Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Bond - Statewide in Connecticut

Brief Summary

If the Connecticut DMV will not issue a title because your ownership papers fall short, this bond is how you get the title anyway. The amount is set by the vehicle, not a price list: twice its value as the Commissioner determines it. Buying the bond means paying a premium instead of handing the DMV a cash deposit equal to twice what the car is worth, and the executed H-113 form goes straight into your title application.

Under Connecticut General Statutes 14-176, when the DMV Commissioner is not satisfied about who owns a vehicle or whether there are undisclosed liens, the Commissioner can register it but either hold the title until better documents arrive or require a bond before issuing the title. The bond equals twice the value of the vehicle as determined by the Commissioner, runs to the State of Connecticut on DMV form H-113, and protects prior owners, lienholders and later buyers. It is returned after five years. Vehicles more than 20 model years old are not titled in Connecticut, so this bond does not apply to them.

We can help with all Connecticut bonds!

How to Apply for a Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Bond:

• Confirm the vehicle needs a title at all. Connecticut does not title motor vehicles more than 20 model years old.
• Get the value the DMV Commissioner assigns to the vehicle. The bond must equal twice that value.
• Have the year, make, model and full VIN exactly as they will appear on the title application.
• Provide the principal's full legal name and address as required on form H-113.
• Complete the surety application and pay the premium.
• Sign form H-113 as principal before two witnesses, with the surety's attorney in fact signing and a current power of attorney attached.
• File the executed bond with the Connecticut DMV as a condition of the title being issued.

Detailed Information About the Connecticut Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Bond:

The amount is not a fixed figure

There is no tier table and no flat amount for this bond. Section 14-176 of the Connecticut General Statutes sets it at an amount equal to twice the value of the vehicle as determined by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. The DMV bond form, H-113, repeats that language exactly. A vehicle the Commissioner values at $8,000 needs a $16,000 bond. Any page quoting a set range of bond amounts for this Connecticut title bond is not reflecting the statute.

When the DMV asks for it

The bond is a tool the Commissioner may use when not satisfied as to your ownership of the vehicle, or that there are no undisclosed security interests in it. In that situation the Commissioner can still register the vehicle but has two choices on the title. One is to withhold the certificate of title until you present documents reasonably sufficient to prove ownership and a clear lien position. The other is to issue the title on the condition that you file a bond. If you can track down the missing paperwork, that route avoids the bond entirely.

Older vehicles are outside this process

Connecticut General Statutes 14-166(b) states that a certificate of title is not required for any motor vehicle older than twenty model years. The DMV confirms it does not issue titles for vehicles more than 20 model years old. Those vehicles are transferred on a bill of sale (Form H-31) with proof of ownership, so a title bond is not part of the process. Section 14-166(a) lists other vehicles that are not titled at all, including trailers of 3,000 pounds gross weight or less, farm implements and special mobile equipment.

What the bond covers

The bond indemnifies any prior owner and lienholder, and any later purchaser or person taking a security interest in the vehicle, against expense, loss or damage, including reasonable attorney's fees, caused by issuing the title or by a defect or undisclosed lien on your ownership. Anyone with an interest can sue on the bond. The surety's total liability to all claimants is capped at the bond amount, and you owe the surety back for any claim it pays.

Cash or surety

The statute allows the bond to be backed either by a cash deposit with the Commissioner or by a company authorized to write surety in Connecticut. A cash deposit ties up twice the vehicle's value for as long as five years. A surety bond costs a one time premium instead.

How long it lasts and what the title will say

The bond, and any cash deposit, is returned at the end of five years, or sooner if the vehicle is no longer registered in Connecticut and the current title is surrendered to the Commissioner. That return is blocked if the Commissioner has been notified of a pending action on the bond. The DMV lists "Bond posted under section 14-176 C.G.S." among its branded title legends, so expect that notation to appear on the title issued.

How premium is set

Premium is priced by the surety, not the state. It depends mainly on the bond amount, which is driven by the vehicle's value, and on the surety's review of the applicant and the ownership story behind the vehicle. Because the bond amount doubles the vehicle value, a higher valued vehicle means a larger bond and a larger premium.

Eligibility and Requirements for a Connecticut Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Bond:

• Bond amount equal to twice the vehicle value as determined by the Commissioner under CGS 14-176.
• Connecticut DMV form H-113, Surety Bond Certificate of Title (Rev. 9-2018).
• State of Connecticut as obligee.
• A surety authorized to conduct surety business in Connecticut, or a cash deposit with the Commissioner instead.
• Current power of attorney for the surety's attorney in fact attached to the bond.
• Bond held for five years, or until the vehicle leaves Connecticut registration and the title is surrendered.

Connecticut Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Bond FAQs:

Official and Additional Resources for the Connecticut Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Bond: