Tennessee Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Surety Bond — Instant Issue, Cost & Requirements

A Tennessee Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Surety Bond , also known as a Tennessee Bonded Title Bond , allows eligible vehicle owners to obtain a certificate of title when acceptable proof of ownership is unavailable. The Tennessee Department of Revenue generally requires a surety bond equal to 150% of the vehicle's fair market value according to Kelly Blue Book or NADA .

At A1SuretyBonds.com , the bond premium is just 1.5% of the required bond amount (with a minimum premium of $100) . For example, a $15,000 surety bond costs only $225.

Instant Issue — Apply, Pay & Download Your Bond Online!

Eligible bonds up to $50,000 qualify for instant issuance with no underwriting, no credit check, and no separate indemnity agreement required . Simply complete your online application, pay the bond premium, and download your bond immediately.

Bonds exceeding $50,000 require a credit check and underwriting approval.

Apply Online for Your Tennessee Bonded Title Bond — Fast, affordable, and convenient!

Before purchasing, review Tennessee's eligibility requirements and complete the applicable steps with the Department of Revenue. Instant bond issuance does not mean the state immediately approves your title application.

Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond Requirements at a Glance

What Is a Tennessee Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Surety Bond?

A Tennessee Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Surety Bond is a financial guarantee that helps eligible vehicle owners obtain a certificate of title when they cannot provide the ownership documentation ordinarily required by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

The bond serves as protection for parties who may have a legitimate legal interest in the vehicle.

For example, someone might purchase a used vehicle but discover that the seller cannot provide a properly assigned title. If ownership cannot otherwise be established to the Department's satisfaction, Tennessee may permit the purchaser to obtain a bonded title after completing the state's review process.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-3-103(b), the Department may require a bond issued by a licensed corporate surety company or supported by two qualifying personal sureties.

The three parties involved in a corporate surety bond are:

• Principal: The vehicle owner requesting the title.
• Obligee: The State of Tennessee, through the Department of Revenue.
• Surety: The authorized bonding or insurance company guaranteeing the bond's obligations.

A bonded title is not the same as an automobile insurance policy. The surety bond protects specified third-party interests associated with vehicle ownership and title defects.

Who Needs a Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond?

Tennessee's bonded-title procedure generally applies when the Department of Revenue cannot establish satisfactory ownership and requires a bond before issuing a certificate of title.

Common situations include purchases involving missing or improperly assigned titles, incomplete chains of ownership, and other title documentation problems.

However, not every Tennessee vehicle missing a title qualifies for or requires a surety bond .

Tennessee's $3,000 and 30-Year Eligibility Rules

The Department of Revenue's official VT-12 guidance makes an important distinction between the Certification of Ownership process and the Surety Bond process.

These rules apply to vehicles with ownership-documentation deficiencies that otherwise qualify under Tennessee's procedures.

Important: If your vehicle is at least 30 years old or worth $3,000 or less, do not automatically purchase a surety bond. Review Tennessee's separate Certification of Ownership requirements first.

Official guidance: Tennessee Department of Revenue — VT-12: The Surety Bond Process .

What Types of Property May Qualify?

Tennessee's published surety-bond guidance identifies several categories that may qualify, subject to their specific eligibility and titling requirements:

• Passenger cars and trucks
• Motorcycles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Golf carts
• Trailers and campers
• Qualifying manufactured or mobile homes

A mobile home legally affixed to real property with a recorded Affidavit of Affixation is not eligible for this surety-bond process.

Only Tennessee residents and qualifying businesses with a Tennessee residence, business location, or office address are eligible under the Department's published requirements.

The Department also reviews title records, vehicle identification information, and ownership circumstances before approving a bonded-title application.

How Much Is the Required Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond?

Tennessee requires a surety bond equal to one and one-half times the vehicle's fair market value.

The formula is:

Vehicle Fair Market Value × 1.5 = Required Surety Bond Amount

For example:

These examples illustrate the statutory calculation. The final amount must reflect the value accepted or determined by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

How Is the Vehicle's Fair Market Value Determined?

Tennessee requires documentation supporting the vehicle's current value when necessary.

Acceptable valuation resources identified in the Department's guidance include valuations from licensed vehicle dealers and recognized vehicle pricing resources, such as Kelley Blue Book or J.D. Power/NADA valuation information.

The value should reflect the vehicle's current fair market value rather than an unsupported estimate or an arbitrary amount chosen to reduce the required bond.

The bond amount is not the premium you pay. The bond amount represents the maximum aggregate surety liability, whereas the premium is the price charged to obtain the bond.

Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond Cost — How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of a Tennessee Certificate of Title Surety Bond depends on the required bond amount and the applicable surety premium.

