Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond
Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond, also called a Defective Title Bond. 3-year bond premiums starting at $50. Get your exact price below.
AT A GLANCE
Purchase entirely online
DMV-compliant bond term
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Insurance Simplified
A few quick questions
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COMMON QUESTIONS
This bond is for California vehicle owners who need a bonded title because the title is missing, incorrect, or ownership documents are incomplete.
Your bond amount is based on DMV requirements for your specific case. Your price is based on the bond amount, $50 for $5,000 and below, and 1% of the bond amount for amounts above $5,000.
No. You do not pay the bond amount. You pay a bond premium, which is the cost of the bond based on the bond amount and underwriting.
Yes, in many cases — but you must be able to show how you legally obtained the vehicle.
A California Motor Vehicle Ownership Surety Bond (REG 5057) is typically used when ownership documents are missing or incomplete. If the title is still in a previous owner’s name, DMV will require proof of how you acquired the vehicle, such as:
Bill of sale
Prior registration paperwork
Lien release
Supporting ownership documentation
If you cannot show a reasonable chain of ownership, a bond alone may not be sufficient.
We recommend gathering any documents you have before applying.
Most bonds can be issued quickly once your information is complete. Instant issue is available up to $50,000. Bonds above $50,000 may require underwriting review.
We provide a digital copy for convenience and your records. We also mail a signed physical copy because the DMV typically requires the original bond document when you submit your bonded title application.
You can download the California DMV Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title (Form REG 227) directly from the DMV website here: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/reg-227-pdf/
