Tennessee Bonded Title Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a Tennessee 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 a vehicle without a valid title
- Regulating Body: The Tennessee Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Section
- Required Amount: 1.5x the vehicle’s fair market value
- Premium Rates: $10/$1,000, starting at $100
What Is a Tennessee Bonded Title?
A Tennessee 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 a Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond?
Tennessee Code Annotated 55-3-103 requires individuals without official vehicle ownership proof file a surety bond for registration. Bonded titles are used for vehicles, manufactured/mobile homes, trailers, ATVs, and golf carts missing their original titles.
How Much Do Tennessee Bonded Titles Cost?
Tennessee certificate of title bond costs start at $100 for the 3-year term.
Exact costs vary depending on the surety bond amount required by the DOR:
- $100–$10,000 Bond: Costs $100
- $10,001–$50,000 Bond: Costs $10/ $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100
- $50,000+ Bond: Prices start at $750, application required
Select your bond amount below to get started.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond Work?
A Tennessee title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the bonded title applicant purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The Tennessee DOR 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 Certificate of Title Bond?
Vehicles and mobile homes may need a bonded title to be registered in Tennessee if the original title is lost, missing or non-transferable.
Tennessee does not require title surety bonds for vehicles valued less than $3,000 or for vehicles more than 30 years old. In those circumstances, you'll need to file a Certification of Ownership with the DOR instead.
How Do I Get a Certificate of Title Bond in Tennessee?
You can buy your Tennessee lost title bond online 24/7 at SuretyBonds.com. You'll need to provide the following information approval:
- Vehicle owner name and address
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle year, make, model, and body type
Once your payment is processed, we’ll email your official title surety bond instantly.
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. Apply now to get started.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Revenue enforces vehicle registration requirements and processes duplicate/lost title applications. Follow these five steps to apply for your Tennessee bonded title.
Step 1: Submit the DOR surety bond application
Start by completing the Surety Bond Application. Submit the form to the Department of Revenue’s Special Investigation Section at [email protected].
You must include a Bill of Sale from the last owner or a notarized statement from the seller explaining why the vehicle was not registered in their name.
Step 2: Wait for title record search results
The DOR will process your application and check the VIN. They’ll respond with an approval letter, supporting documentation, and next steps.
Step 3: Purchase a surety bond
Buy a surety bond for 1.5 times the fair market value of the vehicle. Verify your exact bond requirement with the DOR.
Step 4: Apply at the county clerk’s office
Complete the Multi-Purpose Title Application form. To complete your bonded title application, submit this along with your surety bond form at your local county clerk’s office.
Step 5: Pay taxes and registration fees
At the county clerk’s office, you’ll also need to pay local and state title and registration fees plus any applicable sales and use taxes.
You’ll receive your official Tennessee bonded title once all your documents are received and approved.
Can I Sell a Vehicle With a Bonded Title in Tennessee?
Yes, a Tennessee bonded title allows you to register, insure and transfer ownership of a vehicle when the original title is lost. The certificate of title bond provides security for the vehicle purchaser.
Can I Update My Bond Form?
Yes, the most common changes for Tennessee title bond forms include updating the:
- Vehicle information
- Owner name
- Address
If your certificate of title bond form needs amended for any reason, email [email protected] to explain the request.
Can I Get a Bonded Title With Bad Credit?
Yes, these 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.
How Do I Renew My Certificate of Title Bond?
Tennessee bonded titles expire three years from the effective date and do not renew. The state will return the bond at that time and you can apply for a standard title.
Can You Register a Car With a Bill of Sale and No Title in Tennessee?
No, you must have a title to register a vehicle in Tennessee. However, if you only have a bill of sale, you can apply for a bonded title which will allow you to register the car.
