No Car Title FAQ

A certificate of title issued with a surety bond that protects earlier owners and lienholders. After a set period, usually 3 years, with no claims you can get a regular title.

For a low-value car, often about $100 for the bond plus the state fee. Bryant Surety charges $100 for bonds up to $6,000 and about 1.5% of the bond above that. Texas charges a $15 application fee.

No. Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Colorado and Missouri use 2 times, California uses the vehicle's value, and Alabama uses a fixed amount by vehicle age.

No. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Kentucky use court orders, and Virginia uses an affidavit. See the state table.

Usually 3 years. Wisconsin keeps its bond brand for 5 years.

No. Since July 1, 2024, only Vermont residents can register a vehicle in Vermont.

Sources: SuretyBonds.com, Title bonds; Bryant Surety Bonds, Title bond cost; TxDMV, Bought a vehicle with no title; FLHSMV, Bonded title procedure TL-70 (Rev 04/25); Georgia DOR, Bonded vehicle title; California DMV, Form REG 5057; Wisconsin DMV, Surety bond; Vermont DMV, Dealer bulletin 24-4. Retrieved Oct 30, 2026.