Florida Bonded Title / Certificate of Title Bonds

Get Your Florida Title Bond

What is a Bonded Title vs a Title Bond?

It's easier to explain the difference when you first understand why you need a bonded title.

The most common reasons you'll need a bonded title are:

• The original title does not have the seller's name and/or your name on the back
• There's been a mistake in ownership records
• There is a gap in ownership
• The original title is damaged or illegible
• The original title is lost

In any of these situations, you'll still need to have the vehicle titled so you can register it with the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles and get the title filed in the motor vehicle issuance system.

 

What is a Bonded Title?

The new title you'll get for your vehicle is called a bonded title because it's backed by a surety bond or a "vehicle title surety bond".

 

What is the Vehicle Title Surety Bond?

Remember, a vehicle title surety bond is a legal contract you purchase. It's your claim that the vehicle is yours and it's not stolen.

Every vehicle title bond has an amount. In Florida this is equal to two times the Kelly Blue Book value.

If a previous owner comes forward with proof the vehicle is theirs, they can make a claim against the title bond for financial compensation if the car is damaged, requires work, and for the expenses of finding the vehicle.

Bottom line: The title bond protects any previous rightful owner to the vehicle.

 

What Are The Rules For Obtaining a Florida Bonded Titles?

Bonded titles cannot be issued for a vehicle:

• With an electronic title in the motor vehicle issuance system
• With a model year 2011 or newer (these should all have electronic titles)
• That is titled out of state
• Having a National Motor Vehicle Title Information System record other than Florida
• With outstanding liens or any claim against the car as collateral
• That is a vessel, mobile home, recreational vehicle, and off highway vehicle
• Or that is a truck weighing more than 8,000 pounds

In nearly every other case, you can get your vehicle titled.

There are 5 steps to getting the "bonded title" process completed in Florida.

 

The 5 Steps for Getting a Florida Bonded Title

 

Step 1: Have The Correct Personal Identification

You must have one of the following forms of personal identification:

• Valid Florida drivers license (must be a Florida resident)
• Valid passport from the United States or even another country

If you're a business getting a vehicle titled, you'll need to have one of the following:

• Proof of registration with the Division of Corporations (SunBiz)
• An official business license issued by a municipality or county

 

Step 2: Complete The Declaration Of Facts Form

This is a simple affidavit explaining the:

• Year and make of the vehicle
• The vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Your personal information including the date the vehicle was acquired
• Plus your legal claim that there are no liens or active claims on the vehicle

If any lien or claim is found against the vehicle, the DMV will reject your application for the bonded title until the liens are released.

 

Step 3: Purchase Your Vehicle Title Bond

This is where we help you.

We are Surety Bonds Direct, a specialized surety agency. We work with the highest A-rated sureties that issue title bonds.

A surety is a special insurance company that underwrites title bonds.

We make it fast and as affordable as possible to purchase your title bond.

Here are the steps to purchase your title bond:

• Step 1 - Use Kelly Blue Book to get the current value of the vehicle
• Step 2 - Multiple that value by 2... this is your title bond amount
• Step 3 - Purchase your title bond on this page (you will need the VIN)
• Step 4 - Wait a few hours to have your bond completed and emailed to you

When you get your Kelly Blue Book value, make sure you print off a copy of the "Private Party Range Value." You will need to submit this to the DMV.

If two multiplied by your vehicle value is over $50,000 you will need a custom price.

This is a fast process, but does require a soft credit check.

The process only takes about an hour to complete.

 

Step 4: Application for Certificate of Motor Vehicle

This is the official application for the bonded title. The form includes:

• Owner and any co-owner information
• Vehicle information including odometer information
• Sales tax information if applicable

 

Step 5: Image of Kelly Blue Book Value

Finally you'll need a clear copy of the Kelly Blue Book value.

Make sure you're getting a good screenshot of the "Private Party Range Value."

 

Why is a Florida Title Bond Required?

Remember, the title bond is a guarantee that you are the rightful owner of the vehicle.

However, because the title is missing, damaged, or filled out incorrectly, it's impossible to "prove" the rightful owner.

The title bond backs is protection for:

• Any previous owner who still legally owns the vehicle
• Any third party who has an ownership claim (typically through a lien)

Make sure you do your research when you purchase the vehicle to make sure there are no liens that don't show up on a lien search and that the vehicle was not stolen.

 

How Long Does a Florida Bonded Title Last?

When you get your bonded title, the actual title will have the brand, "bonded" on it.

This will be filed in the motor vehicle issuance system.

After 3 years, the "bonded" brand will automatically be removed from the title.

If you want a duplicate title for your records, you can request one. Keep in mind this has fees associated with it.

 

Can You Sell a Vehicle With a Bonded Title?

Yes, you can sell the vehicle just like any other titled vehicle.

Keep in mind, your name remains on the vehicle's title bond.

This means if any valid claim against the bond were to occur, you would be the individual responsible for paying back the amount of the claim.

This rarely happens, but it's also why it's so important to do your research when you purchase a vehicle that does not have a title.

 

Surety Bonds Direct Is Ready To Help You Purchase Your Title Bond

When you're ready to purchase your title bond, remember:

• You can get instant pricing if the bond amount is under $50,000
• We will find you the lowest pricing possible if the bond amount is over $50,000

All price quotes cost you nothing and you have zero obligation to purchase once you get pricing.

So get your pricing today so you can get your vehicle registered as quickly and with as least cost as possible.