If you are a Missouri resident, a bonded title can be an effective way to recover your vehicle title if you don’t have sufficient evidence of ownership.
What is a bonded title?
A bonded title is a type of title recovery method that requires the purchase of a surety bond, also known as a vehicle title bond, to secure the ownership of the vehicle. This is because, in order to receive a bonded title, you must have a major lack of proper documentation. The DMV in your state is essentially taking your word that you are the owner of the vehicle. The vehicle title bond provides security for the DMV to assign the ownership in the event that there is an ownership discrepancy after the bonded title is issued.
How to get a bonded title in Missouri
Before beginning your bonded title process, make sure that your vehicle meets the eligibility for a bonded title.
Vehicle requirements for a bonded title in Missouri
- The vehicle does not have any liens or security interests
- The vehicle was not stolen
- The vehicle must be at least 7 years old or older
- The value of the vehicle cannot exceed $3,000
- There are no records of a prior application for title for the vehicle or the records reflect incomplete or conflicting documentation of ownership
How to apply for a bonded title in Missouri
If your vehicle meets the eligibility requirements of a Missouri bonded title, begin the application process by completing the Application for Missouri Title (DOR-108) and Odometer Disclosure Statement (DOR-3019).
Inspection
The bonded title process requires that all vehicles are inspected prior to the title being issued. To schedule your inspection, contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol or St. Louis City/County Auto Theft Unit. Once your inspection is complete, the officer who inspected the vehicle will complete the Vehicle Inspection Form (DOR-551).
Notarized statement
To be eligible for a bonded title in Missouri, you must provide a statement of facts. This statement must accurately describe the vehicle, provide seller/buyer names, the purchase date, and an explanation as to how you obtained the vehicle and why you do not have the title. This statement must be notarized.
Title bond
Once you’ve completed your inspection and supporting documents, visit your motor vehicle office to determine the value of the bond. This value is typically based on the book value of the vehicle. Most title bonds in Missouri are required to be 2x the value of the vehicle, however, that doesn’t mean it costs that much to purchase. Most title bonds cost around $100-$150 for average value vehicles.
Once you’ve completed the official documents, passed inspection, and obtained your title bond, submit all of your documents and any state title fees to the Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau. Thirty days after receiving your application, the Missouri DOR will issue you a new bonded title.
After 3 years of having BONDED stamped on your vehicle title, the bonded title brand will dissipate and you will have a clean Missouri title in your name.
Looking for a quote for your title bond? Get one with us at ProBonds.com!
CarTitles.com takes the hassle out of applying for a title for your vehicle. Our team of title experts can help prepare your paperwork for your Missouri bonded title or any other title recovery method provided.
