How to Get a California Bonded Title

How do I get a bonded title in California?

Step 1: Fill out a title application and the corresponding forms.

To get a bonded title in California, you'll first need to fill out a few required forms and applications. 

• Application for Title or Registration form
• Statement of Facts form
• Information about your vehicle's odometer, cost, and you as the vehicle owner
• Odometer statement (if your vehicle is less than 10 years old)
• Certificate of Non-Operation (if your vehicle won't be operated on any California road or freeway)
• Weight Certificate (if your vehicle weighs 10,000 pounds or less empty) or a Declaration of Gross Vehicle Weight/Combined Gross Vehicle Weight (if your vehicle weighs over 10,000 pounds)
• Proof of vehicle insurance

Step 2: Have your vehicle inspected by a DMV representative.

Your vehicle will need to undergo an inspection by an authorized DMV representative to ensure that it meets the standards set in place by the California DMV. The DMV representative will fill out a Verification of Vehicle form after the inspection that certifies your vehicle passes CHP inspection, smog, brake, and light check standards requirements. 

Step 3: Get your vehicle appraised. 

To determine the value of your vehicle, you'll need to get your vehicle appraised by a California or other state-licensed dealer or motor vehicle insurance representative. Your vehicle’s fair market value can also be determined by using a website like Kelley Blue Book or NADA . If your vehicle has multiple appraisal amounts, the average between them will be used to determine the value of your vehicle. The type of bond you purchase will be determine by the fair market value of your vehicle. 

Step 4: Purchase your California title bond.

After determining the fair market value of the vehicle, you'll need to purchase and submit Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond (Form 5047) to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Also known as the "California defective title bond," you need this bond if your vehicle meets any of the following conditions.

• The value of your vehicle is over $5,000.
• The value of your vessel is under $2,000.
• Your vehicle is nontransferable.
• A release from the legal owner/lien holder can't be obtained.

You can buy your California defective title bond online 24/7 with 3-year premiums that start at $100 based on your vehicle value. 

Step 5: Submit your application materials and bond to the California DMV. 

Once you've gathered all your application materials, gotten your vehicle appraised, and purchased your surety bond, you can submit your materials to your local California DMV and get your bonded title. Your surety bond is valid for 3 years, after which it'll become null. Your bonded title will remain effective, and doesn't need renewing.