Texas Title Bonds

No. A surety bond is one part of the Texas bonded-title process. Purchasing a bond does not guarantee approval or automatically transfer ownership of a vehicle. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) determines eligibility, and you must complete the required title application process.

That depends on your situation. If the vehicle is already titled in your name and you have lost the title, you may be able to request a certified copy using Form VTR-34. If you purchased a vehicle without acceptable ownership documents or the title was never transferred, you may need to explore the bonded-title process instead.
See the official TxDMV guide to getting a copy of your title.

For the Texas bonded-title process, TxDMV must review your application and supporting documents first. If approved, you will receive a Notice of Determination for a Bonded Title or Tax Assessor-Collector Hearing (Form VTR-130-ND), which specifies the required bond amount.
If you have not received this notice, contact Rhodes Insurance to discuss your situation and understand the next steps before starting the online bond application.

TxDMV determines the required bond amount using 1.5 times the vehicle value established by the department. The bond amount is not the same as the premium you pay to purchase the surety bond.
If you have your Notice of Determination, start the online title bond application through Merchants Bonding using the link on this page. Contact Rhodes Insurance if you need help understanding your quote.
If you have not received this notice, contact Rhodes Insurance to discuss your situation and understand the next steps before starting the online bond application.

After purchasing your surety bond, you must submit the original Notice of Determination and the other required documents to your county tax office within 30 days. Complete the applicable Texas title application and provide any additional documentation required for your vehicle.

Gather the following information, if available, before beginning the online application or contacting Rhodes Insurance:

• Your TxDMV Notice of Determination, including the required bond amount.
• The vehicle's year, make and model.
• Available ownership paperwork, such as a bill of sale or invoice.
• Information about any existing lien and its release status, if applicable.

Do not submit sensitive documents through the optional Rhodes inquiry form. Follow the instructions within the bond application or any secure process Rhodes provides for additional paperwork.

TxDMV generally requires applicants to be Texas residents or military personnel stationed in Texas. The vehicle must also be in the applicant's possession and meet the department's vehicle eligibility requirements.
Other restrictions may apply, including requirements related to recorded liens and supporting ownership documents. Only TxDMV can determine whether your specific situation qualifies.
Review the official TxDMV guide to buying a vehicle without a title for the current requirements.

Select Start Your Title Bond Application to open the online application provided by Rhodes Insurance's bonding partner, Merchants Bonding. If you have questions or aren't ready to apply, use the Rhodes assistance form on this page and an agent will follow up.
Prefer to speak with someone directly? Call (325) 677-6303.