Montana Title Bond Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a Montana bonded title. Learn how to navigate the lost vehicle title bonding process with this complete guide.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To guarantee legal ownership of a vehicle
- Who Needs It: Individuals registering a vehicle in Montana without a valid title
- Regulating Body: The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)
- Required Amount: Equal to the vehicle’s retail value
- Premium Rate: $15/$1,000 in coverage, starting at $100
What Is a Montana Bonded Title?
A bonded title allows you to legally register a vehicle with the state of Montana. It is a title backed by a surety bond that proves you are the legal owner of a vehicle, trailer, camper, watercraft or snowmobile when the original title is unavailable.
What Is a Montana Certificate of Title Bond?
Montana Code Annotated 61-3-208 requires individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond as part of the vehicle registration process.
Montana certificates of title bonds act as financial security to repay potential monetary losses. They protect previous owners, lien holders, and future vehicle owners from expenses, losses, or damages resulting from ownership disputes.
What Title Bond Amount Do I Need?
Your Montana vehicle ownership bond amount must match the retail value of your vehicle. Use a tool like Kelley Blue Book to appraise your vehicle or contact the Montana Motor Vehicle Division before purchasing your bond.
How Much Do Certificate of Title Bonds Cost in Montana?
Montana certificate of title bond costs start at $100 for the 3-year term. Exact costs vary depending on the surety bond amount required by the Montana MVD:
- $100–$50,000 Bond: Costs $9.84 per $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.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a Montana Certificate of Title Bond Work?
A Montana title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the bonded title applicant purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The Montana Motor Vehicle Division requiring the bond
- Surety: The provider issuing the bond
The Montana bonded title protects any prior owner, prior lienholder, or any future purchaser of the vehicle from 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 Certificate of Title Bond?
If you don’t have a Montana title to prove you own your motor vehicle, trailer, pole trailer, camper, motorboat, personal watercraft, sailboat, or snowmobile valued at more than $500, you need to file a surety bond as part of the Montana vehicle registration process.
Vehicles with open liens are not eligible for a bonded title.
If you plan to sell vehicles, a separate Montana motor vehicle dealer bond is required.
How Do I Get a Certificate of Title Bond in Montana?
You can purchase your Montana title bond online 24/7 with SuretyBonds.com. You must provide the following information for filing approval:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle year
- Vehicle make
- Motor number (motorcycles only)
Once you pay, you'll receive your official vehicle title surety bond in minutes via email.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
SuretyBonds.com offers instant Montana certificate of title surety 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 first.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Montana
The Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division enforces replacement title registration requirements, including bonded titles.
Follow the four steps below to apply for your Montana bonded title.
Step 1: Obtain proof of ownership
Gather any proof of ownership documents such as a notarized bill of sale, canceled check or purchase invoice.
Step 2: Check your vehicle's history
Schedule a VIN Inspection Certificate with a law enforcement officer. Then, complete a vehicle history record search.
If necessary, file the Security Interest Processing form to request a lien release.
Step 3: Purchase a Montana title bond
Use a tool like Kelley Blue Book to appraise your vehicle or contact the MVD. Then, purchase a title bond in that exact amount.
Step 4: Submit the application
Complete the Montana bonded title application form and submit it along with the following materials:
- Vehicle inspection form
- Photos of the vehicle, odometer reading on the inspection date, and 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 apply with the MVD.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bonded Title?
Once approved, you will typically receive your Montana bonded title within a few weeks.
Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title?
No, your Montana bonded title and title bond will expire after three years and don’t require renewal.
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
Yes, you may still be able to get a bonded title with bad credit. Montana 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.
Can I Update My Bond Form?
Yes, if the Montana MVD requires your surety 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 certificate of title bond form needs amended for any reason, email [email protected] to explain the request.
Can I Register a Car With No Title in Montana?
If you only have a bill of sale and no title, you cannot register a car in Montana. Depending on your circumstances, you’ll either need a replacement tile or a bonded title if you purchased the vehicle from someone and the title is not available.
