An Arkansas bonded title is a legal certificate of ownership issued when the original title is missing, improperly assigned, or otherwise unavailable. It allows you to register, insure, and operate your vehicle by providing a surety bond as a financial guarantee. This bond protects any prior owners or lienholders who may have a valid claim. The term length of this title bond is 3 years. The process of getting it is overseen by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) Office of Motor Vehicles and offers a legal path to establish ownership when traditional title documents are not available.
Who Needs an Arkansas Bonded Title?
You may need a title bond in Arkansas if you cannot provide a valid title due to situations such as:
- Purchasing a vehicle without receiving the title from the seller
- Losing the original title before completing the transfer
- Receiving a title with errors or being assigned to the wrong person
- Inheriting a vehicle without supporting title documents
- Facing ownership complications related to estates or legal matters
Arkansas Bonded Title Requirements
To qualify for a bonded title in Arkansas, you must meet the following requirements:
- Proof of ownership, such as a notarized bill of sale, prior registration, or purchase agreement
- VIN inspection completed by law enforcement (State Police, sheriff, or local police)
- Statement of Facts form, notarized, explaining how you acquired the vehicle and why the original title is unavailable
- No active liens, theft reports, or contested ownership claims
- The vehicle must not be branded as salvage, junk, rebuilt, or non-repairable in any state
- $10 application fee, payable to the Arkansas DFA
- Surety bond equal to 1.5× the vehicle’s appraised value, as determined by the DFA
How Much Does a Certificate of Title Bond in Arkansas Cost?
The cost of a bonded title in Arkansas depends on the required bond amount, which is set at 1.5 times the vehicle’s appraised value by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). However, your out-of-pocket cost, or the bond premium you will pay, is a flat rate based on bond tiers.
Arkansas certificate of title bond pricing is as follows:
- Bond amount of $100–$6,000: Flat cost of $100
- Bond amount of $6,001–$50,000: $15 per $1,000 of bond amount
- Bond amount above $50,000: Starts at $500; an application is required for a quote
In rare cases, the surety may require a credit check if your vehicle is more expensive. If that happens, it will be a soft credit pull that won’t affect your credit score.
For example, if your required bond amount falls between $100 and $6,000, you'll pay a flat fee of $100. If your bond amount is $10,000, the cost would be $150 (calculated at $15 per $1,000). For a vehicle valued at $20,000, the required bond amount would be $30,000, and your cost would be $450. If your bond amount exceeds $50,000, pricing starts at $500, and you might need to apply to receive a custom quote.
In addition to the bond premium, you may encounter the following state and service fees during the bonded title process:
- Replacement title fee: $10
- VIN inspection fee: Around $10 (varies by local law enforcement agency)
- Application or processing fee: $10
- Lien release documentation (if applicable): Varies by lender
- Ownership transfer fee: $10 (if ownership changes during the process)
- Standard title fee: $17–$30, paid after the 3-year bond period when converting to a regular title
To get an exact estimate for your Arkansas bonded title, use our title bond calculator below, which takes your vehicle’s appraised value into account based on the latest state requirements.
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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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Get a free exact quoteHow to Get a Bonded Title in Arkansas: Step-by-Step Process
Getting a bonded title in Arkansas is straightforward if you follow the steps outlined by the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Here’s how the process works:
1. Get a VIN Inspection
Have your vehicle inspected by the Arkansas State Police or a certified law enforcement officer to verify the VIN. This ensures it matches the vehicle and hasn't been tampered with. You’ll receive a VIN inspection form, which is required for your bonded title application.
2. Complete the Statement of Facts Form
Fill out the Statement of Facts for Issuance of a Bonded Title, explaining how you acquired the vehicle and why the original title is missing or unavailable. This form must be notarized before submission to the DFA.
3. Obtain Bond Approval and Purchase Your Surety Bond
Once the DFA reviews your Statement of Facts, they’ll issue a bond amount based on 1.5 times the vehicle’s appraised value. You must then purchase a certificate of title bond for that amount from a licensed surety bond provider.
4. Submit Your Bonded Title Application
Gather all required documents, including your notarized Statement of Facts, VIN inspection form, surety bond certificate, vehicle registration application, and payment for applicable fees, and submit them to your local DFA office or mail them to the Office of Motor Vehicle.
After your application is approved, the DFA will issue your Arkansas bonded title, allowing you to register, insure, and legally operate your vehicle.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a bonded title in Arkansas?
The process typically takes several weeks. Timing depends on how quickly you complete your VIN inspection, submit the required documents, obtain your surety bond, and receive approval from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA).
Can I get a bonded title if my vehicle has a lien?
No. Arkansas does not issue bonded titles for vehicles with active liens. You must clear all liens and obtain proper lien release documentation before applying.
What if I can’t locate the previous owner or lienholder?
You’re required to make a reasonable effort to contact them. If they cannot be reached, the DFA may still approve your bonded title application, provided you include documentation of your attempts to notify them.
Do I need a credit check to get a title bond?
In most cases, no credit check is required. However, for higher bond amounts, the surety may request a soft credit pull. This type of inquiry does not affect your credit score.
Can I sell a car with a bonded title?
Yes, but you must disclose to the buyer that the title is bonded and explain that the bond remains in effect for three years from the issue date. Some buyers may prefer to wait until a regular title can be issued.
Do I need to renew my bonded title?
No. Bonded titles are valid for three years and do not require renewal. After three years, if no claims are made against the bond, you may apply for a standard (clear) title through the DFA.
What options exist for applicants with less-than-perfect credit?
Most applicants won’t need a credit check, but in rare cases where one is required, a soft pull may be used. You can still get approved for a bond, even with limited or poor credit history, though rates and requirements may vary depending on the provider.
