If you cannot obtain a regular certificate of title for a vehicle in Washington because the Department of Licensing (DOL) cannot verify ownership, a situation known as “ownership in doubt”, you may need a Washington bonded title, also called a vehicle ownership bond.
A bonded title is a certificate of ownership backed by a surety bond that protects prior owners, lienholders, and future purchasers if someone later proves a valid ownership claim during the required three-year bond period.
Under RCW 46.12.680, the Department of Licensing may require a surety bond before issuing a title when ownership cannot be clearly established.
When Do You Need a Washington Title Bond?
You may need a bonded title if:
- You never received a title when purchasing the vehicle
- The title was incorrectly assigned
- The previous owner failed to transfer the title into their name
- You lost the title before transferring it into your name
- The Department cannot confirm that no undisclosed lien exists
If you previously had a properly issued title in your name and lost it, you typically only need to apply for a duplicate title, not a bonded title.
Alternatives to a Bonded Title
When ownership is in doubt, Washington allows three possible options:
- Apply for a bonded title
- Apply for three-year registration without title (which may convert to full ownership after three years if uncontested)
- Petition a district or superior court to obtain a judicial ownership ruling (quiet title action)
Before proceeding, you should contact the Washington Department of Licensing to confirm eligibility.
How Much Does a Washington Title Bond Cost?
Washington requires the bond amount to equal 1.5 times the vehicle’s appraised value. For example, if your vehicle is valued at $8,000, your required bond amount would be $12,000.
Most Washington vehicle ownership bonds cost between $100 and $500, depending on the bond amount.
| Bond Amount | Bond Premium |
|---|---|
| Up to $10,000 | $100 |
| $10,001 – $50,000 | Approximately $10 per $1,000 of coverage (minimum $100) |
| Over $50,000 | Subject to underwriting review |
In many cases, no credit check is required. If underwriting is necessary, it is typically a soft inquiry that does not impact your credit score.
To learn your approximate bond cost, enter your vehicle’s appraised value into the Title Bond Cost Calculator:
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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Get a free exact quoteHow to Get a Bonded Title in Washington: Step by Step
1. Attempt to Contact Previous Owners
Washington requires you to demonstrate reasonable effort to obtain proper title documentation. You may need to:
- Request a vehicle record search
- Contact the registered owner and any lienholders by certified mail
- Request that the title be properly signed over or liens be released
Copies of these letters (or returned mail) must be included in your application.
2. Determine the Vehicle’s Value
The bond amount is based on the vehicle’s fair market value. Acceptable valuation methods include:
- The Department’s automated valuation system
- A written appraisal from a licensed dealer or appraisal company
- A recognized public pricing guide
- Proof of insured value
- Documentation of purchase price plus repair estimates
Once the value is determined, multiply it by 1.5 to calculate the required bond amount.
3. Obtain a Washington Title Bond
After calculating the required bond amount, you may purchase a surety bond from an authorized provider.
Bryant Surety Bonds offers a fast, secure online application process. Most bonds under $50,000 are issued the same day.
Washington requires that the original bond be filed with your title application within six months of issuance.
4. Complete Required Forms
You must complete:
- Vehicle Title Application
- Bonded Title or Three-Year Registration Without Title Affidavit
- Washington State Patrol inspection (unless exempt)
When Is a Washington State Patrol Inspection Required?
A WSP inspection is typically required unless:
- A Washington ownership record already exists
- The vehicle has a valid Washington or out-of-state title or registration record
- The vehicle qualifies under specific exemptions
Inspection exemptions may apply to:
- Mobile or manufactured homes
- Campers at least 10 years old
- Park model or travel trailers at least 10 years old
- Trailers weighing under 2,000 pounds
- Mopeds
- Vehicles classified as Not Eligible for Road Use that are at least 10 years old
5. Submit Your Application
Submit all documentation to a Washington vehicle licensing office.
If approved, the Department of Licensing will issue a bonded certificate of ownership valid for three years.
FAQs
Who has the authority to require a bond before issuing a certificate of ownership?
Before issuing a certificate of ownership, the Washington Department of Licensing or its authorized local offices, including agents, subagents, and county auditors, may require an applicant to provide a surety bond when ownership cannot be verified.
Can I sell a vehicle with a bonded title in Washington?
Yes. A bonded title allows you to transfer ownership to a buyer. The vehicle remains subject to the unexpired portion of the three-year ownership-in-doubt period.
Do I need to renew my Washington title bond?
No. The bond remains active for three years and does not require renewal.
What is the difference between a bonded title and a three-year registration without a title in Washington?
A bonded title provides a certificate of ownership backed by a surety bond and allows you to transfer ownership of the vehicle. Three-year registration without a title allows you to register and operate the vehicle, but it does not immediately issue a certificate of ownership. After three years without any ownership disputes, you may qualify to convert it to full ownership.
