with this complete guide.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To guarantee legal ownership of a vehicle and protect previous and future owners
- Who Needs It: Individuals looking to register, transfer or sell a vehicle without a valid title
- Regulating Body: The Idaho Transportation Department
- Required Amount: 1.5x the vehicle’s appraised value
- Premium Rates: $15 per $1k of coverage, $100 minimum
- Term Length: Valid for 3 years, does not renew
What Is a Bonded Title?
An Idaho bonded title is simply a vehicle title backed by a surety bond. It proves you are the legal owner of a vehicle when the original title is invalid, unavailable or can not be transferred.
What Is an Idaho Vehicle Ownership Title Bond?
Idaho Code Section 49-523 requires individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond as part of the registration process.
The vehicle ownership bond acts as financial security to repay monetary losses if the car turns out to be stolen or the title is otherwise invalid.
In the event of theft or forgery, the surety can compensate the rightful owner or prior lienholders for the full value of the vehicle and other damages.
How Much Bond Coverage Do I Need?
To get an Idaho bonded title, your surety bond must cover 1.5 times the vehicle’s appraised value or $5,000 — whichever is greater.
For example, a car worth $2,000 needs $5,000 coverage to meet the minimum requirement and a car worth $20,000 needs a $30,000 title bond.
How Do I Determine My Vehicle’s Value?
You must get an appraisal from a licensed dealer. We recommend verifying your exact required amount with the Transportation Department before purchasing the bond to ensure approval.
How Much Do Title Bonds Cost in Idaho?
Idaho vehicle ownership title bonds cost $100–$600 for most applicants. With SuretyBonds.com, you’ll pay $15 per $1,000 of coverage for bond amounts up to $50,000 with a $100 minimum. Buy now to receive your official bond in minutes via email.
If your bond amount is over $50,000, your application will go through surety underwriting to determine your rate. Most bonds can be quoted and issued within one business day.
How Does an Idaho Vehicle Title Bond Work?
An Idaho title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the bonded title applicant purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The Idaho Transportation Department requiring the bond
- Surety: The provider issuing the bond
By filing this bond, you verify you are the vehicle's sole, legal owner to the best of your knowledge.
If another party provides ownership documentation, they can file a claim against the bond. The surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, which you must reimburse.
Who Needs a Vehicle Ownership Title Bond?
Typically, you will need an Idaho bonded title under these conditions:
- You did not receive a title when you bought the vehicle
- Your title was incorrectly assigned
- You lost the title before transferring it to your name
If you lost your existing title, you can typically just request a duplicate title.
Title bonds are required to register vehicles with missing titles. If you plan to sell vehicles, you can learn more about Idaho Vehicle and Vessel Dealer Bonds here.
How Do I Get a Vehicle Ownership Title Bond in Idaho?
To get an Idaho title bond, you must provide the following information for ITD approval:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Year
- Make
- Engine number (motorcycles only)
Then, buy online or submit a quote request with SuretyBonds.com to receive your bond via email same-day.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
If your bond amount is below $50,000, you can buy and receive your bond instantly online. For bond coverage over $50,000, we can typically process applications same-day. You’ll receive your official bond via email within minutes of purchasing.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Idaho
The Idaho Transportation Department enforces vehicle registration in the state, including bonded title issuance. Follow the five steps below to apply for your Idaho bonded title.
Step 1: Request a vehicle record report
Using the information provided by the Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD), request a Motor Vehicle Record Report from the relevant state(s). Send certified mail to notify any current owners or lienholders of your intent to title the vehicle in Idaho.
Note: Keep all certified mail receipts and any returned mail to include in your application.
Step 2: Get an appraisal and VIN inspection
Schedule a vehicle appraisal and VIN inspection with a licensed Idaho vehicle dealer. Complete form ITD 3504 (Vehicle Appraisal and Vehicle Identification Number Inspection).
Step 3: Purchase a title bond
Buy a Idaho vehicle ownership title bond worth 1.5 times the vehicle’s appraised value.
Step 4: Complete the affidavit
Fill out form ITD 3410 (Indemnifying Affidavit) explaining how the vehicle was acquired and why the title is missing. Provide any available seller or ownership information.
Step 5: Submit application
Submit the following materials in person at your local DMV office:
- Motor vehicle record report
- Vehicle appraisal and VIN inspection (Form ITD 3504)
- Indemnifying affidavit (Form ITD 3410)
- Original vehicle ownership bond form
- Certified mail receipts and returned mail for any owners or lienholders
- Lien releases, if applicable
- Proof of ownership documents
- 6% sales tax payment
- $25 title application fee
The DMV will review your documents, which may take several days to weeks. If the review confirms no conflicting ownership claims, you will receive a bonded title.
Can I Update My Title Bond Form?
The most common changes for these bonds include updating the following information:
- Vehicle information
- Owner name
- Address
If your vehicle ownership title bond form needs amended for any reason, email [email protected] to explain the request. We’ll likely be able to issue a free rider document to update the active bond.
Can I Get a Bonded Title With Bad Credit?
Yes, vehicle ownership title bonds are typically available for instant purchase with no credit check. If your bond does require an application, we’ll search our markets for the best available rate.
Do I Need to Renew My Title Bond?
No, your Idaho bonded title and title bond will expire three years from the effective dates and won’t require renewal. As long as there are no bond claims, you can apply for a standard title after the three-year period.
