Washington Vehicle Ownership Bond Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a Washington bonded title. Learn how to navigate the lost vehicle ownership 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 Washington State Department of Licensing
- Required Amount: 1.5x the vehicle’s value
- Premium Rates: Start at $100, based on vehicle value
What Is a Bonded Title in Washington?
A Washington state 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 Washington Vehicle Ownership Bond?
Revised Code of Washington Section 46.12.680 requires individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond as part of the registration process. A vehicle ownership bond may also be referred to as the following:
- Certificate of title bond
- Lost title bond
- Bonded title
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 will 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 a Washington bonded title, your surety bond must cover exactly 1.5 times the vehicle’s appraised value. Contact the Department of Licensing for help conducting an appraisal.
How Much Do Vehicle Title Bonds Cost in Washington?
Idaho vehicle ownership title bonds cost $100–$500 for most applicants. With SuretyBonds.com, you’ll pay $9.84 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 underwriting to determine your rate, starting at $750. Most bonds can be quoted and issued within one business day.
How Does a Washington Vehicle Ownership Bond Work?
A Washington title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the bonded title applicant purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The Washington State Department of Licensing 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 Bond?
Typically, you will need a Washington bonded title and surety bond 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, learn about Washington Vehicle Dealer Bonds here.
How Do I Get a Title Bond in Washington?
To get a Washington vehicle ownership title bond, you must provide the following information for filing approval:
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) or motorcycle motor number
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?
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a Washington title 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 process most applications same-day. You’ll receive your official bond via email within minutes of purchasing.
Who Regulates Motor Vehicle Registration in Idaho?
The Washington State Department of Licensing enforces vehicle registration in the state, including bonded title issuance. Your original Washington lost title bond must be attached to your title application and be filed within 6 months of issuance.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Washington
Follow the five steps below to apply for your Washington bonded title.
Step 1: Contact the DOL
Reach out to your local licensing office to confirm if you qualify for a bonded title and receive instructions.
Step 2: Conduct a record search
Perform a record search to identify any previous owners. Send certified letters to these individuals notifying them of your intent to claim ownership.
Step 3: Determine the vehicle's value
The bond amount must be exactly 1.5 times the vehicle's appraised value. To determine this, the DOL will provide an appraisal, or you may be required to obtain an independent appraisal.
Step 4: Get a vehicle inspection
Schedule an appointment with an authorized inspector to verify the vehicle’s make, year and VIN.
Step 5: Buy a vehicle ownership bond
Secure a surety bond from a licensed provider. The bond amount should be 1.5 times the vehicle's appraised value.
Buy your Washington title bond online 24/7 starting at $100 with SuretyBonds.com.
Step 6: Complete ownership affidavit
Fill out and notarize an Affidavit of Ownership. This form confirms your ownership of the vehicle and explains how you acquired it without the title.
Step 7: Submit application
Submit your vehicle inspection form, surety bond, and title application to the DOL. Once your application is approved, you will receive a bonded title that is valid for three years.
You are then the legal owner of the vehicle. If another owner files a claim, the surety will investigate the case to determine the rightful owner.
Can I Update My 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 Bonded 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 our markets for the best available rate.
Do I Need to Renew My Title Bond?
No, your Washington bonded title and vehicle ownership 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.
