No title in hand? A bond can still make the car yours on paper.
How you title a vehicle without a clean title
When you own a vehicle but cannot produce a valid assigned title — it was lost, never delivered, or is defective — many states let you obtain a “bonded title” by posting a surety bond. It protects anyone with a prior ownership or lien claim, so the state can issue you a title with confidence.
What a title bond guarantees
A title bond protects prior owners, lienholders, and future owners against ownership or lien claims on a vehicle titled without a proper prior title. If a legitimate prior claimant appears during the bond term, they can recover against the bond. It is a one-time commercial bond for a specific vehicle, not an ongoing business license bond.
How the amount and term work
The amount is tied to the vehicle’s value — most commonly 1.5 times the appraised or retail value, though some states use 2 times. The state’s DMV issues a determination letter stating the required amount; you don’t choose it. The bond term is commonly three years, after which, if no valid claim is made, the bonded title converts to a clear title. Small title bonds are usually flat-rated at a low minimum premium.
Motor Vehicle Title Bond requirements by state
The required amount and authority differ by state — and sometimes by city or county. Select your state below for the specifics, or request a quote and we will confirm the exact requirement that applies to you.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bonded title cost?
The bond amount is set by your state’s DMV — usually 1.5x (some states 2x) the vehicle’s value — and stated in a determination letter. The premium is small; most title bonds are flat-rated at a low minimum for typical vehicle values.
How long does a title bond last?
Commonly three years. If no valid ownership or lien claim is made during that time, the bonded title becomes a regular clear title.
Who sets the bond amount?
The state DMV, based on the vehicle’s appraised or retail value (typically 1.5x, sometimes 2x). You receive a determination letter stating the exact amount — you don’t choose it.
How do I get a motor vehicle title bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.