How to Get a Massachusetts Bonded Title

Massachusetts Title Law, Chapter 90D, Section 12 requires individuals to file a certificate of title bond when they cannot provide proof of vehicle ownership. A Massachusetts 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 and future owners from financial damages. Continue reading for step-by-step instructions, application costs and bonding information. 

Who Needs a Massachusetts Bonded Title?

Typically, you will need a bonded title in Massachusetts under any of these conditions:

• You lost the vehicle title before registering it in your name.
• You did not receive a title when you bought the vehicle.
• You purchased a vehicle but were never given a title by the seller.
• The title you received was incorrectly assigned to you.
• The title you received is severely damaged or has unreadable information.
• The title contains significant errors, such as an incorrect VIN.

To be eligible for a bonded title, you must:

• Be a permanent resident of Massachusetts
• Have the vehicle located within the state
• Ensure there is no title application record for the vehicle

How to Get a Bonded Title in Massachusetts

Follow the five steps below to apply for your Massachusetts bonded title. 

Step 1: Consult the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

Before purchasing a surety bond, contact your local RMV office to confirm if a bonded title is necessary. Massachusetts does not require a bonded title for every applicant, so it’s important to ensure that you need and qualify for one.

Step 2: Prepare an affidavit

Write a detailed, notarized affidavit describing the complete history of your vehicle to the best of your knowledge. Be sure to include the following information about your vehicle:

• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Make
• Model
• Year

Step 3: Get a vehicle inspection

Get your vehicle inspected at a state or local police station. Obtain a signed Proof of Visual Inspection form.

Step 4: Purchase a 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 Massachusetts certificate of title bond online 24/7 starting as low as $100.

Step 5: Submit your application

Mail the title application, bond, and all documents to the RMV at the address below:

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles

Attention: Title Department

PO BOX 55885

Boston, MA 02205-5889

How Much Does a Massachusetts Bonded Title Cost?

The cost of getting a Massachusetts bonded title consists of a $100 application fee and a title bond premium that starts at $100. The final price of your certificate of title bond will depend on the required bond amount:

• Bonds up to $5,000: $100
• Bonds from $5,001 to $50,000: $20 per $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100
• Bond amounts for more than $50,000: Price varies based on credit score

Get an instant quote for your Massachusetts certificate of title bond now.

Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title?

No, your Massachusetts bonded title and title bond will expire three years from the effective dates and won’t require renewal. If there are no bond claims or liens on the vehicle, you’ll receive a standard title after three years. 

More Resources

• Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles: Vehicle Registration and Title Information
• Massachusetts Certificate of Title Application Instructions