Wisconsin Bonded Title Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get your Wisconsin bonded title. Learn how to navigate the lost vehicle title bonding process with our complete guide.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To provide financial security for vehicle ownership disputes
- Who Needs It: Individuals registering a vehicle in Wisconsin without a valid title
- Regulating Body: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation
- Required Amount: 1.5x the vehicle’s value
- Premium Rates: $15/$1,000 of coverage, starting at $100
What Is a Wisconsin Bonded Title?
A bonded title allows you to legally register a vehicle with the state of Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin Lost Title Bond?
Wisconsin Statute 342.12 requires individuals who own vehicles with missing titles to file a surety bond to verify ownership for registration. The title bond protects any prior owner or subsequent purchaser from expenses, losses or damages.
How Much Coverage Do I Need for My Bonded Title?
Wisconsin law requires your lost title bond amount be 1.5 times the vehicle value as determined by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Contact the DOT or your local DMV office before purchasing your bond to verify your exact coverage amount.
How Much Do Lost Title Bonds Cost in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin certificate of title bond costs start at $100 for the 5-year term.
Exact pricing varies depending on the vehicle value and corresponding bond amount:
- $2,500–$6,000 Bond: Costs $100
- $6,001–$50,000 Bond: Costs $15 per $1,000, starting at $100
- $50,000+ Bond: Starts at $750, application required
Select your bond amount below to buy now or apply for a free quote.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a Wisconsin Lost Title Bond Work?
A Wisconsin title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the bonded title applicant purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation requiring the bond
- Surety: The provider issuing the bond
The Wisconsin bonded title protects any prior owner, prior lienholder, or any future purchaser who could make a claim on the vehicle.
Who Needs a Lost Title Bond?
If you’re registering any vehicle in Wisconsin without a valid title, you likely need a motor vehicle lost title bond. The following vehicle types are eligible for a bonded title:
- Automobiles
- Sports utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Light trucks less than 8,000 pounds
- Farm trucks less than 12,000 pounds
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds
- Campers and mobile homes under 40 feet
If you plan to sell vehicles, you’ll need a separate Wisconsin motor vehicle dealer bond.
How Do I Get a Lost Title Bond in Wisconsin?
You can purchase your lost title bond online 24/7 with SuretyBonds.com. You must provide the following information for DMV filing approval:
- Vehicle year
- Vehicle make
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Once you pay, you'll receive your official lost title bond in minutes via email.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
SuretyBonds.com offers instant Wisconsin title bond delivery online 24/7. Purchase now to receive your official bond in minutes by email*.
*Note: If your bond amount is over $50,000, a team member must briefly review the order before emailing your documents.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation enforces registration requirements for missing vehicle titles. Follow the four steps below to apply for your Wisconsin bonded title.
Step 1: Complete the general title application
Complete the online title & license plate application (MV1). Pay the sales tax and any applicable title and loan filing fees.
Step 2: Apply for a bonded title
Download and complete the application for a bonded certificate of title by providing the following:
- Clear images of your vehicle from the front, rear and sides as well as the VIN
- A bill of sale or any previous ownership documents
- A written statement of how you came into possession of the vehicle
Once the application is complete, submit it to the following address: Vehicle Research Unit, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, PO Box 8070, Madison, WI 53708-8070
Step 3: Get record results and appraisal
Wait for the DOT to do a title record search and appraise your vehicle. If approved, you will receive a letter informing you of your surety bond amount based on the value of your vehicle.
Step 4: Purchase a Wisconsin title bond
Next, buy a motor vehicle lost title bond for 1.5x the appraised value of the vehicle. Print, sign and file the bond with the DOT.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bonded Title in Wisconsin?
The state advises using the eMV Public Online Title and Registration Application to have your bonded title application reviewed in 3 days or less.
You can also mail your bonded title application, but mailed applications are reviewed within 14 days.
How Much Does a Bonded Title Cost in Wisconsin?
Due to varying fees, taxes and vehicle values, costs vary per applicant. However, you can typically expect to pay around $120–$500 to receive a bonded title in Wisconsin.
Can You Transfer Ownership of a Car With a Bonded Title?
Yes, with a Wisconsin bonded title you can register, sell or transfer vehicles just as with a regular title.
However, you are still responsible for claims on the bond until its five-year term is complete.
Do I Need to Renew My Lost Title Bond?
No. Bonded titles in Wisconsin last for five years.
After the bond expires, you’ll be eligible for a standard certificate of title. The DOT will return your bond if there are no pending claims.
Can I Update My Bond Form?
Yes, if the Wisconsin DMV or DOT requires your surety bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider.
The most common changes for these bonds 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 Bonded With Bad Credit?
Yes, you may still be able to get a bonded title with bad credit. Wisconsin 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.
