Bonded Title: Alabama
What is a bonded title in Alabama?
An Alabama bonded title is a vehicle title with a surety bond (called a title bond) attached to it. You may need a bonded title if you never received a title when you bought your car or the title wasn’t appropriately assigned to you. By obtaining a bonded title, you guarantee that you’re the proper and sole owner of your vehicle and that you acquired it legally. If someone else is the valid owner, they may make a claim on your title bond.
Who needs a bonded title in Alabama?
If you bought your car without receiving a title with it, you might need to apply for a bonded title. Here are some other situations where a bonded title may be necessary:
- The title you received when you bought your car was improperly assigned.
- You lost your car title before it was officially transferred to you.
Get Your Alabama Title Bond:
Quick Takeaways
- An Alabama bonded title is a vehicle title with a surety bond (called a title bond) attached to it.
- By obtaining a bonded title, you guarantee that you are the proper and sole owner of your vehicle and that you acquired it legally.
- If your title was lost or stolen, you’ll need a replacement title rather than a bonded title.
- Many title bonds only cost $100 for a three-year term.
Lost or Stolen Vehicle Titles in Alabama
If your title was lost or stolen, you shouldn’t need a bonded title in Alabama. Instead, you’ll need to obtain a replacement title. The vehicle must be currently titled in the state of Alabama with your name on the original certificate.
How to Get a Surety Bond for a Vehicle Title in Alabama
Follow this process to obtain a bonded title in Alabama.
1. Contact the Alabama DMV.
The Motor Vehicle Division of the Alabama Department of Revenue requires a bonded title for those facing the previously mentioned circumstances. To determine if you are eligible for a bonded title in Alabama, contact your DMV.
2. Ask your DMV to search vehicle records.
Your DMV can determine if there are previous records on your vehicle or if it has a clean record. If your car has a lien on it (meaning someone else has the legal right to possess it until a debt is paid), you may need to contact the previous owner. Once the lien is released, you may proceed to step 3.
3. Fill out a bonded title application with the Alabama DMV.
Before you can apply for a title bond with a surety provider, you need to fill out an application to receive a bond form that lists the bond amount required by your state. You may fill out that application using the MVTRIP Surety Bond Portal. This portal includes everything you need to get started, including required documents (i.e., Proof of Ownership). Once your application is approved, the state will tell you what bond amount you need. Here are the standardized amounts that a surety must underwrite for you.
- Trailers: $5,000 – $25,000
- Passenger vehicles and pickup trucks: $10,000 – $50,000
- Trucks, buses, and recreational vehicles: $25,000 – $100,000
- Motorcycles: $5,000 – $25,000
- Manufactured homes: $25,000 – $50,000
The newer your vehicle is, the more significant your bond amount.
4. Get your surety bond.
Once you get to this stage, you can apply for and obtain your title bond from a surety provider like ZipBonds. Simply pay a premium, print and sign your bond, and submit it to your local DMV. Once the bond is approved, you’ll receive your bonded title.
Do I need to renew my Alabama title bond?
No. Your title bond will be valid for three years. If no one files a claim on your bond during this time, your bond will expire, and you may apply for a standard certificate of title.
How much is a title bond in Alabama?
The cost of your title bond will depend on the amount required (based on the age and type of your vehicle). Title bonds are commonly $100 for the three-year term. The bonding process for these types of bonds is quick and straightforward. Title bonds can often be issued instantly.
Get a Title Bond in Alabama
The experts at ZipBonds can help you obtain the bond you need. To connect with one of our team members, please give us a call at 888-435-4191 or email us a at support@zipbonds.com. We’ll walk you through the process for title bonds to help you get bonded in a flash.
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.