Bonded Title in Arizona

You might need a bonded title (a title with a surety bond attached) if you bought a car without a title. According to the ADOT, you may need to go through the bonded title process if there isn’t “enough documentation to satisfy a claim of ownership or if there are undisclosed liens on the vehicle or mobile home being titled.”

Follow this general process to obtain a bonded title in Arizona successfully.

1. Contact your local Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

Your MVD will ensure that you’re eligible for a bonded title. They will also check into your vehicle’s record to see if any liens exist. If they do, they must be released before you apply for a bonded title. The MVD may have you fill out a Motor Vehicle Record Request form.

2.  Get a vehicle inspection.

A designated law enforcement officer or inspector at an MVD office will inspect your vehicle to verify the VIN (vehicle identification number) and ensure that your car was not stolen. Make sure the assigned officer knows you’re applying for a bonded title.

3. Send certified letters if necessary.

If someone’s name appears on the record search or someone was involved in selling you the vehicle, you can send them a certified letter requesting they sign the title over to you. Otherwise, they may send a notarized letter saying they don’t claim any vehicle ownership. They must respond within 30 days.

4. Fill out a Bonded Title Affidavit.

Your local Arizona MVD office will provide this form. You will share how you obtained your vehicle and state why you don’t possess the title.

5. Finish your application.

Once you’ve submitted all the required documentation and assessed your vehicle, you can submit your Bond Title Application. In turn, your local MVD should assign you a bond amount.

6. Get your surety bond.

Apply for a surety bond in the amount assigned, pay a premium, and print and sign your bond. Then submit the bond to your MVD to get your bonded title.