Georgia Bonded Title Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a Georgia bonded title. Learn how to navigate the lost vehicle title bonding process with this complete guide.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To guarantee legal ownership of a vehicle and protect previous and future owners
- Who Needs It: Individuals looking to register, transfer or sell a vehicle without a valid title
- Regulating Body: The Georgia Motor Vehicle Division
- Required Amount: 2x the vehicle’s appraised value
- Premium Rates: $15 per $1k of coverage, $100 minimum
- Term Length: Valid for 4 years, does not renew
What Is a Georgia Bonded Title?
A Georgia bonded title is simply a vehicle title backed by a surety bond. It proves you are the legal owner of a vehicle when the original title is invalid, unavailable or can not be transferred.
What Is a Georgia Certificate of Title Bond?
Section 40-3-28 of the Georgia Annotated Code requires individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond as part of the vehicle registration process.
The certificate of title bond acts as financial security to repay losses if the car turns out to be stolen or the title is otherwise invalid.
In the event of theft or forgery, the surety can compensate the rightful owner or prior lienholders for the full value of the vehicle and any other damages.
How Much Do Certificate of Title Bonds Cost in Georgia?
Georgia title bonds cost $100–$600 for most applicants. With SuretyBonds.com, you’ll pay $15 per $1,000 of coverage for bond amounts up to $50,000. Buy now to receive your official bond in minutes via email.
If your bond amount is $50,000+, your application will go through underwriting to determine your rate. Most bonds can be quoted and issued within one business day.
How Does a Georgia Certificate of Title Bond Work?
A Georgia title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the bonded title applicant purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The Georgia DOR – Motor Vehicle Division
- Surety: The provider issuing the bond
By filing this bond, you verify you are the vehicle's sole, legal owner to the best of your knowledge.
If another party provides ownership documentation, they can file a claim against the bond. The surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, which you must reimburse.
Who Needs a Certificate of Title Bond?
Typically, you will need an Georgia bonded title under these conditions:
- You did not receive a title when you bought the vehicle
- Your title was incorrectly assigned
- You lost the title before transferring it into your name
If you lost your existing title, you can typically just request a duplicate title.
Title bonds are required to register vehicles with missing titles. If you plan to sell vehicles, learn more about Georgia Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License Bonds here.
How Do I Get a Bond for a Lost Car Title in Georgia?
To get a Georgia title bond, you must provide the following information for MVD approval.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Year
- Make
- Body type
- County
- Bill of sale documents (bonds over $50,000 only)
Then, buy online or submit a quote request with SuretyBonds.com to get your bond. We’ll email the official bond form right after purchase.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
If your bond amount is below $50,000 (vehicle value under $25,000), you can buy and receive your bond instantly online.
For bond coverage over $50,000, we can typically process applications same-day.
Who Regulates Registration for Vehicles with Lost Titles in Georgia?
The Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) registers vehicles with missing titles. The GA MVD manages all official forms, including the motor vehicle certificate and its associated title bond affidavit.
Watch the video below to learn more about Georgia bonded title requirements.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Georgia
Follow the steps below to apply for your Georgia bonded title.
Step 1: Verify eligibility
First, verify you and your vehicle meet the bonded title eligibility requirements:
- The vehicle cannot be a 1985 or older model
- The vehicle cannot be abandoned
- You must be a legal resident of Georgia
- You must be able to purchase a title surety bond
Step 2: Determine your bond amount
Call the MVD at 1 (855) 406-5221 to determine your Georgia lost title bond amount. The Division typically uses Black Book to determine the appraisal amount of a vehicle.
Your bond amount will be twice the value of the vehicle with a $5,000 minimum. For example, if your vehicle is valued at $3,200, your bond amount would be $6,400.
Step 3: Purchase a Georgia title bond
Once you know your bond amount, buy your certificate of title bond online starting at $100.
Your legal name must be listed as the principal to match your license and other vehicle registration documents. If the vehicle is jointly owned, both owners must sign the bond.
Step 4: Get vehicle inspection
Schedule and complete a vehicle inspection with a Georgia law enforcement officer. The officer will complete the inspection form required for your application.
Step 5: Gather all forms & documents
Gather and complete the following forms for your bonded title application packet:
- MV-1 Motor Vehicle Title/Tag Application
- MV-46A Affidavit Supporting Certificate of Title Bond Application
- Form T-22B Certification of Inspection
- Form T-128 Missing Serial Plate Affidavit (only if serial plate is missing)
- National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) report
- Form T-4 Notice of Satisfaction of Security Interest or Lien Holder Affidavit (only if outstanding liens exist)
- Any available proof of ownership papers you have (i.e. bill of sale, vehicle title, or lien release)
Step 6: Apply with your county tag office
Lastly, submit your application and $18 fee to your local county tag office within 6 months of the bond's effective date.
When your bonded title is issued, you will have full, legal proof of ownership of your vehicle.
Can I Sell a Vehicle With a Bonded Title in Georgia?
Yes, a Georgia bonded title allows you to register, insure and transfer ownership of a vehicle when the original title is lost. The certificate of title bond provides security for the vehicle purchaser.
How Do I Update My Bond Form?
The most common changes for these bonds include updating the:
- Vehicle information
- Owner name
- Address
If the Georgia MVD requires an update to your title bond form for any reason, email [email protected] to explain the request.
Can I Get a Bonded Title With Bad Credit?
Yes, these bonds are typically available for instant purchase with no credit check. If your bond does require an application, we’ll search for the best available rate.
How Do I Renew My Certificate of Title Bond?
Georgia bonded titles expire four years from the effective date and do not renew. The state will return the bond at that time and you can apply for a standard title.
