Rhode Island Title Bond Guide
If you need a bonded title in Rhode Island, you’re in the right place. In this guide, you’ll learn how the lost title process works. Plus, you can purchase your certificate of title bond instantly online.
What Is a Rhode Island Certificate of Title Bond?
Rhode Island General Laws Section 31-3.1-9 requires individuals to file a surety bond for registration if they cannot provide sufficient proof of vehicle ownership. This bond is also referred to as:
- Defective title bond
- Lost title bond
- Vehicle title bond
If you turn out to not be the rightful vehicle owner, the bond protects past and future owners as well as the state from financial loss.
How Much Does a Rhode Island Title Bond Cost?
Rhode Island certificate of title bond premiums start at $100. Your exact cost will vary depending on the vehicle’s value and resulting surety bond amount required by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
- Bond amounts up to $6,000: $100 flat fee
- Bond amounts from $6,001 to $50,000: $15/$1k of coverage, starting at $100
- Bond amounts over $50,000: Start at $750, but require underwriting review
SuretyBonds.com provides the lowest available bond rates from our nationwide surety network with no added fees.
How Do I Determine My Title Bond Amount?
Your Rhode Island certificate of title bond amount must be 1.5 times your vehicle value as determined by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Contact the DMV before purchasing to verify your vehicle’s value and resulting bond requirement.
How Does a Rhode Island Certificate of Title Bond Work?
This Rhode Island surety bond ensures applicants with a missing vehicle title comply with Title Law Chapter 31-3.1 and protects prior vehicle owners, lienholders and subsequent purchasers from losses resulting from certificate of title issuance.
The issuing surety company will pay out valid claims up to the full bond amount, which the you, as the bonded vehicle owner, must reimburse.
Who Needs a Certificate of Title Bond?
A Rhode Island certificate of title bond is required for vehicle registration if you have a defective, lost or invalid title.
The Department of Environmental Management has a separate boat registration bond requirement for watercraft without a valid certificate of title.
If you plan to sell vehicles, you need a Rhode Island motor vehicle dealer bond.
How Do I Get a Certificate of Title Bond in Rhode Island?
You can purchase your Rhode Island vehicle title bond online 24/7. You'll need to provide the following information for DMV filing approval:
- Name and home address
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle year, make, and model
Once we process your order, you'll receive your bond confirmation via email right away. Then, we’ll mail the official bond form via your preferred shipping method.
Sign your original bond in the presence of a witness before mailing it to the Rhode Island DMV at the address below.
Division of Motor Vehicles
Research and Title Office
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920-3024
How Do I Get a Bonded Title in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles enforces vehicle registration requirements, including the surety bond requirement for individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership.
Follow the steps below to apply for a bonded title in Rhode Island.
- Verify your vehicle is eligible for a bonded title with the Rhode Island DMV.
- Purchase and file a title bond for 1.5x the vehicle’s value.
- Submit your application for a bonded title with the DMV.
If you have questions about your bonded title application, contact Division staff by calling 1 (401) 462-4368 or filling out an online form.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
We deliver official Rhode Island certificate of title bonds faster than any other surety provider. Choose overnight shipping during checkout if you're in a rush. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically shipped same-day.
Can I Update the Information on My Title Bond Form?
If the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles requires your surety bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider. The most common changes for these bonds include updating the following.
- Vehicle owner's name
- Address
- Vehicle information
If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change.
Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title?
No, your Rhode Island bonded title and title bond will expire at the end of its three-year term and won't need to be renewed.
The state may return your bonded title before its original term ends if your vehicle is no longer registered in Rhode Island and the current valid certificate of title is surrendered.