A1SuretyBonds.com currently describes the premium for this bond as typically 1.5% of the required bond amount for qualifying applicants . Actual pricing and eligibility must be confirmed through the application.

For illustration, a $15,000 bond calculated at 1.5% would have a premium of $225. This is an example, not a guaranteed price.

Tennessee generally requires the bond to remain on file for a three-year protection period. Confirm the exact premium and coverage term presented during checkout; the published typical rate should not be assumed to be an annual charge.

Instant Issue for Eligible Bonds Up to $50,000

For the designated instant-issue offering, eligible applicants can complete the online application, pay the premium, and download the issued bond.

The process does not require:

• A credit report
• A separate underwriting review
• A separately signed indemnity agreement

For bonds exceeding the eligible instant-issue limit, additional review or underwriting may be necessary.

The absence of a separate indemnity agreement does not eliminate obligations arising from the bond or applicable law.

Apply Online for Your Tennessee Bond

Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond Legal Requirements

The governing law is Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-3-103(b) .

This statute authorizes the Department of Revenue to require a surety bond when the Department is not satisfied with evidence of vehicle ownership or the absence of undisclosed security interests.

The law establishes several important requirements:

1. The required bond is calculated at 150% of the vehicle's value.
2. A corporate bond must be executed by a surety company licensed to transact business in Tennessee, or the applicant may use a qualifying personal surety bond.
3. The bond protects specified parties against covered losses arising from defective ownership interests, title issuance, or undisclosed security interests.
4. The surety's total liability is limited to the bond's penal amount.
5. The bond generally remains on file for three years, subject to statutory conditions regarding claims and earlier return.

Tennessee's Vehicle Services Division administers the bonded-title procedure and provides the official filing instructions.

Applicants should review both the statute and the Department's current administrative guidance:

Tennessee Code § 55-3-103

Tennessee Department of Revenue — Surety Bond Process

Step-by-Step: How to Obtain a Tennessee Bonded Title

The Tennessee Department of Revenue requires applicants to complete several steps before a county clerk can process a title supported by a surety bond.

Follow the state's process carefully to avoid purchasing an unnecessary bond or submitting incomplete paperwork.

Step 1: Determine Whether Your Vehicle Qualifies

Begin by determining the vehicle's manufacture year and current fair market value.

Generally, the corporate surety-bond route applies when:

• The vehicle is less than 30 years old.
• The vehicle's fair market value exceeds $3,000.
• Acceptable ownership documentation cannot be furnished.
• The applicant meets Tennessee's residency or business-location requirements.
• The Department determines the property is eligible for the bonded-title process.

The Department will check the vehicle identification number against stolen-vehicle information. A reported stolen vehicle cannot qualify through this process.

If your vehicle is worth $3,000 or less or is at least 30 years old, review the Certification of Ownership process instead.

Step 2: Gather Your Supporting Documentation

The Department of Revenue generally requires a completed Surety Bond Application supported by ownership documentation.

The principal supporting document is either:

• A bill of sale from the last registered owner; or
• A notarized statement from the seller explaining why the vehicle was not titled or registered in the seller's name.

If neither is available, Tennessee instructs vehicle applicants to submit current vehicle valuation evidence, such as a written appraisal from a licensed dealer or a recognized valuation resource.

Applicants should also have:

• Their full legal name and physical address
• Vehicle year, make and model
• Vehicle identification number (VIN) or applicable serial number
• Information supporting current vehicle value
• Available ownership and purchase records
• Information concerning any known lien or security interest

For manufactured or mobile homes, Tennessee identifies additional valuation and property-location requirements.

Incomplete documentation may delay the Department's review.

Step 3: Download and Complete Tennessee's Surety Bond Application

Tennessee requires applicants to use its official Surety Bond Application.

The form and instructions are available through the Department of Revenue:

Download the Tennessee Surety Bond Application

Complete the application using accurate owner, property and ownership information.

The state distinguishes between two types of surety bonds:

Corporate Surety Bond

A corporate surety bond is issued or backed by an authorized bonding or insurance company. This is the type of bond available through A1SuretyBonds.com.

Personal Surety Bond

Tennessee also permits a personal bond backed by two qualifying individuals who own land in Tennessee. These sureties must have separate residences from each other and from the applicant, and additional property-tax documentation is required.

The state does not charge a bond premium for its personal surety option, but applicants must meet the requirements for qualifying personal sureties.

Step 4: Submit Your Initial Surety Bond Request to Tennessee

Submit the completed application and required supporting documentation to the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Official submission email: Suretybond.title@tn.gov

The Department's published guidance directs applicants to submit surety bond requests by email.

For a corporate bond, provide or coordinate the required corporate surety information and request the Tennessee Corporate Surety Bond Form that the bonding company must execute.

The state-prescribed form is important because the bond must meet Tennessee's legal and execution requirements.

