Surety bonds • North Carolina
North Carolina Bonded Title: How the Indemnity Bond Works
If you have a vehicle in North Carolina but no proof of ownership, NCDMV may let you title it with an indemnity bond. The bond equals 1½ times the vehicle’s value, with a $100 minimum, and stays on file with NCDMV for three years. Published bond prices start around $100 for the three-year term.
This guide covers eligibility, how the bond amount is set, the steps, and costs. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency, and a licensed agent can help you get the bond once your vehicle is inspected and valued.
Request a North Carolina title bond
Tell us the vehicle and its appraised value, and a licensed agent will follow up. Submitting the form does not bind coverage.
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When you can get a bonded title
NCDMV allows a bonded title for someone who lacks proof of ownership, using an indemnity bond from an insurer or a cash bond. It is not available for abandoned vehicles, mechanic or storage liens, vehicles in pending litigation, vehicles not housed in North Carolina, parts-only or junked vehicles, and certain insurance total-loss vehicles (NCDMV).
How the bond amount is set
The bond is for 1½ times the vehicle’s value, with a $100 minimum. Value comes from NCDMV’s value schedule; vehicles not on the schedule, and mobile homes, need two appraisals from different North Carolina dealers on their letterhead (NCDMV).
Steps to get a North Carolina bonded title
- Gather your documents, including the title application (MVR-1) and Affidavit of Facts (MVR-92H), and ID for in-person service.
- Have the vehicle inspected by an NCDMV License & Theft Bureau inspector.
- Get the vehicle valued or appraised.
- Buy the indemnity bond from an insurer licensed to write surety bonds in North Carolina.
- Pass any required emissions inspection, then pay the title fee and taxes.
Source: NCDMV.
How much a North Carolina title bond costs
Jet Surety lists North Carolina title bonds starting at $100 for three years of coverage, with slightly higher prices for bond amounts over $6,700; bonds over $15,000 require underwriting.
What the bond protects
The bond protects anyone who later proves a better claim to the vehicle, such as a prior owner or lienholder. If the surety pays such a claim, you must repay it.
North Carolina bonded title FAQs
How much is a North Carolina title bond?
The bond amount is 1½ times the vehicle’s value, with a $100 minimum. Published premiums start around $100 for three years.
How long does the bond stay on file?
Three years with NCDMV.
Can I get a bonded title for an abandoned vehicle?
No. Abandoned vehicles and vehicles with mechanic or storage liens are excluded.
Related guides
Important information
Compensation. The link in the partner quote box near the top of this page is sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16944666. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, the surety, your credit, the bond type, and underwriting.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
Your next step
Once your vehicle is inspected and valued, a licensed agent can help with your North Carolina title bond, or start a bond quote online with our partner.
