No Documents? We Can Still Help

Why Vehicles End Up Without a Title

Missing titles are more common than most people realize. Vehicles end up without a title for several legitimate reasons:

• Military surplus vehicles, most HMMWVs, M35s, and other military vehicles have never been titled in a state. The SF-97 is their only ownership document.
• Estate sales and inheritance, a vehicle passed down from a deceased owner where the title was lost or never transferred.
• Long-term storage, a vehicle that sat in a barn or storage unit for decades with no paperwork.
• Private purchases without documentation, bought a project vehicle with only a bill of sale.
• Off-road equipment, ATVs, UTVs, and other machines that were purchased new without an MSO.

What Is a Bonded Title?

A bonded title (also called a surety bond title) is a legal mechanism that lets you establish ownership of a vehicle when the standard title documents are unavailable or cannot be obtained. Montana's bonded title process is one of the most accessible in the US.

Here is how it works:

1. Vehicle appraisal: The vehicle's value is assessed. The bond amount is typically 1.5x the appraised value.
2. Bond purchase: You purchase a surety bond from a licensed bond company. Bond premiums are typically 1–2% of the bond amount, often $100–$400 for most vehicles.
3. Montana filing: We file the bond, application, and supporting documentation with the Montana county clerk. A bonded title is issued in your name.
4. Waiting period: Montana bonded titles carry a 3-year bond period. After 3 years, you can apply for a clean title with no bond required.

What You Need

To start a bonded title process you need:

• Proof that you currently possess the vehicle (bill of sale, photos, statement)
• The vehicle's VIN, if no VIN exists, we assist with VIN assignment
• Your full name and mailing address
• Any documentation you do have (even partial: old registration, bill of sale, prior title from another state)

The more documentation you have, the smoother the process. But even a bill of sale alone can be enough to start.

How Long Does a Bonded Title Take?

Bonded title processing takes longer than standard registration, typically 3–6 weeks depending on the county clerk and whether any complications arise. We keep you updated throughout and handle all correspondence with our paperwork support.

Cost of a Bonded Title

Costs include our service fee ($399–$699), the Montana county title and registration fees ($40–$250 depending on vehicle class), and the surety bond premium (typically $100–$400). We will give you an exact quote before you commit to anything.

Vehicles That Eligible

Montana's bonded title process is available for most vehicle types: military vehicles (HMMWV, M35, etc.), ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, trucks, trailers, and RVs. Contact us before ordering, we assess each situation individually to make sure a bonded title is the right path for your vehicle.