Illinois Security for Registration Without Certificate of Title Bond

How do I obtain a bonded title?

We recommend contacting the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department to ensure you meet all requirements before purchasing a bond with Self Service Surety. It is your responsibility to understand and follow allow requirements prior to purchasing a bond. For convenience we have summarized the main steps required.

1. Collect all proof of ownership, including bill of sale, receipt or cancelled checks from your vehicle purchase. In the absence of these documents, you will need a notarized statement explaining how you came into possession of the vehicle.
2. Obtain a written appraisal of your vehicle from a licensed vehicle dealer, Kelly Blue Book, or NADA. The required bond amount will be 1.5 times the vehicle’s value.
3. Purchase a surety bond.
4. Complete a title application (available electronically on cyberdriveillinois.com) along with all supporting documentation and required fees.

There are many additional important details and exceptions in addition to the steps laid out above. When in doubt, contact the Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department and discuss your questions with a representative.

Who needs an Illinois title bond?

If you purchase or otherwise receive a motor vehicle with a lost or improperly assigned title, a title bond is required to establish your ownership of the car and to register your vehicle. It is best to call the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Titles Division directly to clarify your requirements.

Why are title bonds required?

A title bond ensures that compensation is available to individuals who subsequently come forward as rightful owner of the vehicle. A rightful owner that comes forward prior to the bond’s expiration may be entitled to compensation up to the full penalty amount of the bond. After the bond’s expiration, the title is considered clean and no further claims can be made. Illinois bonded titles expire after 3 years, at which point you can apply for the “bonded” brand to be removed.