How to Get a Washington Bonded Title

A Washington bonded title is a legal document used to establish ownership of a vehicle when the original title is lost, unavailable or can not be transferred. It allows individuals who purchase a vehicle without a proper Washington title to obtain legal ownership while protecting the state and future vehicle owners from financial damages.

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

Who Needs a Washington Bonded Title?

Revised Code of Washington Section 46.12.680 requires individuals to file a surety bond if they lack sufficient proof of vehicle ownership. You may need a bonded title under the following circumstances:

• You purchased a vehicle but did not receive the title.
• The title you received was not properly transferred into your name.
• You had a title but lost it before transferring ownership into your name.

If you’ve lost your title, you have a few options:

1. Get a Title Bond: Filing for a vehicle ownership bond allows you to legally claim ownership if you're missing the proper documentation.
2. Apply for Registration Without a Title: In some cases, you may apply for vehicle registration without needing the title.
3. Petition a District or Superior Court: You can petition a court to establish legal ownership of the vehicle.

These options help ensure you can prove ownership even without the original title.

How to Get a Bonded Title in Washington

Follow the six steps below to receive your Washington bonded title(s).  

Step 1: Contact the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)

Reach out to your local DOL office to confirm whether you qualify for a bonded title and receive instructions on the process.

Step 2: Conduct a record search and notify previous owners

Before proceeding, you’ll need to perform a record search to identify any previous owners. You must then send certified letters to these individuals, notifying them of your intent to claim ownership.

Step 3: Determine the vehicle's value

The bond amount must be 1.5 times the vehicle's appraised value. To determine this, the DOL will provide an appraisal, or you may be required to obtain an independent appraisal.

Step 4: Get a vehicle inspection

Schedule an inspection with an authorized inspector to verify the vehicle’s make, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Step 5: Purchase a vehicle ownership surety bond

Secure a surety bond from a licensed provider. The bond amount should be 1.5 times the vehicle's appraised value, as determined in Step 2.

Step 6: Complete the necessary paperwork

Fill out an Affidavit of Ownership, which should be notarized. This form confirms your ownership of the vehicle in cases where sufficient proof is unavailable. 

Step 7: Submit your application

Submit your vehicle inspection form, bond, and title application to a licensing agent at the DOL.

Step 8: Receive your bonded title

Once your application is approved, you will receive a title marked “BONDED.” This designation will remain for three years or until any claims against the bond are resolved.

Once you receive your Washington bonded title, you will officially become the legal owner of the vehicle. If another owner files a claim on the bond, the surety will investigate the case to determine the rightful owner.

How Much Does a Washington Bonded Title Cost?

The exact price will vary, as your bond amount must be 1.5 times the vehicle’s value as determined by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Washington title bond costs start at just $100, with a flat rate of $15 per $1,000 of coverage up to $50,000. For bonds over $50,000, premium pricing starts at $750.

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

Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title?

No, your Washington 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

• Revised Code of Washington Section 46.12.680
• Washington State Department of Licensing: Vehicle Ownership Bond Form
• Revised Code of Washington Chapter 46.12: Certificates of Title