Minnesota Ownership and Security Interest Surety Bond

How do I obtain a bonded title?

We recommend contacting the Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division to ensure you meet all requirements before purchasing a bond with Self Service Surety. It is your responsibility to understand and follow allow requirements prior to purchasing a bond. For convenience we have summarized the main steps required.

1. Visit a Deputy Registrar Office to complete an Affidavit Regarding Due Diligence. This form needs to be notarized.
2. Determine your vehicle’s value. Your bond amount will need to be 1.5 times the vehicle value.
3. Purchase a surety bond using the information provided by the Deputy Registrar.
4. Bring your title bond to the Deputy Registrar Office, along with a completed Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle, photos of all four sides of your vehicle and a photo of your vehicle’s VIN plate.

There are many additional important details and exceptions in addition to the steps laid out above. When in doubt, contact your local Deputy Registrar Office and discuss your questions with a representative.

Who needs a Minnesota title bond?

If you purchase or otherwise receive a motor vehicle with a lost or improperly assigned title, a title bond is required to establish your ownership of the car and to register your vehicle. It is best to call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division directly to clarify your requirements.

Why are title bonds required?

A title bond ensures that compensation is available to individuals who subsequently come forward as rightful owner of the vehicle. A rightful owner that comes forward prior to the bond’s expiration may be entitled to compensation up to the full penalty amount of the bond. After the bond’s expiration, the title is considered clean and no further claims can be made. Minnesota bonded titles expire after 3 years, at which point you can apply for the “bonded” brand to be removed.