If you cannot obtain a regular certificate of title because ownership cannot be properly established, you may need a title bond (also called a bonded title).
A Missouri bonded title is a certificate of ownership issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) that is backed by a surety bond. It allows you to legally transfer or sell a vehicle when standard ownership documentation is unavailable, incomplete, or inconsistent. Bonded titles in Missouri remain in effect for three years.
The required surety bond provides financial protection to prior owners, lienholders, future purchasers, and the state of Missouri. If someone later proves a valid ownership claim during the three-year bond period, the surety may compensate that party up to the bond amount, and you would be responsible for reimbursing the surety.
Who Needs a Missouri Title Bond?
Under Section 301.192 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, the Director of Revenue may require a surety bond when ownership cannot be clearly established.
You may need a Missouri title bond if:
- No prior Missouri title record exists for the vehicle
- Ownership details on file are incomplete
- Title records contain conflicting information
- You purchased a vehicle, but never received a properly assigned title
- You lost the title before transferring it into your name
In most cases, Missouri bonded title eligibility applies to:
- Vehicles that are at least seven years old
- Vehicles valued at $3,000 or less
- Vehicles with no prior Missouri title application on record
However, the Department of Revenue may require a title bond in other ownership dispute situations. Contact your local licensing office to confirm eligibility before applying.
When You Cannot Get a Bonded Title in Missouri
A bonded title generally will not be issued if:
- The vehicle has an active lien that has not been properly released
- A valid Missouri title record already exists
- Ownership is currently under legal dispute
- The vehicle does not meet state eligibility requirements
If you are unsure whether you qualify, our team can help review your situation before you purchase a bond.
How Much Does a Missouri Bonded Title Cost?
Missouri requires your title bond amount to be set at twice the vehicle’s appraised value. Certificate of title bond premiums start at $100, with your exact cost determined by the total bond amount required.
Premium rates generally break down as follows:
| Bond Amount | Bond Premium |
|---|---|
| Up to $10,000 | $100 |
| $10,001 – $50,000 | $10 per $1,000 of coverage, with a minimum premium of $100 |
| Over $50,000 | Subject to underwriting review |
Here’s how that translates in real scenarios:
- If your vehicle is valued at $3,000, your bond amount is $6,000 → Your premium would be $100
- If your vehicle is valued at $8,000, your bond amount is $16,000 → At $10 per $1,000, your premium would be $160
- If your vehicle is valued at $20,000, your bond amount is $40,000 → Your premium would be $400
For bond amounts over $50,000, rates are determined through underwriting based on risk and financial review.
In many cases, no credit check is required. If one is necessary, it is typically a soft inquiry that does not impact your credit score.
Want to know your exact bonded title cost? Use our interactive calculator below to get an instant estimate based on your vehicle’s value:
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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 Missouri
Follow these steps to complete the process.
1. Gather Required Documentation
You must submit the following to the Missouri Department of Revenue:
- Completed Application for Missouri Title and License
- Surety bond form listing VIN, year, make, and model
- Vehicle Examination Certificate (inspection required; $25 fee)
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (unless exempt)
- Notarized lien release (if applicable)
- Proof of ownership currently in your possession
- Sworn statement explaining how you acquired the vehicle and why the proper title is unavailable
- Title verification from the previous state (if applicable)
- Applicable title fees and taxes
The Vehicle Examination Certificate must be issued by the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the St. Louis City or County Auto Theft Unit.
2. Determine the Vehicle’s Value
Missouri requires you to establish the vehicle’s fair market value to calculate the required bond amount. You can determine this value by consulting a recognized vehicle pricing guide, such as Kelley Blue Book, or by obtaining two written appraisals from licensed Missouri motor vehicle dealers. Once the value is confirmed, your title bond amount must be set at twice the vehicle’s established value.
3. Secure a Missouri Title Bond
Once you know the required bond amount, you can complete your application online in minutes.
Bryant Surety Bonds provides a fast and secure online application process, with most title bonds issued in minutes and no credit check required for the majority of applicants.4. Submit Your Application
Submit all documents and fees to:
Motor Vehicle Bureau
P.O. Box 100
Jefferson City, MO 65105-0100
You may also submit your application at a local Missouri license office. If approved, the Director of Revenue will issue a bonded certificate of title not less than 30 days after receiving your completed submission.
Do I Need to Renew My Missouri Title Bond?
Missouri title bonds remain active for three years. During that time:
- Any party with a valid ownership claim may file against the bond
- The surety may pay valid claims up to the bond amount
If no claim is filed within three years, you may apply for a standard certificate of title and request removal of the bonded designation.
After that point, the bond is no longer required and does not need to be renewed.
FAQs
Can I sell a vehicle with a bonded title in Missouri?
Yes. A bonded title is a valid certificate of ownership issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue. The vehicle may be sold, transferred, insured, and registered like any other titled vehicle, subject to the three-year bond period.
How long does it take to get a Missouri bonded title?
Once your complete application is submitted, the Department of Revenue may issue the bonded title after approximately 30 days.
Is an odometer disclosure always required?
An odometer disclosure is generally required unless the vehicle qualifies for a statutory exemption based on age or classification.
Why is a vehicle examination required?
The Vehicle Examination Certificate helps prevent fraud and ensures the vehicle was not rebuilt using stolen parts. Because bonded title situations involve incomplete ownership documentation, the state requires inspection to verify legitimacy.
