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What is a bonded title in Idaho?

Idaho Code Section 49-523 requires individuals to file a surety bond for vehicle registration if they have insufficient ownership evidence for a vehicle less than 10 years old. The state officially calls this form a “Vehicle Ownership Bond,” but it’s more commonly known as a “certificate of title bond” or just a “title bond.” By filing a lost title bond, an individual verifies that, to their knowledge, they are the vehicle’s sole owner.

This bond protects previous or future owners from financial loss resulting from a certificate of title issuance. If the original title is found and a claim is made against the bond, the surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount. The bonded vehicle owner must then reimburse the surety company.

How much does an Idaho vehicle ownership title bond cost?

Idaho certificate of title bond costs start at $100. The exact cost will vary depending on the surety bond amount required by the Idaho Transportation Department.

• Bond amounts up to $10,000 cost $100.
• Bond amounts from $10,001 to $25,000 cost $10 for every $1,000 of coverage, starting at $100.
• Bond amounts from $25,001 to $50,000 cost $15 for every $1,000 of coverage, starting at $375.
• Bond amounts for more than $50,000 must be reviewed by an underwriter for pricing, starting at $750.

The Idaho 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 do I get an Idaho vehicle ownership title bond?

You can purchase your Idaho vehicle ownership title bond online 24/7. You must provide the following information for Idaho Transportation Department approval.

• name
• address
• vehicle identification number (VIN)
• make
• model
• year
• engine number, if motorcycle

Once your payment is received, your official bond documents will be delivered to your email.

What is the Purpose of the Idaho Lost Title Bond?

Idaho 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.

Who is Required to Purchase a Bond?

The Idaho Transportation Department requires title applicants to purchase a surety bond if the applicant cannot present the department with tangible proof that they own the vehicle and are unable to contact the vehicle’s previous owner. Lost title bonds are typically 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
• Bonded titles are not required for vehicles that are ten years old or older.

How do Idaho bond title applicants file their bonds?

The Idaho Transportation Department enforces vehicle registration and requirements for vehicles with lost, stolen, or missing titles. All application documents, including the surety bond, must be filed in person at a county DMV office within 30 days.

Idaho lost title bonds are required for vehicle registration. If you plan to sell vehicles, a separate Idaho vehicle and vessel dealer bond is required.

How do I determine my required bond amount?

Your bond amount will be 1.5x your vehicle’s value as appraised by a licensed dealer. If you need help determining your exact required bond amount, contact the Idaho Department of Transportation before purchasing your title surety bond.

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

How do I update or change my bond form?

If the Idaho Transportation Department requires your surety bond documentation to be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider.
The most common changes include updating the:

• name
• address
• vehicle information

Do Idaho bonded titles expire?

These bonds expire at the end of their 3-year term and do not need to be renewed. The state will return the bond at that time if the vehicle is no longer registered in the state and the current certificate of ownership is provided. The bond cannot be canceled unless requested by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

How do I apply for a bonded title in Idaho?

Follow the steps outlined in the Idaho Bonded Title Application Instructions.

1. Call the Idaho Transportation Department at 1(208)334-8663 to verify a bonded title is needed.
   Bonded title applicants in Idaho should consult the Transportation Department prior to purchasing a surety bond. Idaho does not require all title applicants to obtain a bonded title, and usually only does so as an absolute last resort. Title applicants should ensure that they actually need a bond before purchasing one.
2. Request a Motor Vehicle Record Report. If applicable, you must inform, through certified mail, any current owner or lien holder that you wish to title the vehicle. Vehicles with open liens require a lien release before a bonded title can be provided.
3. Have a licensed vehicle dealer complete a vehicle appraisal and VIN inspection.
4. Purchase a surety bond in the correct amount required.
5. Submit all application materials to your local Idaho DMV office. All Idaho bonded title applications should be submitted in person to the applicant’s local DMV office. Bonded title applicants must complete the application in its entirety, and submit the following items:
   • Vehicle Record (obtained in Step 2)
   • Vehicle appraisal and VIN inspection form
   • Indemnifying affidavit
   • Surety bond
   • Certified mail receipts and copies of documents sent to the vehicle’s owners and lienholders
   • Lien releases (if applicable)
   • 6% sales/use tax
   • Title fee
   • Proof of ownership (bill of sale, invoices, etc.)

How Do Idaho Bonded Title Applicants File Their Bond?

In Idaho, bonded title applicants should submit the completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to their local DMV office. The Idaho 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 entity/individual(s) buying the bond
• Surety company’s name and state of incorporation
• Bond amount
• Vehicle information
• Date the bond is signed

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

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

• $25,000 per person
• $50,000 per accident
• $15,000 property damage per accident

After their vehicle has been appraised, bonded title applicants must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to one and a half times the vehicle’s appraised value.

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

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