Arkansas Bonded Title

In the state of Arkansas, a vehicle title is needed to prove ownership to the DMV, potential buyers, and more. However, in cases where the original title for a vehicle is unavailable, an Arkansas Bonded Title may be supplemented. Common reasons people seek out an AR bonded title include:

• The original title was lost
• The original title was incorrectly assigned or has incorrect information 
• The vehicle was purchased without a title (only a bill of sale is available)
• Death of a seller before signing the original title
• Donation of a vehicle without a certificate

A Bonded Title is a supplementary vehicle title with a surety bond attached. It allows the title holder/car owner to conduct activities where proof of ownership is required (selling, scraping, insuring, etc.). 

The surety bond attached to this title is referred to by many names, including a Lost Title Bond, Car Title Bond, Arkansas Title Bond, Title Surety Bond, or Arkansas Certificate of Title Bond. However, no matter what you call it, it always involves three parties:

1. Principal - the person who needs to get the bond (the vehicle owner)
2. Obligee - the one asking for the bond (ex. Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration)
3. Surety - the bond company that backs/issues the bond (ex. JW Surety Bonds)

To get a bonded title in Arkansas, you must have all of the following. 

• Vehicle Identifier - Information to identify the vehicle, such as the original title number, vehicle registration certificate, license plate number, or vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Last Owner Signature – Get your title application signed by the last title/vehicle owners on record.
• Lienholder Signature – Any vehicle lienholders must sign a Permission to Issue a Replacement Title form (10-315).
• Surety Bond – All Arkansas Bonded Titles require a surety bond (title bond). See Steps 5 & 6 below for more information, or visit our guide: How Do Surety Bonds Work? for general information on getting bonded.

Step 1: Get Your Vehicle Inspected

Before issuing a Bonded Title, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) requires all vehicles to get a vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection. In short, a VIN inspection ensures that the vehicle has not been reported stolen. For this process, you will need to:

1. Take the vehicle to an authorized member of the Arkansas State Police or a police officer working at the city or county level.
2. They will check the VIN number located on the driver's side door jamb or dashboard and run it through their system.
3. If the VIN isn't reported stolen, they will give you a VIN Inspection Form to include with your bonded title application. 

Step 2: Fill Out Your Application

Ensure you fill out all the required pages of the application, including the State of Arkansas Statement of Facts for Issuance of a Bonded Title. This document is a signed affirmation that the vehicle has not been:

1. Issued a junking certificate or similarly branded certificate of title.
2. Subject to a mechanics or storage lien.
3. Stolen. 
4. Involved in ownership litigation.

You will also need a brief account of how you came into possession of the vehicle. This includes naming the seller or donor. 

Step 3: Send Your Forms

Pay the $10 replacement title fee by check (payable to the Department of Finance and Administration). You can drop the check and your forms off at any state revenue office or mail them to the address at the bottom of your forms. 

Out-of-state applicants can mail their application and fee to:

Department of Finance and Administration
Special License Unit
P O Box 1272
Little Rock, AR 72203

Step 4: Wait for a Letter of Approval

Your application will be forwarded to a bonded title agent at the Department of Finance and Administration Office of Motor Vehicles. It will take about 10 to 25 business days to process. If they deem your application successful, you will receive bond forms and a letter of approval with further instructions. This letter will also include an estimated value of your vehicle, as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue.

The appraised value of the vehicle is crucial as it determines the surety bond amount you need.

If your application is not approved, you will be sent a letter explaining why it was unsuccessful. 

Step 5: Get an Arkansas Title Bond

1. File a Bond Application

You can apply for an Arkansas Lost Title Bond online or by calling us at (888) 592-6631. For either, we will require basic information such as:

• The bond type you need (Lost Title Bond)
• The amount of the bond -  1.5 times the state's estimated value of the vehicle.
• Your name and contact information.

Once your bond goes through the underwriting process (we do a quick credit check), a quote will be sent your way. 

Save Money! Due to the large volume of bonds we underwrite, we not only offer the best prices, but in cases of Title Bonds, we can often save our clients hundreds of dollars. For example, recently one of our surety experts gave a quote to an applicant over the phone. We were able to give her 1% on her $22,500 title bond, whereas other sureties offered 3%. This ended up saving her $450. 

2. Sign the Indemnity Agreement & Pay

To secure your bond, sign the contract we email and send it back to us via email or fax. Your invoice will also be emailed to you.

3. Get Your Bond

A copy of your bond will be emailed to you. Double-check that all the information is correct (your name, the obligee's name, the amount, etc.). The original bond will be sent by mail and must be forwarded to the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicles. 

Step 6: Get a Standard Certificate Title

After three years, you can exchange your Bonded Title for a Standard Certificate Title. This title functions like an original vehicle bond, and you will no longer be required to keep an active surety bond.