I lost the title to a car I never registered. What do I do?

You're joking, right????  I mean, seriously?   I can't tell you how many times I've heard those words.  Ever since I've been promoting Title Bonds, that is the most common reason for lost titles I've heard.  SO, I thought I would give all of my friends the steps to get a title to a vehicle.


In order to qualify, you must be:

• a Texas resident, or
• Military personnel stationed in Texas, or
• Have a vehicle that was last titled in Texas.

The vehicle must be in your possession and cannot be considered abandoned, junked, stolen, or in any other pending lawsuits. Although not required to be operational, it must be a complete vehicle including a frame, body and motor or if a motorcycle, a frame and motor.
If you meet the above eligibility requirements you may take or mail the following documents and a $15.00 administrative fee to the nearest TxDMV Regional Service Center:

• A Statement of Fact for Bonded Title (Form VTR-130-SOF)
• A Statement of Physical Inspection (Form VTR-270)
• Any supporting evidence of ownership (Bill of Sale, Invoice, Cancelled Check, etc.)
• Acceptable photo ID

• VTR-130-SOF Bonded Title Application
• VTR-270 Statement of Physical Inspection

Out-of-state- vehicles: If the applicant is a Texas resident, but the evidence indicates that the vehicle is an out-of-state vehicle, the vehicle identification number must be verified by a Texas certified Safety Inspection Station (Form VI-30).

If your documents are approved, you will be issued a letter stating the amount of the bond equal to 1½ times the value of the vehicle. The department will determine the value of the vehicle using:

• The Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) from our web site as the primary source
• If a SPV is not available, National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) reference guide will be used, or
If a value is not available either through SPV or NADA, a licensed motor vehicle dealer or insurance adjuster may appraise the vehicle on a form provided by TxDMV (Form VTR-125).
VTR-125 Motor Vehicle Appraisal for Tax Collector Hearing / Bonded Title

• For vehicles 25 years old or older:
  • TxDMV will determine and assign the bond value
  • Appraisals less than $4,000 will not be accepted

The process is easier than you think!  Go to the DMV on Lee Trevino for the applications and a checklist.  If you get lost, give me a call!  915-996-2071

And as always, stay protected my friends :)