North Carolina Title Bond Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a North Carolina bonded title. Learn how to navigate the certificate of title bonding process with this complete guide.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To guarantee legal ownership of a vehicle
- Who Needs It: Individuals looking to register a vehicle without a valid title
- Regulating Body: The Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles
- Required Coverage: 1.5x the vehicle’s value
- Premium Rate: Typically $15/$1,000, starting at $100
What Is a North Carolina Bonded Title?
A bonded title is a certificate of title backed by a surety bond that allows you to legally register your vehicle with the state of North Carolina.
It proves you are the legal owner of a vehicle when the original title is invalid, unavailable or can not be transferred.
What Is a North Carolina Title Bond?
North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 20 Section 76 requires individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership file a surety bond during vehicle registration.
Title bonds protect previous and future owners from losses resulting from ownership disputes or fraud.
How Much Title Bond Coverage Do I Need?
Your North Carolina vehicle title bond amount must be one and a half times the vehicle’s current retail value.
How Much Do Title Bonds Cost in North Carolina?
North Carolina certificate of title bond costs start at $100 for the 3-year term.
Exact rates vary depending on the vehicle’s value and the resulting coverage required by the DMV:
- $100-$50,000 Bond: $15/$1,000, starting at $100
- $50,000+ Bond: Prices start at $750, application required
Select your bond amount below to buy now or apply for a free quote.
If you sell vehicles in North Carolina, we issue a separate motor vehicle dealer bond.
How Does a Title Bond Work?
A North Carolina certificate of title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: The vehicle owner
- Obligee: The Division of Motor Vehicles
- Surety: The surety company
The North Carolina bonded title protects any prior owner or future purchaser of the vehicle from expenses, losses, or damages.
For example, if the original title is found and a valid claim is made, the surety company will pay damages up to the full bond amount. The bonded vehicle owner must then reimburse the surety.
Who Needs a Title Indemnity Bond?
You'll need an indemnity surety bond if you don't have a certificate of title for a vehicle you legally own. Typically, you will need a North Carolina 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.
Vehicles do not qualify for a lost title bond if they:
- Were found abandoned
- Have either a mechanics or storage lien
- Have an outstanding lien that cannot be canceled
- Aren't registered in North Carolina for vehicle owner who does not reside in the state
- Are considered parts-only, non-rebuildable, or junked
- Were not titled by the insurance company after being declared a total loss
How Do I Get a Title Bond in North Carolina?
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get bonded. Just follow these quick steps to get your North Carolina title bond:
- Apply online at SuretyBonds.com
- Get a free quote within one business day*
- Buy online or over the phone
- Receive your title bond digitally
- File your bond with the DMV
*Note: For bond amounts between $100 and $50,000, you’ll receive your bond instantly.
What to Include on Your Bond Application
When applying for your North Carolina certificate of title bond, be sure to include the following information:
- The year, make, model, and body type of the vehicle
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- County of vehicle registration
How to Get a Bonded Title in North Carolina?
Bonded titles protect the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles and future vehicle owners from financial losses or damages.
Follow the six steps below to apply for your North Carolina bonded title.
Step 1: Fill out an Affidavit of Facts
Complete the Affidavit of Facts to Accompany Indemnity Bond (Form MVR-924). You’ll need to sign in front of a licensed notary.
Step 2: Complete a vehicle inspection
Schedule a vehicle inspection with an inspector licensed by the North Carolina DMV. You’ll need the inspector’s report and an odometer reading to submit with your bonded title application.
Step 3: Get a vehicle appraisal
Determine your vehicle’s value by visiting your local NCDMV office or by calling (919) 715-7000. The DMV will use the Value Schedule to provide the appraisal value.
If you are registering a mobile home or another vehicle not listed in the Value Schedule, you’ll need to provide appraisals from two separate North Carolina dealers.
Step 4: Purchase and file a surety bond
Next, buy your North Carolina certificate of title bond from a licensed surety provider like SuretyBonds.com.
Your premium cost will be based on your vehicle value, starting at $100 for the three-year term.
Step 5: Schedule an emissions inspection, if necessary
Emissions inspections are only required for some counties in North Carolina. Before a license plate can be issued, the vehicle must pass inspection at an authorized inspection station.
However, you may be exempt if the vehicle meets any of these criteria:
- Less than 3 years old or has under 70,000 miles
- Over 20 years old
- Diesel-operated
- Registered as a farm vehicle
Step 6: Submit your application
Finally, submit your completed application and the following supporting documents to your local DMV:
- Odometer reading
- Indemnity bond (title bond)
- Inspector’s report
- Affidavit of Facts to Accompany the Indemnity Bond
- Notarized title application
- Emissions inspection report, if applicable
You must pay title and registration fees, as well as any applicable state and local taxes. Please refer to Title Fees for further information.
How Long Does the NCDMV Take to Issue Bonded Titles?
Once approved, you can expect to receive your official bonded title within a few weeks. The bonded title acts like a standard title, allowing you to register, transfer, or sell the vehicle.
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
Yes, most title bonds are issued instantly with no credit check.
If your bond amount is higher than $50,000, your personal credit score will impact your premium rate.
However, SuretyBonds.com shops the top surety markets to find the lowest available rates with no added fees.
Do I Need to Renew My Title Bond?
No, your North Carolina bonded title and title bond will expire three years from the effective dates and won’t require renewal.
How Can North Carolina Residents Avoid Claims Against Lost Title Bonds?
To avoid claims, verify the following before purchasing and filing a lost title bond.
- You are the vehicle's sole legal owner.
- The vehicle does not have an open lien.
- The vehicle was not acquired fraudulently.
