Do you have a car in Florida, but no title? Maybe you purchased a vehicle, but never received the title. Or maybe you received a title, but lost it before transferring it into your name. If you have a lost title in Florida, you might be able to get a Florida Bonded Title.
Short on time? Check out our Bonded Title FAQ page.
As of 2019, vehicles that were last registered in a state outside of Florida are not eligible for a bonded title. If your vehicle was last registered outside of Florida, please contact the DMV to learn what other options you have to get your vehicle registered. This bond cannot be canceled or refunded, so please verify with your local DMV before you purchase a lost title bond. Florida does not offer the option to get bonded titles for trailers, boats or jet skies.
What is a Florida Bonded Title?
A Florida Bonded Title is a document that proves you own your vehicle.
A Florida Bonded Title looks just like a regular title, except the title is marked with a “bonded” brand. This brand implies there is a surety bond attached to the title.
As of January 1, 2013 Florida requires surety bonds for those that own a vehicle without a valid certificate of title.
Why You Need To Purchase a Surety Bond
The purpose of a FL Bonded Title is to protect any previous owners of the vehicle and the state of Florida.
You can learn more about how the surety bond works and what it means to be bonded at the end of the article.
When You Might Need a Florida Bonded Title
You might need a bonded title in any of the following situations:
- You bought a vehicle and didn’t receive a title
- You bought a vehicle and only received a bill of sale
- You bought a vehicle and received an improperly assigned title
- You bought a vehicle, received, and lost the original title before transferring it into your name*
*If you had a title in your name at one point in time but simply lost it, you can get a duplicate certificate of title by completing a Form HSMV 82101 and paying the replacement title fee. More information can be found on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle website.
Not sure if you need a FL bonded title? Check out this awesome infographic.
How to get a Florida Bonded Title
Step #1: Contact DMV to make sure you are eligible
Your local DMV is the only entity that can tell you if you are eligible for a bonded title or not.
While we list some common situations where you might be approved for a bonded title, we can not say for certain if you are eligible. Only your local DMV can say for certain.
Contact your local DMV, explain your situation, and ask if you could get a bonded title.
If they say yes, move on to Step #2.
Step #2: Complete Part A of Form HSMV 82042 – Vehicle Indentification Number and Odometer Verification
Complete Part A of Form HSMV 82042 – Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification
Step #3: Get vehicle inspected
Get vehicle inspected by one of the following:
- Florida Notary Public
- Licensed Dealer
- Police Officer of the Florida Division of Motorist Services Employee
- Tax Collector Employee
Have that person complete Part B of Form HSMV 82042 – Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification
Step #4: Complete Form HSMV 82026 – Affidavit to Accompany Application for Bonded Title Form
Complete Form HSMV 82026 – Affidavit to Accompany Application for Bonded Title Form
Step #5: Determine the value of your vehicle
Determine the value of your vehicle using Kelly Blue Book or NADA.
Step #6: Calculate your bond amount
Your bond amount must be 2 times the value of your vehicle (that you determined in Step #5).
For example, if your vehicle is valued at $2,000, your bond amount needs to be $4,000. Don’t worry, this is not how much you will have to pay for your bond.
Calculate your bond amount, then move on to the next step.
Step #7: Purchase Florida Lost Title Bond
Purchase a bond from a surety bond company.
Make sure you apply for the correct bond amount that you determined in Step #6.
You do not need to pay the full bond amount to get bonded. Most people only pay $100 for their bond. You only need to pay for your bond one time.
Surety Solutions, A Gallagher Company does not issue Certificate of Lost Title Bonds
Please note, the Florida DMV only accepts bonds for vehicles that were previously titled in Florida. If the vehicle was last titled in another state and you or the seller have lost the title, the DMV will not accept a bond. You will not be able to cancel or get a refund for your bond after you purchase. Please confirm with your local DMV that your vehicle is eligible for a bonded title before purchasing a bond.
Florida only accepts vehicles that were previously titled in Florida. If the vehicle was last titled in another state, they will not accept the bond.
Before you purchase your title bond – learn important payment info
Once you purchase your surety bond, the surety bond company will mail the bond to you.
Step #8: Complete Form HSMV 82040 – Florida Application For Certificate of Title if applicable
In most cases, this form is only needed for out of state vehicles.
Step #9: Submit paperwork
Send all paperwork to your local Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department
Include your original Florida Lost Title Bond that you purchased from the surety bond company.
Once your paperwork is approved, you will be issued a Florida Bonded Title. Your title will be marked “bonded”.
For more information on how to obtain a Florida Bonded Title, visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles webpage or their Bonded Title Document.
What it Means to be Bonded
When you get a bonded title, you are promising that you are the true owner of the vehicle, and that you will take responsibility for any bond claims.
If someone comes forward later on and says that they are the owner of the vehicle and that you should not have been granted a bonded title, they can make a claim on your bond.
If the claim is determined to be valid, you would be responsible for satisfying the claim. Usually, this would mean a financial compensation. The surety company would determine what is fair.
If you fail to satisfy the claim, the surety company would satisfy the claim for you. Then, they would come to you for reimbursement. Essentially, the bond holds you liable for your actions, no matter what.
Want more information about what happens if someone made a claim on your bond? Check out this resource.
Do Florida Bonded Titles Expire?
Yes. FL Bonded Titles expire 3 years from the date they are issued. If no one comes forward during those 3 years and makes a claim against your Florida Lost Title Bond, you can go back to the DMV and apply for a clear title (a title that is free of the “bonded” brand).
If you decide to sell your vehicle before the 3 years is up, that is okay. Your name will remain on the surety bond, though, until the 3 years is up. You will be liable for any surety bond claims during those 3 years.
Related Links:
Four Reasons You Might Need A Bonded Title
