Montana Vehicle Title Bonds

A bonded title in Montana is a regular certificate of title the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues on the strength of a surety bond. You use it when you cannot get the normal proof of ownership — for example, there is a gap (a “break”) in the chain of ownership or you have no assigned title. Montana handles this through the Application for Break/Bond Title (form MV10). A bond is required only when the vehicle is less than 30 years old and worth more than $1,000; below that, or for vehicles 30 years or older, no bond is needed.

The bond protects prior owners, lienholders, future buyers, and other interested parties if someone turns out to have a claim on the vehicle. You file it together with your Break/Bond Title application — it does not replace the application.

Montana sets the bond at one times (1x) your vehicle's value, and the bond stays in effect for three years. If no one makes a valid claim during that time, the department returns the bond and you keep a clear title.

Not every vehicle needs a bond. If your vehicle is worth $1,000 or less, or is 30 years old or older, you do not buy a bond — you simply establish ownership to the department's satisfaction. Check which path applies before you buy a bond.

You do not pay the full bond amount. In Montana, the surety bond must equal your vehicle's value (1x). You pay a premium, which is a smaller percentage of that amount.

Your premium depends on the bond amount and underwriting. Use the calculator above for an estimate; your final premium may vary. Montana's certificate of title fee and any county registration fees are separate from the bond premium.