California Bonded Title

In California, you need a bonded title if you don’t have a title for your vehicle in your name and have no way of obtaining it. This situation occurs when cars are sold without a title, a buyer only receives a bill of sale, a buyer loses the title before transferring the title to their name, or the original title is defective.  You must obtain a bonded title to register your vehicle successfully with the California DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).

Form for a Lost or Stolen Vehicle Title in California

If someone steals your title or you lose it, you don’t need a bonded title in California. Instead, you can apply for a duplicate certificate of title:

• Application for Replacement or Transfer of Title

Follow this step-by-step process to get a bonded title in California and become the legal owner of your vehicle.

1. Fill out an application with the California DMV.

You must fill out an application with the state before getting your surety bond from a provider like ZipBonds. You’ll share information like the cost of your vehicle, the odometer reading, and other background information.

• Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond Application

2. Fill out a Statement of Facts form.

This form covers information about your vehicle, including tax information, vehicle identification number, smog standards, vehicle body changes, and more.

• Statement of Facts Form

3. A DMV representative must inspect your vehicle.

An authorized California DMV representative will inspect your vehicle to ensure it meets the required standards and includes the correct VIN information.

4. Get your vehicle appraised.

To determine the fair market value of your vehicle, you must get it appraised by a licensed auto dealer or use a reputable website (like Kelley Blue Book).

5. Get a title bond from a reputable surety bond provider.

Once your state approves your bonded title application and you know your vehicle’s appraisal value, you can get a surety bond. You can apply directly on our website, pay a premium, and print and sign your bond to use immediately.

6. Submit your bond to your DMV.

Once your DMV accepts your surety bond, they will issue you a bonded title.

Your DMV will tell you the bond amount required for your vehicle title. We can issue these bonds quickly for just $100. They have a 3-year bond period. After the bond expires, there is no requirement for the bond. It becomes null and void and doesn’t need renewing. You may return to the DMV to apply for a clear certificate of title – removing the bonded brand.