How to Get a Maine Bonded Title

Maine Revised Statutes §659 requires individuals to file a certificate of title bond when they cannot provide proof of vehicle ownership. A Maine bonded title is a legal document that establishes ownership of a vehicle when the original title is lost, unavailable or cannot be transferred. 

This enables individuals who purchase a vehicle without a proper title to obtain legal ownership while protecting the state of Maine and future owners from financial damages. Continue reading for step-by-step instructions, application costs and bonding information. 

Who Needs a Maine Bonded Title?

Typically, you will need a bonded title in Maine 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.

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

How to Get a Bonded Title in Maine

Follow the six steps below to apply for your Maine bonded title. 

Step 1: Consult the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

Visit or contact your local BMV office to determine if you need a bonded title for your vehicle. Not all title applicants in Maine require a bond, so confirm this before proceeding.

Step 2: Determine your bond amount

If a bonded title is necessary, work with the BMV to calculate the required bond amount, typically set at 1.5 times the vehicle’s appraised value. You can use Kelley Blue Book or NADA to calculate this value.

Step 3: Purchase your surety bond

Purchase and file a non-cancelable, three-year title bond worth 1.5 times the appraised value of the vehicle. With SuretyBonds.com, you can buy your Maine certificate of title bond online 24/7 starting as low as $100.

Step 4: Complete the title application

Obtain and fill out a Certificate of Title application form, which is available at any BMV branch.

Step 5: Submit your bond and application

Take your completed title application, the surety bond, and any additional required documents (including power of attorney, if applicable) to your local BMV office.

Pay the necessary $33 application fee at the time of submission to complete the Maine bonded title application process.

How Much Does a Maine Bonded Title Cost?

The cost to get a bonded title in Maine depends on the certificate of title bond amount you need. Your bond coverage must be 1.5 times the vehicle's appraised value. Here is the cost structure:

1. $6,000 Bond Coverage: Flat rate of $100
2. $6,001 to $50,000 Bond Coverage: $15 per $1,000 of coverage, with a $100 minimum
3. Over $50,000 Bond Coverage: Credit-based pricing, starting at $750

The bond premium is a small percentage — 1–10% — of the bond amount, influenced by credit score. A stronger credit score can lower the premium rate.

Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title?

Maine motor vehicle title bonds are issued for a non-renewable three-year term. At the end of this period, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will release the bond if the vehicle is no longer registered in the state and the current title has been provided.

More Resources

• Maine Department of Motor Vehicles: Vehicle Title Replacement Information
• Maine Department of Motor Vehicles: Applying for a Maine Certificate of Title
• Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A §655: Missing Ownership Documents