How to Get a Vermont Bonded Title

A Vermont bonded title is a legal document that provides proof of ownership for a vehicle when the original title is lost, unavailable or cannot be transferred. This allows individuals who purchase a vehicle without a valid Vermont title to establish legal ownership. By securing a bonded title, you also protect the state and future buyers against potential financial liabilities.

Continue reading for step-by-step instructions, application costs and bonding information. 

Who Needs a Vermont Bonded Title?

Vermont Statutes 28.10.216 requires individuals without proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond. 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

To be eligible for a bonded title, you must be a permanent resident of Vermont and the vehicle must be located in the state. 

How to Get a Bonded Title in Vermont

If you are missing a title for a vehicle in Vermont and have exhausted all other options to replace or recover the title, you may be eligible for a bonded title. Follow the six steps below to receive your Vermont bonded title.  

Step 1: Confirm eligibility and gather information

Contact the Vermont DMV to confirm if you qualify for a bonded title. Explain your situation and ask them to conduct a record search to help you gather necessary background information about your vehicle.

Step 2: Write a statement

Prepare a written statement detailing why you lack a title and the history of your vehicle. This statement will be part of your application.

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, you will need to get a VIN inspection, which can be done through any licensed dealership or appraiser in Vermont. Include any available documentation, such as a bill of sale or previous registration, along with applicable fees.

Step 5: Purchase and file a title bond

Apply for a Vermont title bond from a qualified surety provider, ensuring the bond amount is 1.5 times the vehicle’s value. You can buy your Vermont certificate of title bond online 24/7 at SuretyBonds.com starting at just $100.

Step 6: Complete the application

Once you have the title bond, 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. If you don’t hear back within 60 days of applying, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles. 

How Much Does a Vermont Bonded Title Cost?

Bonded title and registration fees vary based on the vehicle type. For a standard car, you can expect to pay a $42 title fee, $91 registration fee and $100–$300 for a Vermont bonded title for a total cost of roughly $133–$333. 

The exact price of your Vermont title bond will vary based on the bond coverage as outlined below:

• Under $6,000: $100
• $6,000–$25,000: $15/$1,000 of coverage
• Over $25,000: Credit-based pricing starting at 1% of the total bond amount

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

Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title?

No, your Vermont 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

• Vermont Motor Vehicle/Vessel Title Bond Form
• Vermont Replacement Title Information
• Vermont Title Lien Information
• Vermont Dealer Appraisal Form