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What is the Georgia Lost Title Bond?

Georgia statute 40-3-28 requires residents who do not have adequate proof that they own their vehicle to purchase a surety bond prior to obtaining their duplicate title. The Georgia legislature enacted the bonding requirement to ensure that the rightful vehicle owner will receive compensation if the title applicant does not actually own the vehicle. The bond amount must be equal to twice the vehicle’s average retail value but cannot be less than $5,000.

How do I get a bonded title in Georgia?

1. Verify your vehicle qualifies for a bonded title.
   Before applying for your bonded title, you must verify you and your vehicle meet the following Georgia Department of Revenue requirements.
   • You, the vehicle owner, you must be legal resident of Georgia.
   • Your vehicle cannot be a 1985 or older year model.
   • Your vehicle cannot be abandoned.
   • You must be able to purchase and file a surety bond for your vehicle.
2. Complete all necessary paperwork.
   You’ll need to complete several forms before submitting your application.
   • MV-1 Motor Vehicle Title/Tag Application is the official application form used for bonded titles.
   • Form 22-b Certification of Inspection. If your vehicles is missing its serial plate, you’ll need a Request for a Replacement Serial Plate.
   • A National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) report or from an equivalent system authorized by the Department of Revenue.
   • Form T-4 Notice of Satisfaction of Security Interest or Lien Holder Affidavit must be submitted alongside application if a state certified title history reflects a security interest, notice of a release of security interest, or lien.
   • If available, provide any proof of ownership papers you have. These could include, but are not limited to a bill of sale, vehicle title, or lien release.
3. Determine your bond amount.
   To determine your Georgia lost title bond amount, call the Motor Vehicle Division at 1(855)406-5221. In some instances, your County Tag Office may also be able to help determine your bond amount. The Motor Vehicle Division typically uses Black Book to determine the appraisal amount of a vehicle.According to values determined by the Department of Revenue, the bond amount will be twice the value of the vehicle being titled. If your appraisal amount is less than $2,500, your bond amount will be $5,000 – the minimum bond amount required in Georgia. For example, if your vehicle is valued at $3,200, your bond amount would be $6,400.
4. Purchase your Georgia certificate of title bond.
   Once you know your bond amount, you can buy your Georgia certificate of title bond online 24/7 starting at $100, delivered in minutes by email. The DOR requires your motor vehicle certification of title bond form be filed before your bonded title will be issued. Your legal name must be listed as the principal to match your license and other vehicle registration documents. If the vehicle is jointly owned, both owners must sign the bond.
5. Complete and submit an application, paperwork, and bond.
   Once you’ve completed all your paperwork and purchased your surety bond, you can apply for your Georgia bonded title. You must submit your bonded title application within 6 months of your bond’s effective date. Mail your application to your local County Tag Office with the required $18 application fee. Title applicants must complete the application in its entirety, and submit the following items:
   • Bond affidavit
   • Certification of inspection
   • Report from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
   • If there is a security interest or lien on the vehicle, the applicant must submit a notice of release form

Since the bonded title works the same as the original title, you now have proof of ownership of your vehicle.

Who Regulates Lost Title Bonds In Georgia?

The Georgia Department of Revenue

What is the Purpose of the Georgia Lost Title Bond?

Georgia requires residents to purchase a surety bond as part of the application process to obtain a bonded 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 is the Bond Amount Determined?

Georgia statute 40-3-28 dictates that the bond amount must be equal to twice the vehicle’s average retail value, but may not be less than $5,000. The Department of Revenue will determine the required bond amount during the title application process.

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

Who is Required to Purchase a Bond?

The Georgia Department of Revenue will require a title applicant to purchase a surety bond if the applicant cannot present the department with adequate proof that the applicant does in fact own 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

A Georgia Lost Title Bond will not be issued unless all of the following conditions are met:

• The vehicle’s owner must be a legal resident of Georgia
• The vehicle must require a Georgia title
• Cannot be a 1985 or older year model vehicle
• Cannot be an abandoned vehicle

How Do Georgia Bonded Title Applicants File Their Bond?

In Georgia, bonded title applicants should submit the completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to their local county tag office. The Georgia Lost 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 state of incorporation
• 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 Georgia?

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

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

Bonded title applicants must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to twice the vehicle’s average retail value, but not less than $5,000.

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

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