The Department may require additional information and will advise applicants of the steps necessary to complete the corporate surety process.

Step 5: Confirm the Required Bond Amount and Obtain the Corporate Bond Form

Before purchasing your bond, confirm the amount that Tennessee requires and obtain the appropriate state-prescribed corporate bond form or filing instructions.

A corporate surety bond requires the authorized surety's information and execution.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue identifies the following bond execution requirements:

• Signature of the bonding company's authorized attorney-in-fact
• The bonding company's seal
• An original written power of attorney establishing the signer's authority and the company's authority to transact surety business in Tennessee
• Compliance with the state's prescribed bond form

Coordinate these requirements before submitting an issued bond for approval.

Step 6: Apply for Your Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond Through A1SuretyBonds.com

After confirming your bond amount and the state's required documentation, complete the online application with A1SuretyBonds.com.

Start Your Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond Application

For an eligible instant-issue bond, the purchasing process is straightforward:

1. Enter the vehicle owner's information.
2. Provide the vehicle year, make, model and VIN.
3. Enter the required bond amount.
4. Review the premium and bond details.
5. Complete payment online.
6. Download a copy of the issued bond.

Qualifying instant-issue bonds do not require a credit check, underwriting review, or separate indemnity agreement.

Important: The online issuance of a bond is distinct from the Tennessee Department of Revenue's approval of the bond and title application.

Step 7: Ensure the Bond Meets Tennessee's Execution and Filing Requirements

Tennessee requires corporate bond documentation that complies with the state's signature, seal and original power-of-attorney requirements.

Coordinate with A1SuretyBonds.com to ensure the executed bond and any required original supporting documents are provided in the form Tennessee requires.

A downloadable electronic copy is useful for reviewing and retaining the bond, but the state's published requirements do not establish that a downloaded PDF alone satisfies its original-document requirements.

Follow the Department's instructions for presenting the completed corporate bond package for approval.

Step 8: Wait for Tennessee's Review and Approval Letter

The Tennessee Department of Revenue reviews the application and associated documentation.

The Department checks the VIN to determine whether the vehicle has been reported stolen and reviews the eligibility and supporting information.

Once the required review and bond approval are completed, the Department provides an approval letter advising the applicant of the next title-processing steps.

The approval letter is essential.

You must have the state's required surety bond approval letter before the county clerk can process the bonded-title transaction.

Processing time varies depending on application completeness, supporting documents and the Department's workload.

Step 9: Visit Your Local County Clerk to Apply for the Title

After receiving Tennessee's required approval documentation, visit the appropriate county clerk's office.

Bring the following documents, as applicable:

• Tennessee Department of Revenue approval letter
• Approved and signed corporate surety bond
• Supporting documentation supplied or required by the Department
• Completed Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien and Duplicate Title Application
• Additional identification, ownership or registration documents required for the transaction
• Payment for applicable taxes and fees

Official form:

Tennessee Multi-purpose, Noting of Lien and Duplicate Title Application

The county clerk uses the approval documentation and the applicable title application to process the vehicle's title and registration transaction.

Step 10: Pay the Applicable Title, Registration and Tax Charges

Applicants may be responsible for Tennessee state and local title fees, registration fees, and applicable sales or use taxes.

These charges are separate from the surety bond premium.

Tennessee's approval documentation and the county clerk's instructions help determine the applicable amounts.

When the required documents are accepted and the transaction is completed, the title application proceeds through Tennessee's established issuance process.

Tennessee Corporate Surety Bond vs. Personal Surety Bond

Tennessee recognizes two methods of providing the required financial security.

A corporate surety bond may be a practical option for applicants who do not have two qualifying individuals willing to serve as personal sureties.

Through A1SuretyBonds.com, eligible applicants can obtain a corporate bond without arranging two individual property owners to guarantee the obligation.

What Does a Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond Guarantee?

A Tennessee Certificate of Title Surety Bond helps protect parties whose legal or financial interests could be affected by the issuance of a title based on incomplete or defective ownership documentation.

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-3-103(b), the protection includes qualifying prior owners, lienholders, subsequent purchasers, and certain other parties acquiring security interests in the vehicle.

Covered losses may arise from defects in the applicant's ownership rights or undisclosed security interests, as provided by the statute and bond.

A qualifying claimant may have a legal right of action under the bond. The surety's aggregate liability is limited to the bond amount.

The bond does not establish that every ownership claim is valid, erase legitimate liens, or protect the vehicle owner as if it were personal automobile insurance.

Although a designated instant-issue product may not require a separately executed indemnity agreement, that does not eliminate obligations that may otherwise arise under the applicable bond and law.

Tennessee Bonded Title Bond Filing, Duration and Renewal

How Long Is the Tennessee Title Bond Required?

