California Vehicle Title Bond Guide
If you are registering a vehicle without a title in California, you may need to purchase a surety bond. Read on to learn all about the bonded title process.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To provide financial security if there are disputes about a vehicle's ownership
- Who Needs It: Individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership in California
- Regulating Body: The California Department of Motor Vehicles
- Required Amount: Equal to the fair market value of the vehicle
- Premium Rates: $10 per $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100
What Is a California Bonded Title?
A bonded title is a certificate of title backed by a surety bond that allows you to legally register a vehicle with the state of California.
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 California Vehicle Ownership Bond?
A California vehicle ownership bond, also known as a defective title or simply title bond, creates financial security if a car turns out to be stolen or the title is fraudulent.
Under California Vehicle Code Sections 4157 and 4307, title bonds are necessary when the legal owner of a vehicle or vessel is unable to provide evidence of ownership.
How Much Do Title Bonds Cost in California?
Your vehicle ownership bond amount must exactly match the appraisal value of the vehicle. Verify this figure with the DMV to ensure filing acceptance.
California certificate of title bond costs start at $100 for the 3-year term. Exact pricing varies depending on the bond amount:
- $100–$6,000 Bond: Costs $100
- $6,001–$50,000 Bond: Costs $10 per $1,000, starting at $100
- $50,000+ Bond: Start at $500, application required
Select your bond amount below to buy now or apply for a free quote.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a California Title Bond Work?
A vessel or vehicle ownership title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: The vehicle or vessel owner
- Obligee: The California Department of Motor Vehicles
- Surety: The underwriting surety company
The California bonded title protects prior owners or any future purchaser of the vehicle from expenses, losses, or damages.
For example, if the original title is found and a valid claim is made against the bond, 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 Bond?
The California Department of Motor Vehicles accepts a bonded title as an alternative to the vessel or vehicle's original title when proof of ownership is not available.
You need this defective title bond if your vehicle meets any of the following conditions.
- The value of your vehicle is over $5,000.
- The value of your vessel is under $2,000.
- Your vehicle is nontransferable.
- A release from the legal owner/lien holder can't be obtained.
Getting a bonded title is the best solution if you can't otherwise provide proof of ownership for your vehicle as it establishes proof of ownership on the basis of a surety bond.
A bonded title isn't necessary if your title was lost or stolen as long as the title is in the owner’s name.
How Do I Get a Title Bond in California?
You can purchase your California title bond online 24/7 with SuretyBonds.com. You must provide the following information for DMV filing approval:
- Vehicle year, make and model
- Vehicle body type
- Vehicle identification number
- Vehicle value
Once you checkout, you'll receive your official title bond in minutes via email.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
SuretyBonds.com offers instant California vehicle ownership bond delivery online 24/7. Purchase now to receive your official bond in minutes by email.
Note: If your bond amount is higher than $50,000, your purchase order will be reviewed by a team member before we email your documents.
How to Get a Bonded Title in California
The California Division of Motor Vehicles – Registration Operations oversees registration requirements for vehicles with lost, stolen or missing titles.
Follow the five steps below to apply for your California bonded title.
Step 1: Fill out application forms
To get a bonded title in California, you'll first need to fill out a few required forms:
- Application for Title or Registration
- Statement of Facts
- Odometer statement (vehicles under 10 years old)
- Certificate of Non-Operation (if your vehicle won't be operated on any California road or freeway)
- Weight Certificate (if vehicle weighs <10,000 lbs) or a Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (if vehicle weighs 10,000+ lbs)
- Proof of vehicle insurance
Step 2: Get a DMV inspection
Your vehicle will need to undergo an inspection by an authorized DMV representative to ensure it meets state standards.
The inspector will fill out a Verification of Vehicle form that certifies your vehicle passes CHP inspection, smog, brake, and light check standards requirements.
Step 3: Appraise the vehicle
To determine the value of your vehicle, use a website like Kelley Blue Book or NADA or get an appraisal from a licensed dealer.
If your vehicle has multiple appraisal values, the average will determine the value of your vehicle and resulting bond coverage requirement.
Step 4: Purchase your title bond
After determining the fair market value of the vehicle, purchase and submit Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond (Form 5047) to the DMV.
You can buy your California defective title bond online 24/7 starting at $100.
Step 5: Submit application to the DMV
Once you've gathered all your application materials, including the surety bond, submit your materials to your local California DMV office.
If everything is approved, you’ll receive your bonded title. This allows you to register, sell, or transfer the vehicle just like a standard title.
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
Yes, you may still be able to get a bonded title with bad credit.
California certificate of title bonds are typically available for instant purchase with no credit check. If your bond does require an application, we’ll search for the best available rate with our surety markets.
How Do I Renew My Title Bond?
Your surety bond is valid for 3 years, after which it'll become null. Your bonded title will remain effective, and doesn't need renewing.
Can I Update My Bond Form?
Yes, if the California DMV requires your lost title bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider.
The most common changes for these bonds include updating the:
- Vehicle information
- Owner name
- Address
If your bond form needs amended for any reason, email [email protected] to explain the request.
