Bonded Title in California: Form REG 5057
How California's motor vehicle ownership surety bond works and when the DMV asks for one.
When California asks for a bond
The California DMV requires a motor vehicle ownership surety bond "when the required supporting evidence of ownership is not available". The bond is filed on form REG 5057.
How the bond amount is set
California's form sets the bond at the vehicle's fair market value, 1 times the value, lower than most states. Some surety sites list California as 2 times; the DMV form says fair market value.
If the title was yours
A replacement title costs $28 (California DMV).
What we could not confirm
The DMV pages we read do not state how long the bond stays on file. Ask the DMV when you file.
Sources
Sources: California DMV, Form REG 5057; California DMV, Motor vehicle ownership surety bond (2024); California DMV, Replacement title; Bryant Surety Bonds, Title bond cost. Retrieved Oct 30, 2026.
Rules and fees come from the official state pages and surety pages cited on each guide; anything we calculated is labeled as an estimate. Confirm with your DMV before you buy a bond. Run the calculator for your own range.
Related guides
- Bonded Title: What It Is and How to Get One
- Bonded Title Cost: Bond Premium and DMV Fees
- Bonded Title in Texas: Steps, Forms and Cost
- Bonded Title in Florida: Steps, Forms and Cost
- Bonded Title in Georgia: Steps, Forms and Cost
- Bonded Title Rules by State
- Lost Car Title: How to Get a Replacement
- Bought a Car Without a Title? Your Options
- Can You Sell a Car Without a Title?
- No Car Title FAQ