Vermont Bonded Title Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a Vermont 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 Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
- Required Amount: 1.5x the vehicle’s value
- Premium Rates: $15/$1k of coverage with a $100 minimum
What Is a Vermont Bonded Title?
A Vermont bonded title, or replacement 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 Vermont Title Bond?
Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 23, Chapter 21 requires individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond as part of the registration process.
The vehicle ownership bond, also known as a title bond, acts as financial security to repay monetary losses in the event of theft or forgery.
Who Needs a Bonded Title in Vermont?
A Vermont bonded title is required if you:
- Buy a vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile or ATV without a title
- Have a title that’s incomplete, lost, stolen, invalid or incorrectly assigned
- Purchased an abandoned or unclaimed vehicle
If you own an unregistered vehicle, vessel, or watercraft less than 15 years old without proper ownership proof, the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will require a title bond along with your replacement title application.
The DMV does not require titles for vehicles, vessels, or watercraft more than 15 years old. Vehicles with an open lien are also ineligible for a bonded replacement title.
How Much Bond Coverage Do I Need?
Your Vermont title bond coverage must be 1.5 times the vehicle’s appraised value. Use online tools like NADA or Kelly Blue Book to determine the average trade-in value, then multiply that figure by 1.5 to find your bond amount.
For example, a car worth $10,000 needs a $15,000 bond. Similarly, a vehicle appraised at $20,000 would need a $30,000 bond.
How Much Do Title Bonds Cost in Vermont?
Vermont vehicle or vessel ownership title bonds cost $100–$600 for most applicants. Your price will vary based on the vehicle’s value and correlating bond amount:
- <$5,000 bond: $100
- $5,001–$50,000 bond: $20/$1,000 of coverage, $100 minimum
- $50,000+ bond: Starts at $750, must be reviewed by an underwriter
Fill out an online request form today to get your exact rate.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a Vermont Title Bond Work?
A Vermont lost vehicle title bond binds three parties in a legal contract:
- Principal: You, the vehicle or vessel owner purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
- 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.
How Do I Get a Title Bond in Vermont?
SuretyBonds.com offers the fastest and easiest way to get a Vermont title bond. You'll need to provide the following information on your bond application for DMV filing approval:
- Name
- County
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle year and make
- If watercraft, vessel length
Then, buy online or submit a quote request to receive your bond via email same-day.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
If your 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. You’ll receive your official bond via email within minutes of purchasing.
Who Regulates Motor Vehicle Registration in Vermont?
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles enforces registration requirements for vehicles, vessels and watercrafts without proper proof of ownership. You must file the surety bond with the DMV within 30 days of purchasing.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Vermont
To be eligible for a bonded title, you must be a permanent resident of Vermont and the vehicle must be located in the state. If you qualify, follow the steps below to apply for your Vermont bonded title.
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
Contact the Vermont DMV to confirm if you qualify for a bonded title and request a vehicle record search.
Step 2: Write a statement
Prepare a written statement detailing why you lack a title and the history of your vehicle.
Step 3: Determine vehicle value
Establish the current value of your vehicle using resources like NADA to find its average trade-in value. This figure will determine the bond amount you need.
Step 4: Schedule a VIN inspection
Next, get a VIN inspection through a licensed dealership or appraiser in Vermont. Include any available ownership documentation, such as a bill of sale or previous registration.
Step 5: Purchase a title bond
Buy a Vermont title bond for 1.5 times the vehicle’s average trade-in value. You can get your certificate of title bond online 24/7 at SuretyBonds.com starting at just $100.
Step 6: Complete the application
Finally, fill out the Vermont Registration, Tax, and Title application form. Then, mail your complete application package, including all documentation, to the address below:
Department of Motor Vehicles, 120 State Street. Montpelier, VT 05603
It typically takes a few weeks for the DMV to process and issue a Vermont bonded title. Reach out if you don’t hear back within 60 days.
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
Yes, you can typically still get bonded even with bad credit. Vermont title bonds up to $50,000 in coverage require no credit check.
If your bond does require a credit check for underwriting, your personal credit may impact your premium rate. Get a free quote today.
Do I Need to Renew My Title Bond?
No, Vermont title bonds and bonded titles expire after three years and do not renew. You can apply for a standard title after the three years are up.
