California Foreign Vehicle Ownership Bond
Bond Requirements & Set Rates
| Bond Amount Required | Annual Premium |
| Varies | Varies |
Individuals seeking to register a foreign motor vehicle without valid proof of ownership or a clear title are required to secure a surety bond. Required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the California foreign vehicle ownership bond protects the state and any potential lienholders from financial harm by providing a security interest for anyone who may later prove a rightful claim to the vehicle.
Cost of a California Foreign Vehicle Ownership Bond
The premium for a California foreign vehicle ownership bond is only a small percentage of the total bond amount. The required bond amount is equal to the fair market value of the vehicle.
Why You Need a California Foreign Vehicle Ownership Bond
A California foreign vehicle ownership bond (also called a bonded title bond) is a financial guarantee required under the California Vehicle Code when sufficient ownership documentation cannot be provided.
The California surety bond involves three parties: 1) Principal (vehicle owner), 2) obligee (California Department of Motor Vehicles), and 3) surety (bonding company).
If another party proves legal ownership or a financial interest in the vehicle, they may file a claim against the bond. The surety will investigate the claim and compensate the injured party if valid. The bonded vehicle owner is then responsible for reimbursing the surety.
This bond provides a path to legal registration while protecting other potential ownership interests.
Who Needs the Foreign Vehicle Ownership Bond?
You may need a California foreign vehicle ownership bond if you:
- Purchased a vehicle without a properly assigned title
- Imported a vehicle from another country without complete documentation
- Lost the original title and cannot obtain a duplicate
- Have gaps in the chain of ownership
Without this bond, the DMV may deny registration of your vehicle.
Get Your California Foreign Vehicle Ownership Bond
NNA Surety offers the California vehicle ownership bond at a competitive rate. Our bonding process involves a simple bond application and payment. You’ll receive your bond via email, which you may download to file with the DMV. For more information, call 855-215-2160.