Tennessee's statutory bonded-title protection period is generally three years.

During this period, the bond provides the protection established by Tennessee law for qualifying title-related claims.

Does a Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond Need to Be Renewed?

Tennessee's Department of Revenue advises that the bonded-title obligation generally does not require renewal after the three-year period.

The statute provides for the bond's return after three years, subject to relevant conditions, including whether the Department has been notified of pending litigation relating to the bond.

Earlier return may be possible if the vehicle is no longer registered in Tennessee and the currently valid certificate of title is surrendered to the Department, subject to the statute.

Does Buying the Bond Automatically Give Me a Tennessee Title?

No. Purchasing and downloading a corporate surety bond does not automatically create a vehicle title.

Tennessee must complete its review and approval process, and the applicant must present the appropriate documentation to the county clerk.

Why Choose A1SuretyBonds.com for Your Tennessee Title Bond?

A1SuretyBonds.com offers a convenient online purchasing process for eligible Tennessee Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Surety Bonds.

For the designated instant-issue offering, the benefits include:

• No credit check: Qualifying applicants are not required to undergo a credit review.
• No underwriting: Eligible bonds can be issued without a separate underwriting decision.
• No separate indemnity agreement: No additional signed indemnity agreement is required for the qualifying instant-issue transaction.
• Online application: Submit your information electronically.
• Online premium payment: Review the applicable premium and complete your purchase.
• Downloadable issued bond: Receive a copy of the issued bond after successful completion.

The customer must still comply with the Tennessee Department of Revenue's official bond execution, approval and filing requirements.

For additional information on other jurisdictions, visit our Certificate of Title Bonds resource or explore Tennessee Surety Bonds .

Need assistance? Call 800-737-4880 .

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Certificate of Title Surety Bonds

1. Can I get a Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond instantly?

Eligible Tennessee Certificate of Title Surety Bonds can be purchased through A1SuretyBonds.com's designated instant-issue process. Qualifying customers can apply, pay, and download a copy of the issued bond. Tennessee's state approval and title issuance procedures remain separate.

2. Is a credit check required for a Tennessee bonded title bond?

A1SuretyBonds.com advertises no credit check for eligible Tennessee title bonds up to $50,000. Bonds outside the instant-issue eligibility requirements may require additional review.

3. Does the Tennessee title bond require underwriting?

No separate underwriting review is required for the designated instant-issue offering. Applicants must still meet the product's eligibility requirements and the state's title and bond requirements.

4. Do I need to sign an indemnity agreement?

The designated instant-issue offering does not require a separately signed indemnity agreement. This does not waive obligations that otherwise arise from the bond or applicable law.

5. How much is the required Tennessee title bond?

The required bond amount is 150% of the vehicle's fair market value, as determined by the Tennessee Department of Revenue. A vehicle valued at $10,000 would ordinarily require a $15,000 bond.

6. Can I obtain a bonded title for a vehicle more than 30 years old?

Tennessee generally directs vehicles at least 30 years old into its Certification of Ownership process instead of the surety-bond process. The Department must still be satisfied that the applicant meets the applicable ownership requirements.

7. Can I get a title bond for a vehicle worth less than $3,000?

Vehicles worth $3,000 or less generally qualify for consideration under Tennessee's Certification of Ownership procedure rather than its bonded-title procedure. Applicants should review that process before purchasing a bond.

8. How long does a Tennessee Certificate of Title Bond last?

Tennessee provides a three-year statutory protection period for the bonded-title obligation. The Department generally does not require the bond to be renewed after that period.

9. Will Tennessee accept a downloaded bond without an original power of attorney?

Do not assume that a downloaded bond alone satisfies Tennessee's corporate surety requirements. The Department requires appropriate surety execution, company seal and an original written power of attorney. Follow its instructions concerning delivery and submission of the required documents.

10. Where do I send the Tennessee Surety Bond Application?

The Department of Revenue instructs applicants to email their Surety Bond Application to Suretybond.title@tn.gov . After the necessary approvals, the applicant completes the title transaction through the appropriate county clerk.

Instant Issue — Apply, Pay & Download Your Tennessee Title Bond Online

If you need a Tennessee Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Surety Bond and have confirmed your eligibility and required amount, A1SuretyBonds.com provides an online way to obtain your corporate surety bond.

For qualifying instant-issue bonds:

Apply online. Pay your premium. Download your issued bond.

No underwriting, credit check or separate indemnity agreement is required for the designated eligible offering.

Remember that Tennessee's required corporate bond paperwork, Department approval and county clerk title processing must still be completed.

Apply Now — Tennessee Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Surety Bond

A1SuretyBonds.com | 800-737-4880

• For official state instructions, consult the Tennessee Department of Revenue's Surety Bond Process .