Selling a car is a challenging task. Most of the time, we mainly focus on the car’s condition, the price we will sell the car or the unique features we can show the buyer. However, there are a lot of documents needed for both parties involved.
But the most important document of it all is the vehicle title. The title establishes the relation of possession between the car and the owner. With the title, you are the vehicle’s legal owner. You can complete the sale within hours if all documents are complete and in order.
What is a bonded title? And can I sell a car with this?
If you lose your title, you usually apply for a duplicate title. But in some cases, you do not qualify. This is where another type of title known as a bonded title comes in. You get this type of title when you can not get a replacement title for your vehicle. This article will discuss all you need to know about what and how to get a bonded title.
When do you need a bonded title?
Here are some of the reasons why you might need to get a bonded title:
- You only received a bill of sale.
- You did not receive the title of your car.
- You have an improperly assigned/transferred title.
Can You Sell A Car With A Bonded Title? – Yes, you can!
What does a bonded title mean? And what is the difference from a regular title?
How bonded title works are somehow the same as a regular title but with a bonded brand on it. This document can also be known as a Certificate of Title Surety Bond or Lost Title Bond.
The DMV usually issues bonded titles if you lose your vehicle title. Having these for legal purposes and avoiding any legal issues along the way is ideal. These titles stay in effect for three years. It is a way to ensure that if someday someone came to claim the vehicle as their own, with a valid vehicle’s title, they would be compensated against the bonded title. This situation is very unusual, and even if you sell a car with this type of title, it transfers to the new owner the same way.
So, what does this mean? Essentially, it is a title given to someone after losing their original title. It is a perfectly legal document and much better than not having a title. But take note that this is only valid for three years. Yes, you can still register and buy a car with title bonds, just like any car with regular vehicle titles.
How long does it take to get a bonded title? – Not very long!
Getting a bonded title will only take a little bit of time. All you need to do is visit the DMV.
There may be a line, but it is worth it to have legal protection. We recommend going in person so you can explain why the original title went missing. After explaining the situation to the representatives, they will give you a timeline for when you will be getting the title bond.
The average time is 2 to 4 weeks. However, in some instances, you can get in a week if there isn’t much for the DMV to investigate. Ensure you have the proper documents and the vehicle’s purchase insurance and receipt.
In most cases, the more proof you have about the ownership of the vehicle, the faster you will get the bonded title approved by the DMV.
In short, getting your bonded title depends on your cooperation.
It also depends on how much data you give your local DMV to process and investigate. The vehicle inspection and submission of paperwork will take little time too, and after the DMV determines the value of the vehicle for a specific bond value, you are good to go.
Getting a bonded title in Arizona – Same as everywhere else!
If you are living in the state of Arizona, the bonded title process is the same. The state also respects the value of a title bond like everywhere else. Make sure to check if any specific state requirements are needed to acquire one. These are slightly different from regular one as it represents some monetary value. A stake is better in terms.
After filing the documents, the DMV will then inspect your vehicle. This is a standard procedure to verify that you are providing correct information to the DMV and that the car in question is the same as you mentioned. The DMV will decide the amount upon reviewing your case.
Their investigation can take time, depending on how much information you provide them. You must cooperate with them and let them thoroughly examine your vehicle. The owner also has to assume legal and financial responsibility for the accuracy of their assertions about the car.
After the DMV is satisfied with both the paperwork and the vehicle itself, you will receive a title bond after the value of the bond has been decided. This value is reasonable and based on the car in question. So like most states, getting a bonded title in Arizona isn’t that difficult either.
Should I Buy a Car with a Bonded Title
Some buyers get put off because the vehicle has a bonded title. However, you may assure them of the validity of the document. Most people who buy motor vehicles will already know about certain types of titles and won’t ask you questions.
Conclusion
It is completely legal to sell a car with bonded titles, and the more responsible thing if you have a car without a title. Getting a bonded title shows that you are following legal procedure and verifying ownership of the vehicle. Getting a title bond isn’t very difficult, and your local DMV takes care of most things. The current owner needs to provide all the data to the DMV, and they can provide you with the title bonds in a few weeks.
Some buyers are apprehensive about the validity of the title bond, which can make selling a car with a bonded title tricky. However, if you guide them, most people prefer bonded titles over no titles. It is still a valid title and the legal and responsible thing to do, which is encouraged by law.
