Michigan Bonded Title Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get your Michigan bonded title. Learn how to navigate the lost vehicle title bonding process for your vehicle or boat with our complete guide.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To guarantee legal ownership of a vehicle or watercraft
- Who Needs It: Individuals looking to register a vehicle without a valid title
- Regulating Body: The Michigan Secretary of State, Vehicle Services Division
- Required Amount: 2x the vehicle’s appraised value
- Premium Rates: $15/$1,000 in coverage, starting at $100
How Much Does a Title Bond Cost in Michigan?
Michigan title bond costs start at $100. The exact cost will vary depending on the vehicle type as well as surety bond amount required by the Michigan Secretary of State Vehicle Title Division.
Vehicle Title Bond Costs
- Bond amounts up to $6,000 cost just $100.
- Bond amounts from $6,001 to $50,000 cost $15 per $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100.
- Bond amounts exceeding $50,000 must be reviewed by an underwriter for pricing, starting at $750.
Watercraft Title Bond Costs
- Bond amounts up to $6,000 cost just $100.
- Bond amounts between $6,001 and $25,000 cost $15 per $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100.
- Bond amounts exceeding $25,000 must be reviewed by an underwriter for pricing, starting at $375.
How Do You Get a Title Bond in Michigan?
You can purchase your Michigan certificate of title bond online 24/7. You must provide the following information for Secretary of State Vehicle Title Division approval.
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle year, make, body type
Once your order has been processed, your surety bond documentation will be issued. You'll receive your official surety bond by email.
How Fast Can I Get a Lost Title Bond?
SuretyBonds.com offers instant Michigan certificate of title bond delivery 24/7. Purchase now to receive your official bond delivered in minutes by email.
*Note: If your vehicle bond amount is greater than $50,000 or your watercraft bond amount is greater than $25,000, your purchase order will be reviewed by a team member before your documents are emailed.
What are Michigan Title Bonds?
Michigan Vehicle Code Section 257.217 requires individuals who don't have proof of vehicle ownership file a surety bond. The state's bond form is officially titled the "Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond," but these bonds are more commonly known as "certificate of title bonds" or just "title bonds." The Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act enforces a similar surety bond requirement for watercraft owners. Bonds must be filed within 30 days of issuance.
These bonds specifically protect the Secretary of State, previous owners, and future owners of the vehicle against expenses, losses, or damages. If the original title is found and presented to the state, a claim can be made against the bond. The surety company would pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, which the bonded vehicle owner would be required to reimburse.
Who Regulates Michigan Vehicle Registration?
The Michigan Department of State Vehicle Title Division enforces registration requirements and documentation for vehicles or watercrafts without titles, including the vehicle uniform surety bond form.
Who Needs a Michigan Title Bond?
Vehicle or watercraft owners with insufficient proof of ownership must purchase and file a vehicle uniform surety bond as part of their registration. Vehicles less than 10 years old valued more than than $2,500 must be bonded. All watercrafts valued more than $2,500 must have bonded titles.
Please note a Michigan vehicle uniform surety bond is required if you have insufficient vehicle ownership. If you're planning to sell vehicles, a separate Michigan vehicle dealer bond is required.
How is the Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond Amount Determined?
The Secretary of State Vehicle Title Division determines the required bond amount for vehicles and watercrafts, which will be 2 times the vehicle or watercraft's value. Applicants should always verify the exact required bond amount needed with the SOS before purchasing their bonds.
How Do I Update or Change My Lost Title Surety Bond Form?
If the Michigan Secretary of State Vehicle Title Division requires your surety bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your Michigan certificate of title bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change.
The most common changes for these bonds include updating the:
- Owner's name
- Owner's address
- Vehicle or watercraft information
Do I Need to Renew My Certificate of Title Surety Bond?
Michigan vehicle uniform surety bonds expire at the end of a 3-year term and do not renew. If no claims are made against the bond, the state will return it.
How Do I Get a Michigan Bonded Title?
Learn How to get a Bonded Title in Michigan by reviewing our comprehensive guide.
Vehicle Bonded Title Instructions
- Submit an application for a vehicle title and registration with the Michigan Department of State.
- File a vehicle uniform surety bond along with your application.
Watercraft Bonded Title Instructions
- Submit an application for a watercraft certificate of title as well as payment of fees within 15 days of watercraft purchase.
- Purchase and file a watercraft title registration surety bond.
