If you are a Mississippi resident, a bonded title can be an effective way to recover your vehicle title if you don’t have sufficient evidence of ownership.
What is a bonded title?
A bonded title is a type of title recovery method that requires the purchase of a surety bond, also known as a vehicle title bond, to secure the ownership of the vehicle. This is because, in order to receive a bonded title, you must have a major lack of proper documentation. The DMV in your state is essentially taking your word that you are the owner of the vehicle. The vehicle title bond provides security for the DMV to assign ownership in the event that there is an ownership discrepancy after the bonded title is issued.
How to get a bonded title in Mississippi
Before beginning your bonded title process, make sure that your vehicle meets the eligibility for a bonded title.
Vehicle requirements for a bonded title in Mississippi
- The vehicle is operable
- The vehicle does not have any liens or security interests
- The vehicle was not stolen
- The applicant is a resident of Mississippi
How to apply for a bonded title in Mississippi
If your vehicle meets the eligibility requirements of a Mississippi bonded title, begin the application process by completing the Affidavit of Ownership (MS DOR Form 78013). This form must be notarized. Do NOT sign this form unless in the presence of a notary.
Verify the bond amount
Before continuing the application process, you must first verify with the County Department of Motor Vehicles & Revenue Office that your vehicle qualifies and if so, confirm the amount of the bond. Visit the County Department of Motor Vehicles & Revenue Office and bring your notarized Affidavit of Ownership, along with your driver’s license, bill of sale, fees, and all other supporting documentation.
Title bond
If the County Department of Motor Vehicles & Revenue Office approves your request, you may then purchase your surety bond. This value is typically based on the book value of the vehicle. Most title bonds are required to be 1.5x the value of the vehicle, however, that doesn’t mean it costs that much to purchase. Most title bonds cost around $100-$150 for average-value vehicles. Print and bring the form Certificate of Title (Form 78016) to your bonding agent so that they are able to complete their required portion.
Once you’ve completed the official documents and obtained your title bond, submit all of your documents and any additional fees or requirements to the County Department of Motor Vehicles & Revenue Office. They will process your application and return to you a bonded title in your name.
After 3 years of having BONDED stamped on your vehicle title, the bonded title brand will dissipate and you will have a clean Mississippi title in your name.
