Applying for a Bonded Vehicle Title in Nevada

If you find yourself in a situation where you lack an existing title or sufficient proof of ownership for a vehicle, and contacting the previous owner for necessary documentation isn't feasible, you may consider applying for a bonded vehicle title in Nevada. Here's what you need to know about this process:

Bonded Vehicle Title Basics

A bonded vehicle title is issued when there's uncertainty about a vehicle's ownership due to missing or insufficient documentation. This type of title includes a disclaimer and is marked with "Bonded Vehicle Title" across the top. While ownership transfer within Nevada is possible, it may not be allowed outside the state. Always check with the DMV in the respective state if you plan to transfer ownership outside Nevada.

In case any party is harmed due to the issuance of a bonded certificate of title, they have the right to take legal action to recover from the surety bond for any breach of its conditions. The bond must remain in effect for three years from the date of issuance, even if the vehicle is sold.

How to Apply

To apply for a bonded vehicle title, you must be a Nevada resident, and the vehicle must be physically located in Nevada. Note that DMV Field Services offices do not accept applications for bonded vehicle titles; they are exclusively processed by the Title Research Section in Carson City.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Contact the Department's Title Research Section in Carson City at (775) 684-4810 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
2. Complete parts 1 and 2 of the Affidavit for Bonded Vehicle Title (VP 271). Vehicle inspections can be carried out at an authorized business or by a sworn law enforcement officer as per NRS 482.220.
3. Send the completed Affidavit for Bonded Vehicle Title (VP 271) and copies of all ownership documents to the Title Research Section.
4. The Department will perform a vehicle theft and brand history search.
5. The Department will calculate the bond amount based on the original Manufacturer’s Retail Price (MRP).
6. The Department will provide you with the required bond amount, a list of necessary documents, and any additional requirements.
7. Acquire the bond and complete the Vehicle Bond Affidavit (VP 272) with all sections filled out correctly, either typed or in ink.
8. Notarize or have Part 4 of the Affidavit for Bonded Vehicle Title (VP 271) witnessed by an authorized DMV employee.
9. Return all original documentation and fees to the Title Research Section in Carson City at the following address:
   Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Title Research Section 555 Wright Way Carson City, NV 89711

When sending documents, it's advisable to use traceable mail or a service that tracks your package. Certified or registered mail can provide added security for original documents.

Once the bonded title is issued, you can proceed to register the vehicle, and all applicable fees will apply. If the title is issued for a salvage vehicle, you must follow the necessary steps to rebuild the vehicle before registration or sale.

Bond Requirements

The bond must meet certain conditions:

• Executed by the applicant as principal and by a Nevada-qualified corporation as surety.
• In an amount equal to one and a half times the value of the vehicle Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), or 25% of MSRP if it's a salvage vehicle.
• Conditioned to indemnify previous owners, lienholders, subsequent purchasers, or persons acquiring a security interest in the vehicle against any expense, loss, or damage due to the issuance of the certificate of title or any defect or undisclosed security interest in the applicant's right or title to the vehicle.

The bond must remain in force for three years, even if the vehicle is sold.

Court Notification

Bonded titles offer an alternative to court rulings on vehicle ownership. Senate Bill (S.B.) 452, passed and approved during the 2017 Legislative Session, introduced the bonded titling process. This process allows individuals or entities who cannot provide sufficient ownership documentation to obtain a bonded title directly from the DMV. While this process streamlines ownership documentation, it is an optional service. Bonded titles issued under this process carry a brand indicating a bond associated with the ownership.

For those seeking a bonded title, residency in Nevada and vehicle presence within the state are mandatory requirements. The bond amount is based on one and a half times the original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. After a waiting period of three years, the brand and bond requirements are lifted, and you can request a new title without the brand.

Please note that subsequent transfers of ownership during the bonding period may have limitations, and claims against the bond are referred to the bonding company for review and decision. The DMV does not hold the bond or make determinations on bond claims.

It's important to remember that bonded vehicle title transactions cannot be processed at DMV field service locations and should be facilitated through the DMV's Title Research Section in Carson City.

Note: This information is accurate as of the publication date and is subject to change. Always consult the official Nevada DMV website or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.