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What is a Tennessee bonded title?

Tennessee Code Annotated 55-3-103 requires individuals without official vehicle ownership proof file a surety bond for registration. Bonded titles are used for vehicles, manufactured/mobile homes, trailers, ATVs, and golf carts missing their original titles. Tennessee form RV-F1313501 is officially titled the “Motor Vehicle TIT Corporate Surety Bond,” but it’s more commonly known as a ” certificate of title surety bond,” lost title bond,” or ” bonded title.”

Tennessee does not require title surety bonds for vehicles valued less than $3,000 or for vehicles more than 30 years old. If your vehicle is more than 30 years old or valued less than $3,000, you’ll need to file a Certification of Ownership with the DOR.

How much does a certificate of title bond cost in Tennessee?

Tennessee certificate of title bond costs start at $100 for the state-required 3-year term. Exact costs vary depending on the surety bond amount required by the Department of Revenue.

• Bond amounts less than $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 Tennessee 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 a Tennessee lost title bond?

You can buy your lost title bond online. You’ll need to provide the following information for Department of Revenue approval.

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

Once your payment is processed, your official title surety bond will be emailed to you instantly.

What is the Purpose of the Tennessee Lost Title Bond?

Tennessee 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 Tennessee Department of Revenue 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
• Vehicles with a fair market value of $3,000 or less do not require a bonded title.

Please note this bond is required for a vehicle title to be issued. If you plan to sell vehicles, a separate Tennessee motor vehicle dealer bond is required.

Who registers vehicles with missing motor vehicle identification certification?

The Tennessee Department of Revenue enforces vehicle registration requirements and processes duplicate/lost title applications. If you have questions about registering your vehicle or submitting a bonded title application, call 1 (888) 871-3171.

How do I determine my bond amount?

Tennessee code requires your bond amount to be 1.5 times the fair market vehicle value as determined by the DOR, which advises individuals to use an online industry assessment resource, such as the Kelly Blue Book or National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), or request an estimate from a licensed vehicle dealer. If you need help determining your exact required bond amount, contact the Department of Revenue before purchasing your bond.

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

How do I update or change my vehicle title bond form?

If the DOR requires any updates to your surety bond documentation, contact your surety provider.
The most common changes for these bonds include:

• vehicle information
• vehicle owner name
• address

Does your Tennessee bonded title expire?

Yes, your Tennessee certificate of title bond will expire at the end of its 3-year term and won’t need to be renewed.

How do I Apply for a Bonded Title in Tennessee?

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

1. Contact the County Clerk
   Bonded title applicants in Tennessee should contact their local county clerk’s office prior to purchasing a surety bond. Tennessee 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. Purchase a Surety Bond
   Once the county clerk’s office determines the applicant needs a bonded title, the applicant must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to one and a half times the vehicle’s value.
3. Complete the Bonded Title Application
   All Tennessee bonded title applications should be emailed to christopher.fischer@tn.gov or mailed to the following address:
   Tennessee Department of Revenue
   Special Investigations (ATTN: Surety Bonds)
   Andrew Jackson Building, 11th Floor
   500 Deaderick Street, Suite 11.125
   Nashville, Tennessee 37242

   Bonded title applicants must complete the application in its entirety, and submit the following documents:

   • A bill of sale from the last registered owner stating why the vehicle was not titled
   • If a bill of sale is not available, the applicant may submit an appraisal (vehicles) or a recent property tax bill (mobile homes)
4. Complete the Title Application
   After the applicant has submitted their bonded title application, the DOR will send the applicant an approval letter and a title application that must be filed with the applicant’s local county clerk’s office.

How Do Tennessee Bonded Title Applicants File Their Bond?

In Tennessee, bonded title applicants should submit the completed bond form, including the power of attorney, to their local county clerk’s office. The Tennessee Lost Title Surety Bond requires signatures from both the surety company that issues the bond and the bonded title applicant. If you have questions about filing your bond, email CountyClerk.Help@tn.gov. 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 address
• Bond amount
• Vehicle information
• Date the bond is signed

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

Tennessee 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

Bonded title applicants must purchase and maintain a surety bond in an amount equal to one and a half times the vehicle’s value.

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

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