Buy it yourself online
Have your Notice of Determination from the Texas DMV handy — the bond amount you need is on it. The online form walks you through the rest.
Bonded title
Texas Title Bond
Lost your title, or bought a vehicle without the right paperwork? The Texas DMV may ask you to buy a title bond before it will issue a title in your name. You can buy your Texas title bond online in a few minutes, or call us and we’ll help.
The online bond site opens in a new tab and asks you to confirm you’re human before it shows the bond details.
When does Texas ask for a title bond?
A bonded title is a way to get a Texas title when you can’t prove you own a vehicle the usual way. The bond (sometimes called a surety bond for a vehicle title) protects past owners and future buyers in case someone else later shows a claim to the vehicle. Common reasons people need one:
The title is lost
You have the vehicle, but the title is gone and you can’t get the seller to help replace it.
The paperwork is incomplete
The title was never signed over, a signature is missing, or you only have a bill of sale.
The paperwork has mistakes
Something on the documents you got is wrong, and you can’t reach the seller to fix it.
Who can use a bonded title?
- Texas residents, or military members stationed in Texas.
- The vehicle has to be in your possession. It doesn’t have to run, but it has to be a complete vehicle — not junked or marked nonrepairable.
- If the vehicle has a loan on record that is less than 10 years old, you’ll need a release of lien or a letter of no interest from that lender.
- Never titled in Texas? A law enforcement vehicle ID inspection (Form VTR-68-A) is also required.
How the Texas bonded title process works
01
Ask the Texas DMV if you qualify
Take or mail the Bonded Title Application (Form VTR-130-SOF), any proof you own the vehicle (like a bill of sale or canceled check), a photo ID, and a $15 fee to the TxDMV Regional Service Center for your county.
02
Buy your title bond
If you’re approved, the Texas DMV sends a Notice of Determination with the bond amount — 1½ times the vehicle’s value. You have one year to buy the bond. This is the part Del Mar handles.
03
File at your county tax office
Within 30 days of buying the bond, take the original bond, the Notice of Determination, your proof of ownership, and a completed Form 130-U to your county tax office to apply for your Texas title.
The Texas DMV sets the vehicle’s value, usually from its standard value tool, and sometimes from a guide or an appraisal. Rules can change, so check the Texas DMV bonded title page or your county tax office for the latest steps.
Or let us help
Most people call us for their title bond. We can answer your questions and take care of it with you over the phone.
Need car or home insurance too?
Auto and homeowners coverage are what we do most. Request a quote and a Del Mar Insurance team member will follow up — no instant rate, no guaranteed price.