The state of Georgia with vehicles inside it. Beside it, a Georgia vehicle title.

Georgia Certificate of Title Bond Guide

The state of Georgia will allow a replacement motor vehicle title to be issued with the required paperwork, including a Certificate of Title Bond. Learn how to easily obtain these bonds, what they guarantee, and what they require.

What is a Georgia Certificate of Title Bond?

A Georgia Certificate of Title Bonds is a surety bond that protects the state, along with previous and future owners and interest holders in a motor vehicle against damages by the state issuing a new title for that vehicle. The bond specifically states:

“NOW, THEREFORE, if any prior owner, lien holder, or security interest holder, and if any subsequent purchaser of the above vehicle or person acquiring any security interest or lien in it, and their respective successors in interest should suffer any expense, loss or damage, by reason of the issuance of the Certificate of Title of the above vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security upon the right, title and interest of the Principal in and to the vehicle, the Georgia Department of Revenue Commissioner shall have a right of action to recover on this bond for the benefit of such a person.”

How Does a Georgia Title Bond Work?

The person or business needing a replacement title is the principal. The principal purchases a surety bond from a third-party bond company called the surety. The principal pays the surety a bond premium and agrees to reimburse them for all losses. In return, the surety provides a financial guarantee to the State of Georgia, which is referred to as the Obligee. The state or any party damaged by the issuing of a new title can make a claim against the surety bond. Should a valid claim be made, the surety will have to pay the claim. The surety may then seek reimbursement from the principal under the indemnity agreement

When is a Georgia Bonded Title Needed?

A Georgia bonded title may be needed If the commissioner or the commissioner's duly authorized county tag agent is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or that there are no undisclosed security interests in it. In these cases, a tag can be issued by providing documents that prove ownership or by obtaining a Certificate of Title Surety Bond (Bonded Title).

To obtain a bonded title in Georgia, the following conditions must be met:

  1. The owner must be a legal resident of Georgia.
  2. The vehicle must require a Georgia title.
  3. The vehicle cannot be a 1985 or older year model.
  4. The motor vehicle cannot be an abandoned vehicle.

How Do You Obtain a Georgia Certificate of Title Bond?

Most Georgia Title Bonds can be purchased online instantly. For bond amounts of $50,000 and less, no credit check is required. Larger bond amounts may require a simple credit check of the owner. An applicant will need to enter their contact information, along with the year, make, model, and body type of the vehicle. The applicant will also need to enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You will need to know the vehicle’s retail value before purchasing the title bond.

Can You Obtain a Georgia Title Bond with Bad Credit?

Generally, yes. Bond amounts of $50,000 and less can be purchased without a credit check and are available to anyone. When larger bonds are needed and an applicant has credit issues, we can still help. Axcess Surety works with major bond companies for applicants of all backgrounds. Our surety experts can likely help you get a title bond, regardless of your past credit. 

What is the Required Amount of a Georgia Certificate of Title Bond?

Georgia requires the amount of a Title Bond to be twice the retail value of the vehicle, but not less than $5,000. The vehicle amount is determined by the state of Georgia through either the commissioner or county tag agent. You can use the state’s vehicle value calculator to get an estimate of the vehicle’s value. You can also call the Motor Vehicle Department to get a bond amount at 855-406-5221.

The bond amount is the most that a surety company will have to pay out for claims, regardless of the number of claims filed, or the total dollar amounts of the claims. Generally, a payment by the surety bond company does not relieve the principal of further damages and lawsuits.

An image of a vehicle title. A text box shows that a Georgia Certificate of Title Bond is required to be 2x the vehicle amount.

What Do Georgia Title Bonds Cost?

Georgia Title Bonds cost 1% of the bond amount for most applicants if purchased online. For example, a $10,000 bond will cost $100. Better pricing may be available for those wanting to submit an application or complete a credit check. 

An image of a Georgia road sign and a blue state of Georgia. In the middle, text that shows the cost of a Georgia Motor Vehicle Title Bond.

What is the Duration of a Georgia Title Bond?

A Georgia Title Bond must remain in effect for a period of four years unless the state has been notified of a breach of condition of the bond. This gives someone who has been damaged by the replacement title time to discover the damage and file a claim. 

Steps to Obtaining a Bonded Title in Georgia

The following steps are required to obtain a bonded title in Georgia. To save time, complete this information before heading to the County Tag Office

  1. Complete an Application for Title Form (MV-1).
  2. Obtain a Georgia Certificate of Title Bond (MV-46) discussed above.
  3. Complete an Affidavit Supporting Certificate of Title Bond Application (MV-46A).
    1. This form will need to be notarized.
    2. Make sure that the section on providing a full and complete reason that the vehicle’s title cannot be obtained section is completed. 
  4. Obtain a vehicle inspection by a Georgia appointed officer and complete for T-22B.
  5. Obtain a report from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).
    1. If the report shows another jurisdiction outside Georgia, a certified title history from that state will be necessary.
    2. If either report shows a lien or security interest, Form T-4 will need to be completed. 
  6. Provide evidence of ownership such as a bill of sale, lien release, etc.
  7. Pay the $18 fee. 

Summary

Obtaining a Bonded Title in Georgia is common. Fortunately, these bonds can be purchased easily online and are inexpensive. Make sure you have the other necessary information before heading to the local county tag office. The bond experts at Axcess Surety are always standing by ready to help with all your title bond needs. Contact us anytime. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Georgia Bonded Title Okay?

There are some risks for purchasing a vehicle with a replacement title. However, a Georgia Bonded Title does give you some protection by providing a means to collect for damages that may arise. Overall, bonded titles are common, and the risk is not significant.

How Long Does it Take to get a Bonded Title in Georgia?

Georgia bonded titles can be obtained quickly. Getting the vehicle inspection often takes the longest, along with filling out the application paperwork. Make sure to have all paperwork and your title bond before heading to the County Clerk's office.

Where do you get a GA Bonded Title?

Georgia title bonds can be purchased and printed online. Once the applicant puts in their information, the bond can be purchased and printed. Keep in mind that the vehicle value and therefore the amount of the bond will need to be obtained from the state before purchasing the bond.

How Can I Verify That a Georgia Title Bond is Valid?

You can contact the surety bond company that has written the bond. Generally, the company should be A- rated or better. Make sure the bond is signed by a representative of the bond company, that it is sealed with the bond company's seal, and that a power of attorney is included. Learn more about How to Verify a Bond.
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