Arkansas Bonded Titles

Get Your Arkansas Bonded Title

Who Is Required to Purchase an Arkansas Title Bond?

As we've mentioned, you will need to have a bonded vehicle title issued when the current title is:

• Lost
• Has gaps in ownership record
• So damaged you can't read it

This bonded title will allow you to register the vehicle and operated it legally in the state. Plus you can sell the vehicle signing over proof of ownership.

But this title must be backed by a title surety bond. And you are responsible for purchasing this bond.

Keep reading to understand what this title bond is, why you need to purchase it, and how to get yours for as little as possible.

Why is an Arkansas Bonded Title Required?

The title bond is required for as protection for:

• A previous owner who still legally owns the vehicle
• Any third party that has a lien against the vehicle

If a past owner or lien holder comes forward with proof that they are the legal owner or they have a legitimate claim on the vehicle, they can make a claim against the title bond for financial compensation.

Because you are the individual or business purchasing the bond, you would be responsible for this claim.

This is why it's important to do your due diligence when purchasing any used vehicle.

But when you complete the Statement of Facts form and the resulting process, you will be doing a lot of the research to ensure the vehicle has not been stolen, plus obtaining any release of lien if there is a lien or liens on the vehicle.

The 3 Steps to Get a Bonded Title In Arkansas

Click here to find the Statement of Facts form, except for the title bond itself. We will provide you with the title bond filled out correctly after you purchase it.

Step 1: Complete The Statement of Facts Form

Ideally, you would need a bill of sale from the owner you're purchasing the vehicle from. This will verify the vehicle by the VIN with state and city records.

This verification must be completed by a city or state law enforcement officer or designee.

From here you'll attest that the vehicle has not been:

• Stolen
• Issued a junk certificate
• Issued a similar branded certificate of title
• Subject to any mechanics (or other) liens
• Involved in an ownership litigation

Finally, explain how you obtained the vehicle. and submit the form to the Department.

Step 2: Wait For Bonded Title Approval

It will take about 10 to 25 days for approval.

During this time the state will conduct research on any vehicle records they can find to make sure (according to their records) the vehicle has not been stolen and to identify any lien on the vehicle.

In most cases if there are liens on the vehicle, you will be responsible for contacting the lien holder and obtaining either:

• An official release of lien
• Or returned mail proving you can't reach the lien holder

If you're not approved to pursue a bonded title, it's typically because you need to obtain a release of lien or there might be active litigation involving the vehicle.

Once you do receive approval, you can complete the process by purchasing your title bond.

Step 3: Purchase Your Title Bond

The Department will send you a copy of the bond form and tell you the current value of the vehicle.

This value multiplied by 1.5 will be the bond amount you must purchase.

What Is The Title Bond Amount?

The title bond amount is the maximum amount a claim against the bond can be. It's rare there will ever be a claim, but in most cases the claim will be for the value of the vehicle at that time.

The Department of Finance and Administration uses 1.5x the vehicle value to ensure there will be enough money to cover any claim.

Again, claims are very rare, especially after going through the process of getting a bonded title.

How Much Does a Title Bond Cost?

The price of the title bond is based on the bond amount you just calculated.

This price is determined by a corporate surety (the surety is the insurance company that underwrites title bonds).

Use the table below or the price cards above to determine your price.

We are Surety Bonds Direct and we help our customers find the surety bond they need and pay as little as possible for that bond.

When it comes to title bonds, we have already secured low fixed prices for bonds with low to medium bond amounts.

However, for bond amounts over $50,000 a personal credit check will be required.

Why Do Arkansas Title Bonds Over $50,000 Require a Quote?

While claims against title bonds are very rare, having a larger bond amount is a greater risk for the surety underwriting your title bond.

It's also statistically more likely the vehicle may have been stolen. This means the surety (insurance company) will evaluate your personal credit as the only viable trust factor.

The surety, the insurance company that underwrites title bonds, will use your personal credit to determine a rate.

This rate multiplied by the bond amount is the price you pay. Here are some example prices based on a $50,000 bond amount.

Notice how getting a lower rate can drastically lower your cost.

This is where we can really help you find the lowest price, regardless of your credit standing.

You can request pricing today and have us price shop for you with no obligation to purchase. This means you can get pricing now to make the right decision for you.

Click here and fill out our online quote form, telling us about the vehicle and the current value or you can call a bond specialist at 1-800-608-9950.

How To Purchase Your Vehicle Title Bond?

Whether you get your pricing today with a low fixed price or you have a custom price determined, when you're ready to purchase you can:

• Complete an online order form
• Or purchase over the phone with a bond specialist

When you're payment is processed, we'll immediately prepare your title bond with the:

• Correct form for Arkansas (the same you received from the Department)
• Required signatures and seals
• Power of attorney

You will turn all of this in with your title application.

And if everything checks out, you will be issued a bonded title.

How Long Does a Bonded Title in Arkansas Last?

Arkansas requires a bonded title to be active for 3 years.

This is the period of time allowing any legitimate owner or lienholder to come forth and make a claim for the vehicle.

Once this 3 year period is over, you can complete an application for a standard title. At this point the vehicle is officially yours.

Even if there was a legitimate claim for the vehicle, it would be voided as they missed the 3 year window.

Frequently Asked Title Bond Questions

Can you sell the vehicle with a bonded title?

You can sell the vehicle just as you would sell any vehicle. You'll fill out the back of the bonded title officially signing over ownership of the vehicle.

But keep in mind if - for whatever reason - a legitimate claim is made against the title bond, you are still the party responsible for that claim.

Remember, this is unlikely to happen, but it is still a risk.

What happens if you move to another state?

This will depend on the state you're moving to.

For example, if you move to Mississippi or Texas, it's likely you'll have to go through that state's bonded title process to obtain a title for that state.

But states like Oklahoma and Louisiana don't have bonded titles. They have their own process to follow.

So when you move, you'll follow those rules. Technically you're still on the hook for the Arkansas title bond.

Click here and fill out our online quote form, telling us about the vehicle and the current value or you can call a bond specialist at 1-800-608-9950.