Massachusetts Bonded Title / Certificate of Title Bonds

Get Your Massachusetts Certificate of Title Bond

Who Is Required to Purchase a Massachusetts Title Bond?

If you have a vehicle with no state accepted proof of ownership, i.e. a vehicle title, you'll have to go through the bonded title process.

Typically missing ownership records result from:

• The original title has been so damaged that it's illegible
• The original title was filled out incorrectly and missing previous owner's names
• The original title has been lost

 

Why is a Massachusetts Certificate of Title Bond Required?

A title bond is a surety bond. And a surety bond is a legal contract you purchase stating that you are the new rightful owner of this vehicle.

This will start a new line of ownership with your name.

You have to purchase the title bond 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.

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

 

The 5 Steps to Get a Bonded Title In Massachusetts

Click here to find all the required forms.

This page has the affidavit and the form for the visual inspection of the VIN. More on this below.

This page does not have the surety bond. You must purchase the bond and have it filled out correctly. This is what we'll do for you.

 

Step 1: Content Past Owners And Lien Holders

If you have a bill or sale from where you got the vehicle or a cancelled check, keep all of this information. You will need to submit it.

Before you complete the next two steps, it's a good idea to research the history of the vehicle.

You want to make sure the vehicle has not been stolen and you want to get a release of any lien that may be against the vehicle.

If you don't do this, it's unlikely you'll be approved for a bonded title.

And even if you were approved, you would be on the hook for any claims for the vehicle. So make sure the vehicle was not reported as stolen.

 

Step 2: Get Any Active Liens Released

If there are any liens against the vehicle, you'll have to get record of the lien and contact the lien holder to release the lien.

It's a good idea when contacting lien holders to use a certified or registered letter so if they are no longer as their listed address, you'll get the letter back as proof.

The lien holder should release the lien since you are not the individual who owes them money. However, if they fail to release the lien, you can complete the form, Lienholder Complete Form.

The state will help fix the situation so you can apply for your bonded title.

 

Step 3: Complete a Vehicle History Affidavit and Vin Inspection

You'll need to complete a vehicle history affidavit, which you find on the Registry of Motor Vehicles forms page, and have it notarized.

This form is your legal promise that you completed a history check on the vehicle. You must submit the vehicle's make, year, and VIN number.

You must also complete the Proof of Visual Inspection, which you can do at any local police station. They will run the VIN through their system which will further identify the history of the vehicle.

Once this is complete you can apply for approval to have the vehicle bonded.

 

Step 4: Purchase Your Title Bond

Once you receive approval, you can purchase your title bond.

Again, the title bond is the surety bond you must purchase as your guarantee that you are the rightful owner.

To purchase a title bond you only need the fair market value of the vehicle in its current condition.

 

How Do You Calculate The Value of Your Vehicle?

Use the NADA Guide (JD Power) to find the value of your vehicle. This is required by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

You'll likely be able to use Kelly Blue Book or have a local dealership appraise the vehicle, but call the registry and ask for approval before you do.

Once you have the value of the vehicle, the bond amount must not be less than 1.5X the vehicle value.

For example, if you discover your bond amount is $7,000, your title bond amount will be a minimum of $10,500.

Once you have the bond amount, you can purchase the title bond.

 

How Much Does a Title Bond Cost?

The price of your bond will be based on the amount you just calculated.

And in most cases you can get a low fixed price as long as the value of the vehicle is under $50,000.

Pricing starts at only $100 for all 3 years.

If the vehicle value is $50,000 or more, you'll have to have a soft credit check to determine your price.

 

 

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

The larger the title bond amount, the greater the coverage required to bond the vehicle

Historically, is more 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.

Once a rate is determined by the surety, the rate multiplied by the bond amount is the price you pay.

PRICE EQUATION BOX

It is one payment for the entire period you must keep the bonded title.

And this is why it's so important to work with a specialized surety agency like Surety Bonds Direct to purchase your Massachusetts title bond.

 

Why Should You Use Surety Bonds Direct To Get Your Title Bond?

For most vehicles, we've already secured low fixed prices with no credit check required.

If you need to have a soft credit check complete, it's important to realize each surety determines a rate using their own independent analysis.

This means the rates different sureties quote will be different.

We have helped our clients find the lowest rate and save hundreds of dollars when purchasing a title bond.

We work with multiple sureties so we can price shop for you to find the lowest price.

Having us price shop for you doesn't cost you anything nor does it obligate you to purchase from us.

We just want to earn your business and we're confident we'll find you the lowest possible price.

 

What Happens If You Have Poor or Limited Credit?

Don't worry if you have poor or limited credit. We can still work with you to obtain the lowest price.

You'll likely pay higher for high value vehicles (e.g. 50,000), but we have an excellent track record in getting our customers approved at the best rates in the market. This is a big deal because if you can't get approved, you can't get your bonded title.

 

How Do You Purchase Your Title Bond?

When you're ready to purchase, all you have to do is complete an online order form. The process takes only 90 seconds to complete.

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

• Correct form for Massachusetts
• Required signatures and seals
• Power of attorney

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

 

How Long Does a Bonded Title in Massachusetts Last?

Massachusetts 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.

After the 3 year waiting period, the Registry of Motor Vehicles will issue you a standard title. The bonded title automatically expires and no claim can be made against it.

At this point the vehicle is officially yours.

 

Step 5: Submit Your Title Application

Once you have all the correct paperwork you can apply for your bonded title at your county motor vehicle office.

Make sure you bring your identification.

Your paperwork will be processed and you'll be issued your bonded title for the vehicle. This starts the clock on your 3 year waiting period.