If you are a New York 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 NY
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 NY
- The vehicle is operable
- The vehicle does not have any liens or security interests
- The vehicle was not stolen
- The vehicle was not acquired through an abandoned vehicle process
- The applicant is a resident of New York
How to apply for a bonded title in NY
If your vehicle meets the eligibility requirements of a New York bonded title, begin the application process by completing the Vehicle Title Application (MV-82), Odometer And Damage Disclosure Statement (MV-103), and Statement Of Transaction (DTF-802).
Prior owner contact
The state of New York requires the prior owner to be contacted before a bonded title can be processed. Submit a DPPA request to the NY State DMV or your local DMV office to request the current registered owner information. Using that information, you must send a letter via certified mail with a return receipt alerting them of your intention to obtain a bonded title. Be sure to keep the green return slip for future use. If the letter is returned undeliverable, do not open it, keep it sealed as it will be needed for future evidence.
Written statement
A written statement is required for you to explain how the vehicle came into your possession. This letter should state the seller, the date of the transaction, the purchase price, and vehicle information. This written statement must be notarized.
Visit the DMV
Once you’ve completed the required documents, contacted the prior owner, and have your notarized written statement, visit your local DMV with all of the documentation. In addition, bring any other documents related to the vehicle such as a bill of sale, a printed photo of your VIN, and fees for tax, title, and registration. The DMV agent will review your documents and give you a Sales Tax Receipt (FS-6T).
Make copies of all documents for your records, then send all documents plus the Sales Tax Receipt (FS-6T) to the New York State DMV Title Bureau via certified mail. The Title Bureau will review your application and will either send you a title or ask you to post a bond.
Title bond
If you are asked to post a bond, purchase your title bond from a surety bond provider. New York requires title bonds to be 1.5x the value of the vehicle. This value is typically based on the book value of the vehicle. Most title bonds are required to be around 1.5x 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.
After purchasing your bond, submit your bond information to the NY DMV per the instructions in their letter to you. When approved, the NY DMV will mail you your 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 New York title in your name.
CarTitles.com takes the hassle out of applying for a title for your vehicle. Their team of title experts can help prepare your paperwork for your NY bonded title or any other title recovery method provided.
