Iowa Certificate of Title Bond Guide
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get an Iowa bonded title. Learn how to navigate the certificate of 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 a vehicle without a valid title
- Regulating Body: The Iowa Department of Transportation or Natural Resources
- Required Amount: 1.5x the vehicle’s appraised value
- Premium Rates: Typically $15/$1,000 in coverage, starting at $100
What Is an Iowa Bonded Title?
A bonded title is a standard title backed by a surety bond. This allows you to legally register your vehicle with the state of Iowa.
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 Iowa Certificate of Title Bond?
Iowa Code Chapter 321, Section 24 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 potential monetary losses. If the car turns out to be stolen or the title is otherwise invalid, the surety will compensate the rightful owner or lienholders.
How Much Title Bond Coverage Do I Need?
Your Iowa surety bond amount must be 1.5 times your vehicle value. To determine your exact required bond amount, contact the Iowa DOT before purchasing your title surety bond.
How Much Do Certificate of Title Bonds Cost in Iowa?
Iowa certificate of title bond costs start at $100 for the 3-year term. Exact costs vary depending on the surety bond amount required by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT):
- $100-$6,000 Bond: Costs $100
- $6,001-$50,000 Bond: Costs $15 per $1,000, starting at $100
- $50,000+ Bond: Prices start at $750, application required
Select your bond amount below to buy now or apply for a free quote.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Much Do Title Bonds for Boats, Snowmobiles or ATVs Cost?
Iowa boat, snowmobile and ATV certificate of title bond premiums also start at $100. Exact rates vary based on the bond amount required by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
- $100-$6,000 Bond: Costs $100
- $6,001-$25,000 Bond: Costs $15 per $1,000, starting at $100
- $25,001+ Bond: Prices start at $375, application required
How Does an Iowa Certificate of Title Bond Work?
An Iowa title bond creates a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the bonded title applicant purchasing the bond
- Obligee: The Iowa Department of Transportation or Natural Resources requiring the bond
- Surety: The provider issuing the bond
The Iowa bonded title protects any prior owner, prior lienholder, or any future purchaser of the vehicle from expenses, losses, or damages.
For example, if the original title is found and a valid claim is made against the bond, the surety company will pay damages up to the full bond amount. The bonded vehicle owner must then reimburse the surety.
Who Needs a Bonded Title in Iowa?
Individuals in Iowa must file a surety bond if they lack sufficient proof of vehicle ownership.
There are many reasons owners may need a bonded title including, but not limited to, the following:
- Vehicle title is lost, stolen or damaged
- VIN or vehicle information is inaccurate
- Vehicle is older than 25 years and junked
- Security interest cannot be released
How Do I Get a Certificate of Title Bond in Iowa?
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get bonded. Just follow these quick steps:
- Apply online at SuretyBonds.com
- Get a free quote within one business day or buy instantly online
- Buy online or over the phone
- Receive your certificate of title bond digitally
You’ll receive your vehicle title bond via email. If you are registering a boat, snowmobile or ATV, we’ll mail your official bond form instead.
What to Include on Your Bond Application
When applying for your Iowa certificate of title bond—for any type of vehicle—be sure to include the following:
- The vehicle make
- The VIN or Hull number
- The vehicle year
- The county where your address is located
For a regular bonded title, include the value of the vehicle. If you’re bonding a boat, snowmobile or ATV, include the vehicle model.
How to Get a Bonded Title in Iowa
The Iowa Department of Transportation enforces registration requirements for vehicles with lost, stolen or missing titles. Follow the five steps below to apply for your Iowa bonded title.
Step 1: Take pictures of the vehicle
Take digital photos of your vehicle including the front, sides, VIN plate and the manufacturer’s federal safety label. You’ll submit these when you apply in step three.
Step 2: Get ownership documentation
Provide some form of ownership documentation from the date of acquisition. Acceptable documents include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Bill of sale
- Canceled check
- Junking certificate
Step 3: Apply for a bonded title
Submit the online Application for Registration and Bonded Certificate of Title to the DOT. Attach your ownership documentation and photos as supporting documents.
If you need a boat, snowmobile and ATV bonded title, submit this application form to the DNR instead.
Step 4: Receive title search records
The DOT will perform a title record search to see if there are existing owners, outstanding liens or a junking certificate.
They will respond with next steps based on whether or not the record is clear.
Step 5: Get vehicle inspection, if necessary
If the DOT requires a vehicle inspection, they will contact you. Set up an appointment with a Bureau of Investigation Identity Protection investigator.
For boats, snowmobiles and ATV’s, the DNR may require a certified conservation officer to investigate the vehicle instead.
Step 6: Purchase a surety bond
The DOT will determine the necessary bond amount based on the value of your vehicle. Your surety bond must cover 1.5x of the determined value.
Buy your Iowa certificate of title bond online at SuretyBonds.com, then submit it to the applicable obligee.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bonded Title in Iowa?
It takes at least 12 weeks for boat, snowmobile or ATV bonded title requests to be investigated by the DNR.
For regular vehicle bonded titles, the process is typically faster. The DOT will perform a vehicle history check and if an owner is listed on record, they will wait 10 days after mailing to receive a response. Then, they will process the bond and issue the bonded title.
Do I Need to Renew My Bonded Title?
Iowa title bonds expire 3 years from their effective date and do not renew.
If the vehicle is no longer registered in the state and there is evidence of the original certificate, the Iowa Department of Transportation may return the bond.
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
Yes, you may still be able to get a bonded title with bad credit. Iowa certificate of title 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 with our surety markets.
