Bonded Title in Montana
A bonded title lets you register and own a vehicle when you cannot provide complete ownership documentation. In Montana, the required bond is Tiered — See Note 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, Montana will issue you a clean, unbranded title.
Who Issues the Bond in Montana?
Mont. Code Ann. § 61-3-208 requires a bond indemnifying prior owners, lienholders, subsequent purchasers, secured creditors, and encumbrancers; the statute does not name specific approved providers, but a licensed surety is standard practice.
Search for "Licensed surety company" in Montana 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 Montana
The affidavit requirement is confirmed directly in § 61-3-208. HB165 (effective October 2, 2025) removed Montana's general notarization requirement for individuals on standard title documents — whether that also affects this affidavit's sworn-statement requirement is unconfirmed; verify directly with MVD before assuming notarization is no longer required.
The current MVD application form could not be independently fetched this pass to confirm its exact form number — an internal reference to 'MV13' was not confirmed by any source reviewed. Applications may also be submitted through county treasurer's offices, which act as authorized MVD agents. Confirm the current form number with MVD at (406) 444-3661 before relying on it.
When Does the Bond Release?
Confirmed directly in § 61-3-208: released at the earlier of 3 years from issuance or the date the certificate is surrendered to the department, unless a recovery action against the bond is pending.
The controlling statute is Mont. Code Ann. § 61-3-208 ('Affidavit and bond for certificate of title'). An earlier internal reference to § 61-3-201 was incorrect — that section covers general title-required rules, not bonded titles. County treasurer's offices statewide can accept bonded title applications as authorized MVD agents, which may be more convenient than mailing directly to Helena.
Bonded Title FAQ — Montana
A bonded title in Montana is a certificate of title issued when you cannot prove complete ownership history through standard documentation. You purchase a surety bond (Tiered — See Note) 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 Montana, the title fee is ~$12.36 (Light Vehicles). 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 Montana. 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 Montana is valid for 3 Years. Confirmed directly in § 61-3-208: released at the earlier of 3 years from issuance or the date the certificate is surrendered to the department, unless a recovery action against the bond is pending.
Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), Title and Registration Bureau
https://mvdmt.gov/vehicle-title-information/