Bonded Title in Massachusetts
A bonded title lets you register and own a vehicle when you cannot provide complete ownership documentation. In Massachusetts, the required bond is 1.5× Fair Market Value and the title is branded "BONDED" for 3 Years.
What Is a Bonded Title?
A bonded title (also called a surety bond title or certificate of title with bond) is issued when you possess a vehicle but cannot prove complete, unbroken ownership history through traditional documentation such as a signed title, bill of sale, or inheritance records.
The surety bond protects any previous owner who might later make a valid claim to the vehicle. If a prior owner appears and can prove their ownership during the 3 Years bond period, the bond pays their claim. After the bond period expires with no claims, Massachusetts will issue you a clean, unbranded title.
Who Issues the Bond in Massachusetts?
The bond must be executed with a cash deposit accompanying it, or co-executed by a person authorized to conduct surety business in Massachusetts (G.L. c. 90D § 12).
Search for "Licensed surety company or cash deposit" in Massachusetts to find authorized insurers. National companies like Western Surety, Lexon Insurance, and IndemniCo are commonly used. Premiums are typically 1–3% of the bond amount annually.
Required Documents in Massachusetts
The notarized-affidavit requirement is per RMV administrative guidance, not stated directly in G.L. c. 90D § 12 itself — RMV pages could not be independently confirmed this pass. A "Proof of Visual Inspection (VIN)" form exists in the RMV forms library; whether it is required for every bonded title application is unconfirmed.
The internal plan doc's 'Form BT-1' reference could not be confirmed from any official RMV source. The RTA form is reported to have replaced the former RMV-1 and RMV-3 forms — confirm the current form directly with the RMV before relying on this.
When Does the Bond Release?
Confirmed in G.L. c. 90D § 12: the bond releases at 3 years from issuance, or when the vehicle is no longer registered in Massachusetts and the title is surrendered, whichever comes first — surety liability is capped at the bond amount even with multiple claimants.
The controlling statute is G.L. c. 90D § 12 ('Withholding of certificate; bond') — not § 8, which governs VIN verification on first-title applications, a separate and unrelated provision. Massachusetts has no county-level routing: every bonded title transaction goes through an RMV Service Center statewide. False statements in the required affidavit are punishable under M.G.L. c. 90 § 24B.
Bonded Title FAQ — Massachusetts
A bonded title in Massachusetts is a certificate of title issued when you cannot prove complete ownership history through standard documentation. You purchase a surety bond (1.5× Fair Market Value) and the state issues a title branded "BONDED." After 3 Years with no adverse claims from prior owners, the bond is released and you can get a clean title.
In Massachusetts, the title fee is $75. The surety bond premium — purchased separately from a licensed insurer — is typically 1–3% of the bond amount per year. For a $10,000 vehicle, the bond amount would be approximately $15,000 and the annual premium would be $150–$450.
Yes, you can sell a vehicle with a bonded title in Massachusetts. However, buyers will see the "BONDED" brand on the title and may be unwilling to pay full market value. Full disclosure to the buyer is required. After 3 Years without adverse claims, you or the buyer can apply for a clean title.
A bonded title in Massachusetts is valid for 3 Years. Confirmed in G.L. c. 90D § 12: the bond releases at 3 years from issuance, or when the vehicle is no longer registered in Massachusetts and the title is surrendered, whichever comes first — surety liability is capped at the bond amount even with multiple claimants.
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) — Title Division
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-certificate-of-title