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Vehicle Ownership Bond

Get Your Lost Title Bond to Register Your Vehicle in Washington

Bought a vehicle without a title? Lost your paperwork? We provide the "Ownership in Doubt" surety bond required by the WA Department of Licensing.

Instant PDF Download | Bad Credit OK

Instant PDF delivery for your Licensing Office appointment.

Classic Car Restoration Project
Registration
Unlocked
Step 1 of 4

What are you registering?

We bond all eligible vehicle types in Washington State.

Car, Truck, or SUV Standard passenger vehicles.
Motorcycle Street bikes or dirt bikes.
Trailer / Camper / RV Travel trailers missing paperwork.
Snowmobile / ORV Off-road vehicles.
Boat / Vessel Vessels under 65 feet.
Antique / Restoration Classic cars & barn finds.
Step 1: Get Your Appraisal

Before buying a bond, you must get a valuation. For cars, use NADA/Kelley Blue Book. For others, get an appraisal from a dealer.

Step 2 of 4

Why is the title missing?

This helps us underwrite the risk of the bond.

Private Sale / No Title

Bought from a private party who lost the title or never gave it to you.

Select This

Lost Title

I had the title in my name, but I lost it before registering in WA.

Select This

Barn Find / Abandoned

Found on property or restoration project with no paperwork.

Select This
Step 3 of 4

What is the Vehicle Value?

WA DOL requires the bond to be 1.5 times the Fair Market Value.

Under
$5,000 Value
$5k -
$20k Value
$20k + Value

Calculation Example: If your car is worth $4,000, Washington State requires a $6,000 bond ($4,000 x 1.5). You will only pay a small one-time fee for this (usually $100).

Step 4 of 4

Have you completed your WSP Inspection?

The Washington State Patrol must inspect the VIN for all "Ownership in Doubt" applications.

Yes, I have the report I have the signed inspection form from the State Patrol.
No, not yet I still need to schedule the appointment. (You can still get the bond quote now).
I am not sure The licensing office did not mention this.

The "Ownership in Doubt" Process

In Washington, this process is governed by RCW 46.12.680. It allows you to register a vehicle when you don't have proper documentation, but it comes with conditions.

How it works:

  • 3-Year Registration: You will get registration, but the title will be marked "Bonded."
  • The Bond: Acts as a safety net. If a previous owner claims the car was stolen, the bond pays them.
  • Clean Title: After 3 years, if no one claims the vehicle, you can apply for a standard clean title.
WA Title Bond
DOL Form 420-009
Apply Now

How much does a Title Bond cost?

You pay a one-time premium for the 3-year term. It is NOT a monthly payment.

Most Vehicles

Minimum Premium

$100

For Bonds under $5,000
If your vehicle is worth less than roughly $3,300, you pay the minimum fee.

Standard
Average Cost

1.5% Rate

$15 per $1k

For Bonds over $5,000
Example: A $10,000 bond costs $150. This covers the full 3-year term.

High Value

Classic Cars

Approval Req

Bonds over $25,000
For high-value restorations, we may need a quick credit check (soft pull) to approve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know the bond amount?
You must value the car first. If it is a standard car under 20 years old, use the NADA or Kelley Blue Book value. If it is a motorcycle, camper, or classic car, you must get an appraisal from a licensed dealer or appraiser. Multiply that value by 1.5 to get your bond amount.
Can I sell the car with a bonded title?
Yes, but the "Bonded" brand remains on the title for the remainder of the 3-year period. You should inform the buyer that the title is bonded.
Do I get my money back after 3 years?
No. The payment is a "premium" to the surety company for taking the risk of backing your ownership claim. It acts like insurance and is not refundable.
What documents do I need to take to the DOL?
You will need: 1. The Bonded Title Application, 2. Proof of Ownership (Bill of Sale), 3. The Bond (which we provide), and 4. The vehicle appraisal/valuation.