How to Get a Montana Bonded Title

A Montana bonded title is a legal document used to establish ownership of a motor vehicle, trailer, pole trailer, camper, motorboat, personal watercraft, sailboat or snowmobile when the original title is lost, unavailable or nontransferable 

It allows individuals who purchase a vehicle without a proper title to obtain legal ownership while protecting the Secretary of State and future vehicle owners from financial losses or damages. Continue reading for step-by-step instructions, application costs and bonding information.

Who Needs a Montana Bonded Title?

Montana Code 61-3-208 requires individuals without proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond in order to get a title. Typically, you will need a bonded title under any of these conditions:

• You did not receive a title when you bought the vehicle.
• The title you received was incorrectly assigned to you.
• You received a title but lost it before transferring it into your name.

How to Get a Bonded Title in Montana

Simply follow the steps below to receive your Montana bonded title(s). 

Step 1: Prepare proof of ownership documents

Gather proof of ownership such as a notarized bill of sale, canceled check or purchase invoice.

Step 2: Check your vehicle's history

Next, schedule an inspection and verify that there are no liens on the vehicle. 

1. Have a VIN Inspection Certificate completed by a law enforcement officer. 
2. Request for the Motor Vehicle Division to search your VIN records to confirm if anyone else holds the title or if there are outstanding liens. 

If necessary, file the Security Interest Processing form and $8.24 fee per lien to request a lien release.

Step 3: Purchase a Montana title bond

Your title bond amount should match the retail value of your vehicle. Use a tool like Kelley Blue Book to appraise your vehicle or contact the Montana Department of Justice Vehicle Title Division.

You can buy your Montana certificate of title bond online 24/7 at SuretyBonds.com. Bond premiums for the required three-year term typically cost $15 per $1,000 in vehicle coverage, with a $100 minimum. 

Step 4: Submit the application

Complete the Montana bonded title application form and submit it along with the following documents: 

• Vehicle inspection form
• Photos of the vehicle, the odometer reading on the inspection date and the public VIN number
• A copy of the vehicle history report 
• Lien release documentation, if necessary
• Surety bond form
• Proof of purchase documentation
• Applicable title and registration fees

If you need to register for new license plates, apply at your county treasurer's office. If you only need the title, you can submit your application and fees to the treasurer's office or directly to the Vehicle Services Bureau.

Once approved, you will typically receive your bonded title within a few weeks.

Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title? 

Your Montana bonded title and title bond will expire three years from the effective dates and won’t require renewal.

More Resources

• Montana Department of Justice - Vehicle Title Registration
• Montana Department of Justice: Vehicle Title & Registration Forms & Manuals