A vehicle title bond (also called a certificate of title bond, lost title bond, or bonded title) is a type of surety bond required by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you don’t have a valid title for your car, truck, motorcycle, trailer, or other motor vehicle.

This bond protects the state, previous owners, and any lienholders. If a valid ownership claim arises against your vehicle, the bond ensures you can be compensated.

If you want to find out more about state or local bonding requirements, you can do so by selecting your state below.

Title Bonds at a Glance

  • Purpose: Establishes rightful ownership of a vehicle when the original title has been lost, damaged, or is otherwise unavailable.
  • Who Needs It: Vehicle owners applying for registration or transfer with an incomplete or defective title record.
  • Bond Amount: Typically either 1.5% or 2% of the appraised value of the vehicle, although each state determines the exact percentage.
  • Premium Cost: Begins at $100 for bond amounts up to $6,000. For larger bond requirements, pricing increases by $15 for each additional $1,000 in coverage (typically 1.5%).

Who Needs a Title Bond?

A title bond serves as proof that you are the rightful owner of a vehicle when standard documentation is missing. It allows you to legally register, insure, or sell the vehicle. Common situations where a title bond may be required include:

  • Lost or stolen original title
  • Vehicle purchased without a title, and the seller or lender is no longer available
  • Older vehicles that were never issued a title
  • Custom-built or modified vehicles

If your case only involves a simple duplicate or replacement title, a bond is usually not necessary.

How Much Does a Title Bond Cost?

The bond amount is based on your vehicle’s value and state requirements, but you only pay a small percentage (the premium) of that amount.

  • Vehicles worth up to $6,000 → Bond amount set by state → Premiums are often a flat rate of $100.
  • Vehicles above $6,000 → Bond amount increases (some states require 1.5x or 2x the value). Premiums may start around $10/$15 per $1,000 above the threshold.

Example: In Colorado, if your vehicle is appraised at $8,000, you may need a $16,000 bond. The premium for that bond could start as low as $100 plus $10 per $1,000 over the initial $6,000.

To make it easier to estimate your cost, we’ve included a title bond cost calculator below. Simply select your state and enter your vehicle’s appraised value to see the bond amount you may need and the potential premium you’ll pay.

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Title Bond Cost Calculator

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Estimated Bond Cost: $100

This is your estimated title bond price. Apply online to get a free exact quote!

State:

The title bond will be valid for this state.

Vehicle Value:

The current appraised value of your vehicle.

Required Bond Amount:

This is the financial guarantee your bond will cover according to state law.

Bond Term: 3 Years

Title bonds are typically valid for a 3-year period, as required by most states.

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Title Bond Requirements

Each state sets its own rules for bonded titles. Requirements often include:

  • Vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection
  • Vehicle appraisal or bill of sale
  • Proof of attempts to contact previous owners or lienholders
  • Completion of state title bond application forms

Examples:

  • Georgia: The bond amount must equal twice the vehicle’s average retail value, with a minimum of $5,000. Vehicles 1985 or older or classified as abandoned are not eligible. Applications require forms MV-1, MV-46, MV-46A, a VIN inspection, and a vehicle history report.
  • Texas: Title bonds are set at 1.5 times the vehicle’s value. The vehicle must be complete and not designated as junk or non-repairable. Applicants must obtain a Notice of Determination from the TxDMV before purchasing the bond.
  • Florida: The required bond amount is twice the appraised or current retail value of the vehicle. VIN and odometer verification are mandatory, and bonded titles can be used to register, insure, or sell the vehicle.
  • Arizona: Title bonds must equal 1.5 times the current vehicle value. A Level I inspection, a notarized affidavit, and proof of attempts to contact prior owners or lienholders may be required.
  • Arkansas: The bond amount is set at 1.5 times the vehicle’s value. Applicants must submit a VIN inspection and a Statement of Facts, and obtain approval from the Department of Finance and Administration.
  • Colorado: Bond amounts must equal twice the appraised vehicle value. Applicants must provide an appraisal, VIN inspection, and supporting paperwork. Colorado title bonds are valid for 3 years, after which a standard title may be issued if no claims are made.

How to Get a Title Bond

Obtaining a title bond is a quick process that can often be completed online or over the phone. To apply, you’ll typically need to provide:

  • Full legal name (matching your driver’s license)
  • Residential address
  • Vehicle details (year, make, model)
  • VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
  • Current vehicle value (as assessed by your local DMV)

Once your application and payment are approved, your bond will be issued immediately. You’ll receive the official bond documents, which must then be signed and submitted to the DMV.

Start your surety bond application today! Why us?
  • The lowest possible rates
  • A 100% money-back guarantee
  • Access to specialty programs, not available to small agencies

FAQs

Is a title bond refundable?

No. Title bond premiums are non-refundable, even if you later find the original title or resolve ownership through other means.

Does a bonded title affect resale value?

In most cases, vehicles with bonded titles can still be sold. However, some buyers may hesitate until the bond period expires and a standard title is available. It’s often best to clarify the bond status upfront with potential buyers.

Do I need to renew my title bond?

In most states, title bonds are written for a fixed term (usually 3–4 years) and do not need to be renewed. Once the term expires without any ownership claims, you can usually apply for a clear, standard title.

Can I transfer a bonded title to another state?

Yes, but rules differ. Some states accept bonded titles issued elsewhere, while others require you to post a new title bond based on their own regulations. Always check with the DMV in the state where you plan to register the vehicle.

What types of vehicles can be bonded?

Title bonds aren’t limited to cars. They may also be required for motorcycles, trailers, boats, RVs, or other vehicles where proof of ownership is missing.

What if my vehicle has an existing lien?

If there’s a lien on the vehicle that has not been properly released, most states will not issue a bonded title until the lien is satisfied or formally cleared.

About us:
Bryant Surety Bonds
Bryant Surety Bonds, Inc. is a surety bond agency based in Pennsylvania. Licensed in all 50 states and with access to over 20 T-listed, A-Rated bonding companies, we have the contacts, expertise, and top service to provide you with a hassle-free experience, all while offering competitive rates for your surety bond.