Posting a Colorado title bond is an efficient way of obtaining a clear title or salvage title in the Centennial State. If you are unable to satisfy the title transfer requirements because of either lost or defective documentation, Colorado law (CRS 42-6-115) gives you an option to provide appropriate security and a declaratory statement in support of your request for titling. Section (3)(a) requires “a good and sufficient Colorado title bond with a corporate surety which runs to the state and is written in an amount to be fixed by the director, not to be less than twice the reasonable value of the vehicle as determined at the time of the application application. The applicant and the applicant’s surety shall hold harmless any person who suffers loss or damage by reason of the filing of a certificate under the Act.” Anyone aggrieved by the issuance of a clear title under these circumstances may take legal action against the new title owner, the Colorado title bond and surety or both simultaneously.
The process has many requirements, which can be confusing. The general steps are as follows:
1.) Have the motor vehicle inspected and a DR 2704 Certified VIN Inspection form completed by a certified Colorado Law Enforcement officer.
2.) Request a “Colorado Title Record Search” on form DR 2539. If liens are revealed, notices must be given.
3.) Completion of a notice and request for release “affidavit”.
4.) Establish the reasonable appraised value of the motor vehicle (minimum appraisal – $200) pursuant to C.R.S. 42-6-115 (3)(a).
5.) Purchase a Colorado title bond for twice the appraised value of the vehicle. Minimum bond accepted is $400.
6.) Complete the Bond Statement Guide & In Lieu of Bond Affidavit form DR 2349.
7.) Deliver the ENTIRE application package and Colorado title bond to the DMV office in the county of your residence.
The Department of Motor Vehicles provides a helpful guide in the form of a “punch list” detailing the process above with further detail. You can access that guide by clicking here. Small trailers under 2,000 lbs. in weight and motor vehicles older than twenty five model years are exempt from the Colorado title bond requirement.
National surety leader, Surety One, Inc. offers a very simple title bond application and same day issue of your title bond. Regardless of the facts surrounding your vehicle’s title or applicant credit, we will offer you bond terms. Visit us at SuretyOne.com, call (787) 333-0222 or (800) 373-2804, or email Underwriting@SuretyOne.com for a Colorado title bond application or for further information about title bonding.
