Bonded Title in Ohio
A bonded title lets you register and own a vehicle when you cannot provide complete ownership documentation. In Ohio, 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, Ohio will issue you a clean, unbranded title.
Who Issues the Bond in Ohio?
Must be authorized to write surety bonds in Ohio
Search for "Licensed Ohio surety company" in Ohio 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 Ohio
Ohio requires the BMV 3774 to be notarized for bonded title applications — standard for all title transfer situations in Ohio.
Available at County Clerk of Courts title offices or bmv.ohio.gov
When Does the Bond Release?
After 3 years, file a new BMV 3774 requesting the bonded notation be removed. Ohio County Clerk of Courts processes the clean title.
Ohio's combination of the lowest title fee ($15) and fastest processing makes it the most efficient state for bonded title resolution among the major states. The notarization requirement on BMV 3774 is mandatory — bring a government-issued ID to the notary.
Bonded Title FAQ — Ohio
A bonded title in Ohio 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 Ohio, the title fee is $15. 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 Ohio. 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 Ohio is valid for 3 Years. After 3 years, file a new BMV 3774 requesting the bonded notation be removed. Ohio County Clerk of Courts processes the clean title.