Illinois Title Bond Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get an Illinois bonded title. Learn how to navigate the lost vehicle title bonding process 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 Illinois Secretary of State – Vehicle Services Department
- Required Amount: 1.5x the vehicle’s exact appraisal 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 Illinois bonded title is simply a vehicle title backed by a surety bond. It proves you are the legal owner of a vehicle when the original title is invalid, unavailable or can not be transferred.
What Is an Illinois Certificate of Title Bond?
Illinois Compiled Statutes 625 5/3-109 requires individuals with insufficient proof of vehicle ownership to file a surety bond as part of the vehicle registration process.
The certificate of title bond acts as financial security to repay monetary losses if the car turns out to be stolen or the title is otherwise invalid. In the event of theft or forgery, the surety can compensate the rightful owner or prior lienholders for the full value of the vehicle and any other damages.
How Much Bond Coverage Do I Need?
To get an Illinois bonded title, your certificate of title bond must cover 1.5 times the vehicle’s appraised value. For example, a car worth $10,000 needs $15,000 in bond coverage.
You can determine your vehicle’s value using NADA, Kelley Blue Book or a licensed professional. We recommend verifying your exact amount with the state before purchasing to ensure your bond will be accepted.
How Much Do Vehicle Title Bonds Cost in Illinois?
Illinois title bonds cost $100–$600 for most applicants. With SuretyBonds.com, you’ll pay $20 per $1,000 of coverage for bond amounts up to $50,000 with a $100 minimum. Buy now to receive your official bond in minutes via email.
If your bond amount is over $50,000, your application will go through underwriting to determine your rate. Most bonds can be quoted and issued within one business day.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does an Illinois Certificate of Title Bond Work?
An Illinois title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the bonded title applicant purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The Illinois Secretary of State – Vehicle Services Department 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 Certificate of Title Bond?
Typically, you will need an Illinois 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.
Title bonds are required to register vehicles with missing titles. If you plan to sell vehicles, you can learn more about Illinois Motor Vehicle Dealer Bonds here.
How Do I Get a Bond for a Lost Car Title in Illinois?
To get an Illinois title bond, you must provide the following information for MVD approval:
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Year
- Make
- Body type
Then, buy online or submit a quote request with SuretyBonds.com to receive your bond via email same-day.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
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.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Illinois
The Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Division enforces vehicle registration in the state, including bonded title issuance. Follow the steps below to apply for your Illinois bonded title.
Step 1: Prove your right to the vehicle
Provide one of the following ownership documents as evidence:
- Bill of sale
- Receipt
- Canceled check
If none of these are not available, provide a notarized statement explaining how you gained possession of the vehicle.
Step 2: Appraise the vehicle
Next, determine your vehicle’s value online with NADA or Kelley Blue Book, or through one of the following licensed professionals:
- Vehicle dealer
- Rebuilder
- Real estate agent (for mobile homes)
- Antique vehicle association officer or club (for antique vehicles)
The affirmation of the appraisal statement must contain the following:
- Vehicle year, make, model and VIN
- Current wholesale value
- Statement that the vehicle is intact or it is an incomplete, salvage or junk vehicle
- Statement that the value is accurate to the best of the appraiser's knowledge under penalties of perjury
You cannot perform your own vehicle appraisal.
Step 3: Purchase an Illinois title bond
Buy your Illinois certificate of title bond instantly online for as low as $100. The coverage must be 1.5x the vehicle’s appraised value.
You’ll receive an email with the official bond form. Print, sign and file the bond with the SOS.
Step 4: Complete and submit an application
Complete and print the title application (Form VSD 190) through the Electronic Registration and Title Vehicle Services system. Submit this along with the $95 application fee and supporting documentation to your local SOS branch office.
Step 5: Submit the tax documents
You must include tax documents with your application if you are titling a motor vehicle in Illinois that was purchased from an unregistered, out-of-state dealer or retailer.
Fill out the Motor Vehicle Use Tax Return (RUT-25) form and make taxes payable to the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Step 6: Release any existing liens
If a lienholder is listed on the previous title record, you must file a lien release.
You’ll receive your bonded title and Illinois license plates and tags once your application is approved and all payments are made.
Can I Sell a Vehicle With a Bonded Title in Illinois?
Yes, an Illinois 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.
Can I Update My Bond Form?
The most common changes for these bonds include updating the:
- Vehicle information
- Owner name
- Address
If your certificate of title bond form needs amended for any reason, email [email protected] to explain the request.
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?
Illinois 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.
More Resources
- Vehicle Title Bond Guide
- What Is a Surety Bond?
- Illinois Secretary of State
- Illinois Secretary of State: Title and Registration Publications and Forms
- Illinois General Assembly: Illinois Compiled Statutes Vehicles (625 ILCS 5/) Illinois Vehicle Code
- Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department: Fact Sheet - Titles Obtained by Bond
