What Is a Missouri Bonded Title?

A Missouri 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 Missouri Certificate of Title Bond?

Title XIX Section 301.192 of the Missouri Revised Statutes 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 potential monetary losses. If the car turns out to be stolen or the title is otherwise invalid, the surety will compensate the rightful owner or lienholders.

What Title Bond Amount Do I Need?

The certificate of title bond amount must be twice the appraisal value of your vehicle. You can determine the value by using Kelley Blue Book or by calculating the average of two appraisals from licensed Missouri motor vehicle dealers.

Contact your local DMV office if you have questions about your required bond amount before purchasing your bond.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Missouri Bonded Title?

Missouri certificate of title bond costs start at $100. Your exact rate will vary based on your vehicle’s value as outlined below: 

• Bonds up to $10,000 cost $100
• Bonds between $10,001 and $50,000 cost $10 per $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100
• Bonds for over $50,000 are priced based on underwriting review, starting at $500

Get your free, personalized quote now.

How Does a Missouri Certificate of Title Bond Work?

A Missouri title bond creates a legal contract between three parties: 

1. Principal: You, the bonded title applicant purchasing the bond
2. Obligee: The Missouri Motor Vehicle Bureau requiring the bond 
3. 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 a Missouri 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.3

Bonded titles will not be issued for vehicles with liens, incomplete or conflicting ownership, or a previous title on record.

Note: If you're planning to become a licensed car dealer, a separate Missouri motor vehicle dealer bond is required.

What Are the Requirements for a Bonded Title in Missouri?

To be eligible for a bonded title, you must be a permanent resident of Missouri, the vehicle must be located in the state, and the vehicle must have no title application record.

State law requires vehicles be at least 7 years old and not be valued more than $3,000 to qualify for a bonded title. However the DOR sometimes requires lost title bonds for vehicles valued for more than $3,000. 

Contact your local licensing office to verify if a surety bond is necessary and confirm the required coverage amount.

How Do I Get a Certificate of Title Bond in Missouri?

SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a certificate of title bond. You can buy your Missouri title bond online 24/7. Provide the following information for MVB filing approval:

• Name
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Vehicle year
• Vehicle make and model

Note: If your bond amount exceeds $50,000, your order will be reviewed by a surety expert before we email your documents. 

How Fast Can I Get My Bond?

If your required bond amount is below $50,000, you can buy and receive your bond instantly online. 

For bond coverage over $50,000, we can typically process applications same-day. Apply now to get started.