How to Get a Bonded Title in Florida

You need a bonded title if you never received a title from the seller or the title was lost or stolen before it was issued to you.

Florida bonded titles are three-party agreements between you, a surety bond company, and the FLHSMV. If anyone files a valid claim against your title bond, your surety may cover the costs involved up to the total bond amount. You must then repay your surety in full. The surety bond protects previous owners, lienholders, and future owners from potential damage or loss.

All vehicles must be between 10-25 years old, and the last registration must have been in Florida. Contact the nearest FLHSMV office to determine if you’re eligible for a bonded title in Florida, then follow this general process to submit a complete and successful application. If your vehicle has any liens or security interests on it, they must be cleared before you can obtain a bonded title.

1. Complete a VIN and Odometer Verification form.

Fill out form HSMV 82042. To complete Part B, you must have your vehicle inspected by a licensed dealer, a Florida Notary Public, a police officer, a Florida Division of Motorist Services employee, or a tax collector employee.

2. Complete an affidavit form.

You must submit form HSMV 82026 along with your bonded title application. Here, you’ll explain why you don’t have a title and fill out basic information about your vehicle.

3. Get a title bond from a surety provider.

You can obtain a surety bond once you know your vehicle’s current retail value (use Kelley Blue Book). The bond’s penal sum (value) should be at least two times your vehicle’s retail value.

4. Fill out the rest of your bonded title application.

Complete the Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration form (HSMV 82040).

5. Pay your fees and submit your application.

Pay any required fees to obtain your Florida bonded title, and submit your application (including your surety bond) to the nearest FLHSMV service center. Once your application is approved, you should receive your bonded title.

To get your Florida certificate of title bond, you need to know the required bond amount (penal sum), which will be twice the appraised value of your car. Title bonds are quickly issued and often cost only $100 for a three-year term. If the required bond amount is $6,000 or above, it may cost slightly more. Once your bond expires, there’s no further requirement for the bond.

If no one has filed a claim on your bond, you can revisit your FLHSMV to apply for a clear title after the three years are up.