Illinois Bonded Title

As previously mentioned, you may need a bond if you didn’t receive a title with your car. You may also be eligible if you had a title but lost it before registering your vehicle in your name. Sometimes a title can be defective or improperly assigned, which may also qualify you.

If you fall into any of these scenarios, contact your local Illinois DMV to ensure you’re eligible for a bonded title. Then follow the process we outline below to acquire it successfully.

Follow this process to get your new title as easily and quickly as possible.

1. Provide evidence of “your right to acquire a title.”

First off, you must show proof of vehicle ownership, like a canceled check, receipt, or bill of sale. If you don’t have any of these forms of evidence, provide a notarized statement explaining how you came into possession of your car.

2. Get a written appraisal of the current wholesale value of your vehicle.

You can get this from a licensed vehicle dealer, licensed rebuilder, licensed real estate agent (for a mobile home), or an officer of an antique vehicle association or club (for an antique vehicle). You can also opt for using a vehicle pricing guide like NADAguides.com or Kelley Blue Book. Don’t perform the appraisal yourself.

3. Get a surety bond for 1.5 times the vehicle’s appraised value.

You can get a bond from a surety provider like ZipBonds.

4. Complete and submit your Illinois title application.

Complete an Illinois title application (Electronic Registration and Title) and pay a fee to the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State.

5. Complete a Motor Vehicle Use Tax Return form.

Complete this form and tax payment, if applicable. If you have any questions while completing the process, you can call the Illinois Department of Revenue at 217-785-6606.

6. Obtain a lien release.

If you learn about an existing lienholder on your vehicle, you must obtain a lien release before proceeding.

7. Get your Illinois vehicle title bond.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your bonded title, which is valid for three years. You’ll also receive your Illinois license plates and tags. Once the three years are up (and no one has filed a claim against your bond), you’ll qualify for a clear motor vehicle certification of title for your car.

ZipBonds can issue car title bonds quickly for around $100. They have a 3-year bond period. After it expires, there is no requirement for the bond. You’ll be eligible for a standard certificate of title.