Getting a Bonded Title: Massachusetts

If you don’t have a title because you never received one, the title was defective, or you lost it before transferring it to your name, you may need a bonded title in Massachusetts.

A title bond guarantees the state and parties with security interests in your vehicle that you are the actual owner. In other words, the bond provides financial protection for the legitimate owner(s). If someone claims that you aren’t the legal owner or says there’s a lien on your vehicle, your surety must compensate the injured party. You must then repay your surety in full.

To obtain a valid certificate of title in Massachusetts, first, contact the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to see if you qualify for a bonded title. If you do, follow these steps.

1. Get a Notarized Affidavit.

The Notarized Affidavit should attest to the complete history of your vehicle (as well as you know it). The affidavit must include your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), make, and model year.

2. Complete a Proof of Visual Inspection form.

Your vehicle must be inspected at a state police barracks or a local police station. The inspector must fill out and sign the Proof of Visual Inspection form after visually examining the VIN.

3. Include documents related to the transfer of ownership of your vehicle.

This may include a bill of sale or canceled check.

4. Get a title bond from a surety provider.

Your bond amount must be equal to one and a half times the clean trade-in value of your vehicle as calculated by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). Apply for your bond today by starting your application below.

5. Submit your application.

Submit your title bond and other documents to the Massachusetts RMV along with a Registration and Title Application.