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What is a Connecticut bonded title?

Connecticut statute 17-176 requires residents who never received or have lost their vehicle title to purchase a surety bond as part of the ownership registration process and before obtaining their duplicate title. By filing a Connecticut certificate of title surety bond, the principal (vehicle owner) verifies their vehicle was not acquired under fraudulent circumstances. The bond protects prior owners and lien holders, as well as any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle, in the event the original title is found.

State form H-113 is officially titled the “Surety Bond – Certificate of Title” but is also known as the “certificate of title bond,” “vehicle title bond,” or just “title bond.” Note that Connecticut title bonds must be filed with the DMV within 30 days of issuance.

What is the Purpose of the Connecticut Lost Title Bond?

Connecticut requires residents to purchase a surety bond as part of the application process to obtain a duplicate title. The bond ensures that the rightful vehicle owner will not suffer a financial loss if the title applicant is seeking to obtain the title fraudulently. If the title applicant is engaging in fraud, then the rightful vehicle owner can file a claim against the bond and receive compensation up to the full amount of the bond. In short, the bond acts as a safeguard against people attempting to obtain ownership of a vehicle through unethical means.

How much does a title bond cost in Connecticut?

Connecticut certificate of title bond costs start at $100. Your exact cost will vary depending on the surety bond amount required by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for your vehicle.

• Bond amounts less than $6,000 cost $100.
• Bond amounts from $6,001 to $50,000 cost $15 for every $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100.
• Bond amounts for more than $50,000 must be reviewed by an underwriter for pricing, starting at $750.

The Connecticut Lost Title Bond costs either $100 or 1.5% of the bond amount, whichever is greater (rates may vary for bonds greater than $25,000).

How is the Bond Amount Determined?

Connecticut statute 14-176 dictates that the bond amount must be equal to twice the vehicle’s value as determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Is a Credit Check Required for the Connecticut Lost Title Bond?

We do not conduct a credit check for bonds that are less than $25,000. For bonds over $25,000, we have Bad Credit bonding programs that we can get your bond approved and issued with the same fast and easy service.

How do you get a title bond in Connecticut?

You can purchase your Connecticut title bond online 24/7. You’ll need to provide the following information for the Department of Motor Vehicles filing approval.

• name
• address
• vehicle identification number (VIN)
• vehicle year, make, and model

Once your payment has been processed, you’ll receive a digital copy of your surety bond by email instantly. Your official vehicle title bond will be delivered to your preferred mailing address.

Who registers vehicles with missing titles in Connecticut?

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles enforces registration requirements for vehicles with lost, stolen, or missing titles. Before the DMV will issue a certificate of title for a vehicle with a lost or stolen title, applicants must file a surety bond with a bond amount equal to 2 times the vehicle’s appraised value. Applicants must verify their required bond amount with the state before purchasing their bond.

Who needs a Connecticut title bond?

If a vehicle owner doesn’t have a title, they must purchase and file a certificate of title bond to properly register their vehicle.

Bonded titles aren’t available for vehicles with a lien unless the applicant gets a certificate of lien release. The title bond will then protect the previous title lienholder.

The DMV requires this Connecticut certificate of title bond to register vehicles with missing vehicle ownership documentation. If you plan to sell, repair, or lease vehicles to the public, the DMV enforces a separate Connecticut auto dealer, repairer, or leasing bond. If you issue motor vehicle registration and collect fees, the DMV enforces a separate Connecticut registration issuance bond.

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles will require a title applicant to purchase a surety bond if they cannot determine with certainty that the applicant actually owns the vehicle. Typically, lost title bonds are required for the following reasons:

• The vehicle has never been titled
• The applicant never received the title
• The previous owner never titled the vehicle
• The applicant has the title but there is an error in the title transfer
• The applicant purchased an unclaimed/abandoned vehicle and is not a bonded agent

How do I update or change my bond form?

If the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles requires your surety bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider.
The most common changes for these bonds include:

• vehicle information
• owner’s name
• owner’s address

How do I renew my vehicle title bond in Connecticut?

Connecticut lost title bonds do not renew after their initial 5-year term. The bond will be returned at the end of 5 years (or before) if the vehicle is no longer registered in Connecticut or if the valid certificate of title is filed in its place.

How do I Apply for a Bonded Title in Connecticut?

The DMV does not require titles for vehicles 20 years old or older. Vehicles less than 20 years old must carry a title for vehicle registration.

To apply for a bonded title, Connecticut residents must complete the following steps:

1. Consult the DMV
   Bonded title applicants in Connecticut should consult with their local DMV prior to purchasing a surety bond. Connecticut does not require all duplicate title applicants to obtain a bonded title, and title applicants should ensure that they actually need a bond before purchasing one.
2. Purchase a Surety Bond
   Once they get confirmation from the DMV, bonded title applicants must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to twice the vehicle’s value as determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Connecticut allows vehicle owners to use Kelley Blue Book or NADA to determine vehicle value.
3. File your Connecticut Registration and Title Application and bond.
   All bonded title applicants in Connecticut must complete the replacement title application and drop it off at their local DMV office or mail it to the following address:
   State of Connecticut
   Department of Motor Vehicles
   Attn: Specialized Registry Services
   60 State Street
   Wethersfield, CT 06161
   Bonded title applicants must pay a $25 fee when submitting their application.
4. If your application is approved, you’ll receive your bonded title in the mail.

How Do Connecticut Bonded Title Applicants File Their Bond?

In Connecticut, bonded title applicants should submit the completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to their local DMV office or mail it to the following address:

State of Connecticut
Department of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Specialized Registry Services
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161

The Connecticut Title Surety Bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and the bonded title applicant. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• The legal name and address of entity/individual(s) buying the bond
• Surety company’s name and address
• Bond amount
• Vehicle information
• Date the bond is signed
• Witness signatures for the principal and surety company

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Bonded Title Applicants in Connecticut?

Connecticut requires all motor vehicle owners to purchase auto insurance with the following limits:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage

Bonded title applicants must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to twice the vehicle’s value as determined by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

How Can Connecticut Residents Avoid Claims Against Their Lost Title Bond?

To avoid claims against their bond, bonded title applicants in Connecticut must ensure that they are the rightful owners of the motor vehicle.