Michigan Vehicle Title Bonds

A bonded title in Michigan is a regular vehicle title the Michigan Department of State issues on the strength of a Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond (form TR-121). You use it when the Secretary of State is not satisfied that you own the vehicle — for example, you were never given a properly assigned title and cannot reach the previous owner. Michigan calls this the “Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond.” It is required when the vehicle is worth more than $2,500 or is less than 10 model years old.

The bond protects the Michigan Department of State and any prior owner, future buyer, or lienholder if someone else turns out to have a claim on the vehicle. You file it together with your title application — it does not replace the application.

If your vehicle is 10 or more years old, worth $2,500 or less, and was purchased in Michigan, you usually do not need a surety bond. As a last resort, you can self-certify ownership with form TR-205 after you have exhausted every option to contact the previous owner. A vehicle that does not meet those limits needs a surety bond or a court order.

You do not pay the full bond amount. In Michigan, the surety bond must equal twice (2x) your vehicle's value. You pay a premium, which is a smaller percentage of that bond amount.

Your premium depends on the bond amount and underwriting. Use the calculator above for an estimate; your final premium may vary. The $15 title fee, the 6% use tax, and any registration fees are paid to the State of Michigan and are separate from the bond premium.