What is a bonded title in California?
A California bonded title is a title with a surety bond attached to it for vehicle owners without access to their car’s original title. The surety bond (called a title bond) protects previous owners and individuals with a security interest in the vehicle. Without a car title, you can’t legally register, insure, or sell your car. The bonded title allows you to claim ownership of your vehicle. The surety bond attached to the vehicle title may go by various names: lost title bond, DMV bond, certificate of title bond, and defective title bond.
Get Your California Title Bond:
Quick Takeaways
- A California bonded title is a title with a surety bond attached to it for vehicle owners without access to their car’s original title.
- You must obtain a bonded title to register your vehicle successfully with the California DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).
- If your title was stolen or lost, you don’t need a bonded title in California. You can apply for a replacement instead.
- Title bonds are quickly issued, typically cost $100, and have a 3-year bond period.
When do you need a bonded title in CA?
In California, you need a bonded title if you don’t have a title for your vehicle in your name and have no way of obtaining it. This situation occurs when cars are sold without a title, a buyer only receives a bill of sale, a buyer loses the title before transferring the title to their name, or the original title is defective. You must obtain a bonded title to register your vehicle successfully with the California DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).
Form for a Lost or Stolen Vehicle Title in California
If your title is stolen or lost, you don’t need a bonded title in California. Instead, you can apply for a duplicate certificate of title.California Bonded Title Process
Follow this step-by-step process to get a bonded title in California.
1. Fill out an application with the California DMV.
You must fill out an application with the state before getting your surety bond from a surety bond provider like ZipBonds. You’ll share information like the cost of your vehicle, the odometer reading, and other background information.2. Fill out a Statement of Facts form.
This form covers information about your vehicle, including tax information, smog standards, vehicle body changes, and more.3. A DMV representative must inspect your vehicle.
An authorized California DMV representative will inspect your vehicle to ensure it meets required standards and includes the correct VIN information.4. Get your vehicle appraised.
To determine the fair market value of your vehicle, you must get it appraised by a licensed auto dealer or use a reputable website (like Kelley Blue Book).5. Get a title bond from a reputable surety bond provider.
Once your state approves your bonded title application and you know your vehicle’s appraisal value, you can get a surety bond. You can apply directly on our website, pay a premium, and print and sign your bond to use immediately.6. Submit your bond to your DMV.
Once your surety bond is accepted, your DMV will issue you a bonded title. How much does a bonded title in California cost?
Your DMV will tell you the bond amount required for your vehicle title. These bonds are quickly issued, typically cost $100, and have a 3-year bond period. After the bond expires, there is no requirement for the bond. It becomes null and void and doesn’t need renewing. You may return to the DMV to apply for a clear certificate of title – removing the bonded brand.
Get a Bonded Title in California
The experts at ZipBonds can help you obtain the title bond you need. To connect with one of our team members, please give us a call at 888-435-4191 or email us at support@zipbonds.com.
About ZipBonds.com
Founders Ryan Swalve and Zach Mefferd formed the vision for ZipBonds.com when they realized how overly complicated it was to help clients place surety. The frustration of being unable to incorporate the technology they’d used in other insurance-focused projects left them thinking “there has to be a better way.”
Fast forward a couple of years, and that better way is the impetus of everything we do at ZipBonds. We constantly look for innovative ways to improve the bonding process for our clients and agents. Our team comprises individuals who understand all angles of surety – for companies, agencies, and individuals. Incorporating everyone’s point of view to improve the process while simultaneously integrating cutting-edge technology is what sets our business apart.