Home » Articles » Titles » Guide To Getting A Bonded Title for Your Vehicle in 2023
Are you having trouble obtaining a title for your vehicle because you don’t have the original one assigned to you? If so, a bonded title may be the alternative process you need. In this blog post, we will discuss what a bonded title is, how to obtain one, and some important things to keep in mind when exploring the bonded title process in 2023.
A bonded title is a document that serves as proof of vehicle ownership. It is an alternative process used when the standard title method is unavailable due to a lack of proper evidence of ownership, aka a properly assigned title certificate. A bonded title process requires you to purchase a surety bond, also known as a vehicle title bond, to secure the title.
Before applying for a bonded title, it is essential to check if it is available in your state. Eight states do not offer bonded titles, and the rules and regulations for obtaining a bonded title vary from state to state.
There are 16 states that do not accept bonded titles. These states are Delaware. Hawaii. Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia.
If you reside in one of these states but still need to obtain a vehicle title using an alternative method, a court-ordered title can be a powerful method to pursue.
To obtain a bonded title, you must follow a specific process. First, you must sign an affidavit explaining how you acquired the vehicle. Second, you must obtain a surety bond from a bonding agency. The cost of getting a surety bond can vary, but typically is around $100-$150 for an average-valued vehicle. Finally, once you have completed the necessary steps, you will receive a title with “bonded” stamped in big red letters.
While obtaining a bonded title may be an alternative process, keeping some important things in mind is essential. The resulting title will have “bonded” stamped on it in big red letters, which may make it difficult to sell the vehicle. Additionally, some states may not accept bonded titles if you move out of state. If you have a bonded title and move to a non-bonded title state, you may have problems transferring your vehicle documents. Some states have prior title requirements to obtain a bonded title, for example in Florida, a vehicle is only eligible for a bonded title if the vehicle was last titled in Florida. If the vehicle was last titled in any other state, it’s not eligible for a Florida bonded title.
Moreover, certain vehicles may not be eligible for a bonded title, such as those with liens or encumbrances or if stolen. Many states only provide bonded vehicle titles over a particular year, typically within the last 15 years. Therefore, checking with your local DMV is crucial to determine whether you can obtain a bonded title. Once you purchase a vehicle title bond, that money can not be refunded.
Using a bonded title may be an option for those needing a new title but unable to provide a properly assigned title certificate. However, it is vital to research the eligibility requirements for your state and keep in mind the potential limitations of a bonded title. Getting a properly assigned title from the prior owner is generally a more straightforward process to follow. If not, a bonded title is a valuable alternative method. If it’s your car, you deserve a title in your name.
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