New York Vehicle Title Bonds

A bonded title in New York is a regular Certificate of Title the New York State DMV issues on the strength of a surety bond. You use it when you cannot give the DMV the normal proof that you own the vehicle — for example, the title is lost and the seller cannot provide one. New York issues this bond under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 2105(d); the form is the Bond Under Section 2105(d) (DMV form MV-994).

The bond protects the DMV and anyone with a claim on the vehicle — a prior owner, a lienholder, or a future buyer — if it turns out someone else had a right to it. You file the bond together with your title application; it does not replace the application.

New York sets the bond at 1.5 times your vehicle’s value, and the bond stays in effect for three years. If no one makes a valid claim during that time, the bond ends and you keep a clear title. The DMV returns the bond at the end of three years, or sooner if you surrender the valid title.

A bond is not always required. Under § 2105(d), if the DMV is not satisfied that you own the vehicle, it can either hold the title until you provide enough proof, or issue the title only if you post this surety bond. New York titles vehicles of model year 1973 or newer; a 1972-or-older vehicle gets a transferable registration instead of a title.

You do not pay the full bond amount. In New York, the surety bond must equal 1.5 times 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 $50 New York title fee, registration fees, and any sales tax are separate from the bond premium.