How to Get a Utah Bonded Title

A Utah 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 Utah title to obtain legal ownership while protecting the state and future vehicle owners from financial damages.

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

Who Needs a Utah Bonded Title?

Utah Statute 28.10.216 requires individuals who lack sufficient proof of vehicle ownership must file a surety bond, commonly referred to as the following: 

• Defective title bond
• Certificate of title surety bond
• Lost title bond
• Insufficient evidence of ownership bond 

You may need a Utah defective title bond in several scenarios:

• The seller did not provide a title when the vehicle was purchased.
• The title was lost or stolen before the buyer had the chance to register the vehicle.
• The title was improperly assigned or damaged.
• The vehicle has never been titled.
• The applicant purchased an unclaimed or abandoned vehicle.

To be eligible for a bonded title, you must be a permanent resident of Utah and the vehicle must be located in the state. 

How to Get a Bonded Title in Utah

Follow the six steps below to receive your Utah bonded title(s).

Step 1: Contact the DMV

Start by reaching out to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to confirm your eligibility for a bonded title and understand the specific requirements you must meet.

Step 2: Conduct a VIN inspection

Schedule and complete a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection at an authorized location. This step is crucial for verifying the vehicle's identity.

Step 3: Get vehicle appraised 

Get an appraisal of your vehicle's value from a certified appraiser or recognized appraisal service. This valuation is essential for determining the bond amount if one is required.

Step 4: Prepare your ownership statement

Complete the Ownership Statement form (TC-569A) explaining why you lack a title and how you acquired the vehicle. Include information about any existing liens, as well as a detailed description of the vehicle’s current condition.

Step 5: Collect the required documents

Gather the following documents for your bonded title application: 

• A completed Ownership Statement form (TC-569A) detailing your situation
• A VIN inspection report (if applicable) from a DMV branch, a certified safety/emission station, or a Utah law enforcement office
• A bill of sale or any release of ownership documentation
• A Vehicle Application for Utah Title form (TC-656)
• Digital photographs of your vehicle capturing its condition from various angles, inside and out

Step 6: Purchase a surety bond

A surety bond is only required if the vehicle's appraised value is over $3,000 and the Ownership Statement is incomplete or pictures justify the need for a bond. The DMV will inform you if a bond is necessary. 

If required, purchase and file a non-cancelable three-year bond worth two times the appraised value of the vehicle. You can buy your Utah certificate of title bond online 24/7 at SuretyBonds.com starting at just $100.

Step 7: Submit your application 

Once you've compiled all documents, make copies for your records. You can submit your complete application by mail to the address below:

DMV/Miscellaneous Services

210 N 1950 W

Salt Lake City, UT 84134

Another option is to email a scanned copy of your application to [email protected]. 

Upon approval of your application, you will receive your Utah bonded title in the mail. 

For more detailed information, visit the Utah DMV website or refer to your local DMV office.

How Much Does a Utah Bonded Title Cost?

The exact cost of a Utah bonded title varies based on your vehicle's value, as the bond amount must be 1.5 times the vehicle's appraised value, determined by your local deputy registrar's office. Typically, title bond costs start at around $100. 

For bonds of up to $50,000, the premium is usually about 1-3% of the bond amount. For instance, a $10,000 title bond would cost around $100–$300. If you need a title bond for over $50,000, apply for a personalized quote based on your vehicle's appraised value and credit history.

Get an instant quote for your Utah certificate of title bond now. 

Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title?

No, your Utah 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 on the vehicle, you’ll receive a standard title after three years. 

More Resources

• Utah DMV: Title Requirements in Utah
• Utah Insufficient Evidence of Ownership Surety Bond Form
• Public Insufficient Evidence of Ownership Check Sheet
• Utah DMV: Frequently Asked Questions