Arizona Certificate of Title Bond Guide
Learn how to get an Arizona bonded title 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 Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
- Required Amount: 1.5 times the vehicle’s NADA value
- Premium Rates: $20 per $1,000 in coverage, starting at $100
- Term Length: Valid for 3 years, does not renew
What Is a Bonded Title?
An Arizona bonded title is simply a vehicle title backed by a surety bond. It proves you are the legal owner of a vehicle or mobile home when the original title is invalid, unavailable or can not be transferred.
What Is an Arizona Certificate of Title Bond?
Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28-Section 2057 requires individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond as a financial guarantee.
The certificate of title bond protects previous and future owners as well as lienholders from financial damages if there is a dispute over ownership.
How Much Do Certificate of Title Bonds Cost in Arizona?
Arizona title bonds cost $100–$500 for most applicants. With SuretyBonds.com, you’ll pay $20 per $1,000 of coverage for bond amounts up to $50,000*. Buy now to receive your official bond in minutes via email.
*If your bond amount is $50,000+, your application will go through underwriting to determine your rate. Most bonds can be quoted and issued within one business day.
How Does It Work?
An Arizona title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the bonded title applicant purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The Arizona Division of Motor Vehicles requiring the bond
- 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.
Who Needs a Bonded Title?
Typically, you will need an Arizona bonded title under these conditions:
- You did not receive a title when you bought the vehicle
- Your title was incorrectly assigned
- You lost the title before transferring it into your name
If you lost your existing title, you can typically just request a duplicate title.
Arizona vehicle title bonds are required to register vehicles with missing titles. If you plan to sell vehicles in Arizona, you can learn more about Arizona Motor Vehicle Dealer Bonds here.
How Do I Get a Certificate of Title Bond in Arizona?
To get an Arizona title bond, you must provide the following information for MVD approval:
- Name
- Address
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Year
- Make
- Body type
Before purchasing, we recommend verifying your bond amount with the Arizona MVD. It must be exactly 1.5 times the vehicle’s NADA value.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get an Arizona bonded title. 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. Apply now to get started.
Who Regulates Motor Vehicle Registration in Arizona?
The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division enforces vehicle registration in the state, including bonded title issuance.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Arizona
Follow the steps below to apply for your Arizona bonded title.
Step 1: Contact the MVD
Contact your local MVD office to determine your eligibility, understand requirements, and conduct a vehicle history search. If liens are found, fill out the Arizona Motor Vehicle Record Request form.
Step 2: Complete a level 1 vehicle inspection
Visit a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) office where an inspector will verify your VIN number and confirm it has not been stolen.
Step 3: Get an emissions test (if applicable)
If you reside in or regularly travel to the Phoenix or Tucson metropolitan areas and your vehicle registration has expired, your vehicle must undergo an emissions test.
Step 4: Fill out the Bonded Title Affidavit
Obtain and complete a Bonded Title Affidavit from your local MVD office.
Step 5: Send certified letters (if applicable)
If the vehicle's record shows the involvement of another party, send certified letters requesting they sign over the title or provide a notarized statement disclaiming ownership.
Step 6: Submit application
Apply for your Arizona bonded title by submitting the following documents to the MVD:
- Vehicle inspection verification
- Title search records
- Lien releases (if applicable)
- Emissions test (if applicable)
- Certified letter results (if applicable)
- Bond affidavit
- Bonded title application
After reviewing your application, the MVD will determine your eligibility and the required bond amount.
Step 7: Purchase a surety bond
Next, buy your title bond online at SuretyBonds.com.
Step 8: File your bonded title request
Finally, submit your title bond and any supporting documents to the MVD to receive your bonded title.
More Title Bond FAQs
Can I Sell a Vehicle With a Bonded Title in Arizona?
Yes, an Arizona bonded title allows you to register, insure and transfer ownership of a vehicle when the original title is lost. The certificate of title bond provides security for the vehicle purchaser.
How Do I Update My Bond Form?
If your surety bond form needs amended for any reason, email [email protected] to explain the request.
The most common changes for these bonds include updating the:
- Vehicle information
- Owner name
- Address
Can I Get a Bonded Title With Bad Credit?
Yes, these bonds are typically available for instant purchase with no credit check. If your bond does require an application, we’ll search for the best available rate.
How Do I Renew My Title Bond?
Arizona bonded titles expire three years from the effective date and do not renew. The state will return the bond at that time and you can apply for a standard title.
