What is a bonded title in Texas?
If you cannot prove ownership of your vehicle, whether because you have incomplete information, a lost title, cannot contact the previous owner, or some other reason, there’s a simple three-step procedure in place to get your lost title.
Why does your new title need to be bonded? A bonded title is a vehicle title that is issued when the original title is missing or incorrectly assigned. With a bonded title application, the state of Texas requires a surety bond to ensure that you own the vehicle for which you are obtaining the new title. You can take a look at the most frequent surety bond related questions here. This process works as an alternative way to transfer ownership. You won’t have to pay the full price of the bond – a bonding company can provide the full amount in return for a percentage premium based on factors like your credit. The entire procedure for filing for a lost title in Texas is carried out through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Feel free to contact them at 1-888-368-4689 with any questions throughout the process.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Texas
To apply for a lost car title in Texas, you have to fall into at least one of the following categories:
- You are a resident of Texas
- You are in the military and stationed in Texas
- Your vehicle was last titled in Texas
Furthermore, your vehicle must be in your possession and not abandoned, stolen, junked, or subject to a lawsuit. It also cannot be missing any major components (a body, frame, or motor), although it does not necessarily have to be running at the time.
Step 1: Mail Documents with an Application Fee
If you meet the above requirements, you’ll need to mail the following documents, along with a $15 administrative fee, to your nearest DMV location:
- Statement of Fact for Bonded Title
- Statement of Physical Inspection
- Any supporting evidence you may have for your title claim. This can include an invoice, bill of sale, or anything else you believe may be helpful.
- You can find your nearest DMV at the Texas DMV website.
Note: If you are a resident of Texas, or a member of the US military stationed there, and your vehicle is from out of state, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must be verified by a Texas certified Safety Inspection Station. Please include the vehicle inspection report given to you by the Inspection Station along with your application.
Step 2: Get Your Lost Title Bond
If your Texas lost title application is approved, you’ll be asked to provide a bond worth 1.5 times the vehicle’s value. That means if your vehicle is worth $20,000, your bond will be for $30,000; if your vehicle is worth $14,000, then your bond will be for $21,000.
For a breakdown of how this is calculated, you can refer to the Texas DMV’s page. Once you’ve received the letter informing you your application has been accepted, you have one year to obtain your bond or you will have to resubmit the application. Note: If your vehicle has a lien on it that is less than ten years old, your bond company is responsible for checking that the lien has been satisfied or released.
Step 3: Apply for Your Texas Bonded Title
Within 30 days of obtaining your surety bond, you must take the following documents to your nearest County Tax Office.
- Statement of Fact for Bonded Title
- Statement of Physical Inspection
- Any supporting evidence you may have for your title claim. The letter informing you your application has been accepted
- A Completed Application for Texas Certificate of Title Form 130-U
- If your vehicle is from out of state, also include the vehicle inspection report mentioned in the note in Step 2.
- If the vehicle is a commercial vehicle, you must also include a weight certificate. If the vehicle has been imported, you must also include the customs declaration (US DOT HS-7).
Once the officials at the County Tax Office have accepted all of these documents, you will receive your new bonded vehicle title.