How to Get a New York Bonded Title

A New York bonded title is a legal document used to establish ownership of a vehicle when the original title is lost, unavailable or can not be transferred. It allows individuals who purchase a vehicle without a proper New York title to obtain legal ownership while protecting the state and future vehicle owners from financial losses or damages.

Continue reading for step-by-step instructions, application costs and bonding information. 

Who Needs a New York Bonded Title?

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law requires individuals without proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond. Typically, you will need a bonded title under these conditions:

• You did not receive a title when you bought the vehicle.
• The title you received was incorrectly assigned to you.
• You received a title but lost it before transferring it into your name.

To be eligible, you must be a permanent resident of New York and the vehicle must be located in the state. 

How to Get a Bonded Title in New York

Simply follow the steps below to receive your New York bonded title(s).  

Step 1: Contact the DMV

Start by contacting the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to determine your vehicle's current value. This is essential for determining your exact surety bond amount, which will be 1.5 times the vehicle's appraised value.

Step 2: Gather required documents

Collect all required verification documents, including a photo or pencil tracing of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or get a signed statement from a police officer. You’ll also need the following materials:

• Any unopened certified mail
• Proof of ownership like a bill of sale or canceled check
• A notarized affidavit explaining how you obtained the vehicle

Step 3: Complete the title application

Fill out the official title application and Statement of Ownership form. Be sure to include a list of any liens on the vehicle, and provide proof that you’ve either paid the sales tax or are exempt from it.

Step 4: Purchase a surety bond

Secure a surety bond from an authorized agency in New York. Review Section 2105 of Article 46 of the Uniform Vehicle Certificate of Title Act for further guidance on the bond requirements.

You can buy your New York certificate of title bond online 24/7 at SuretyBonds.com starting as low as $100.

Step 5: Submit your application

Mail your completed application, the surety bond, and a $50 title fee to the DMV at the address below. 

New York Department of Motor Vehicles

P.O. Box 2700

Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY 12220-0700

(518)486-4714

Once the DMV approves your application, you’ll receive a bonded title that is valid for three years. When it expires, you’ll receive a regular title as long as there are no bond claims or liens on the vehicle. 

How Much Does a New York Title Bond Cost?

The exact price will vary depending on the bond amount. Your bond coverage must be 1.5 times the vehicle value as determined by your local deputy registrar's office. New York title bonds cost $15–$30 per $1,000 of coverage, starting at just $100. Get an instant quote for your New York certificate of title bond now. 

Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title?

No, your New York bonded title and title bond will expire three years from the effective dates and won’t require renewal. If there are no bond claims or liens, you’ll receive a standard title after three years. 

More Resources

• New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Chapter 71
• New York Department of Motor Vehicles
• New York Certificate of Title Bond Form
• New York State DMV: How to Register a Vehicle
• New York DMV: Vehicle Registration/Title Application Form