Vehicles (Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles) Bonds
For passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other standard vehicles regulated by the TxDMV.
Complete the TxDMV review and obtain the official required amount before buying. Reviewed September 1, 2026.
When Do You Need This Bond?
If ownership documents for a motor vehicle are missing or incomplete, the bonded-title process may be an available path. The applicable state agency must review the facts and determine eligibility before a bond is purchased.
The 1.5x Rule
State law dictates that the bond amount must be exactly 1.5 times the appraised value of the vehicle. You do not decide this value—the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) dictates the value after you submit your initial paperwork. Read the official statute and agency guidance.
The Process Overview
- Submit Documentation to TxDMV. If you meet the eligibility requirements, take or mail the Statement of Fact for Bonded Title (VTR-130-SOF), supporting evidence of ownership (bill of sale, canceled check), acceptable photo ID, and administrative fee to the TxDMV Regional Service Center that serves your county. Check TxDMV's instructions for the current fee, payment methods, and additional required documents.
- Get State Approval. If approved, the TxDMV will issue a letter stating the value of the vehicle and your required bond amount.
- Purchase Your Bond. Using the exact amount provided by TxDMV, select the workbook listing and signature format identified in your filing instructions.
- Apply at the County Tax Office. Take your new bond, the TxDMV letter, and an Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U) to your county tax office within 30 days of purchasing the bond. Confirm the current filing instructions with TxDMV.
Official sources for this vehicle process
Reviewed September 1, 2026. These agency forms and instructions support the process above; current agency determinations and requirements control.
- TxDMV: Bought a Vehicle Without a Title?
Eligibility, Notice of Determination, one-year bond-purchase window, and county filing instructions.
- TxDMV Form VTR-130-SOF
Bonded Title Application or Tax Collector Hearing Statement of Fact.
- TxDMV Form 130-U
Application for Texas Title and/or Registration used in the county filing step.
- Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 501
Texas statutory requirements for motor-vehicle certificates of title.
Ready to Purchase Your Bond?
If you have already received your official determination letter and know your required bond amount, you can proceed to purchase.
Buy Your BondPurchases are processed securely through Bond Titan.