California — Foreign Vehicle Ownership Bond
Missing ownership evidence for a vehicle brought into California? Match DMV's bond direction to this Foreign Vehicle Ownership offering, then use Purchase Now to start the Propeller application.
Continue to our secure checkout partner, Propeller (opens in a new tab).
- Recorded state
- California
- Bond type
- Certificate of Title Bond
- Category
- Vehicles, titles & transportation
What this bond does
The bond supplies security for the title-related interests covered by the required form when ordinary ownership evidence is unavailable. It does not prove ownership, resolve a dispute or guarantee a California title.
- Who needs it
- A California title applicant with missing ownership evidence for a vehicle brought from another state or country, whose DMV instructions match this offering.
- Who it protects
- The interests protected under the required ownership-bond form. The bond does not insure the applicant against physical damage to the vehicle.
Your bond option
This is the option on record for this bond.
- Bond optionPurchase Now (opens in a new tab)Continue to our secure checkout partner, Propeller (opens in a new tab).
The bond amount describes the limit of the bond obligation, not the price. A listed amount does not establish what the requesting party requires. The premium is what you pay and must be confirmed for the actual option. An E&O limit, where listed, is separate errors and omissions insurance.
Sources
- California DMV Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual (opens in a new tab)Checked October 22, 2026
Have these ready
- Before applying: have DMV's bond direction, vehicle identification and available foreign or out-of-state ownership records ready.
- Prepare fair market value using a DMV-accepted appraisal or the REG 256 handbook method.
- Use Purchase Now to open Propeller in a new tab for the requested ownership bond.
- After issuance: check the surety signature and notarization, then submit the bond with the remaining DMV documents as instructed.
Questions about this bond
Is this bond required for all vehicles from other countries?
No. DMV's manual addresses unavailable ownership evidence and specified conditions, and allows a bond alternative. An imported vehicle with complete documents does not need this bond merely because it came from abroad.
What value thresholds does the manual list?
Its missing-evidence conditions include vehicles valued at $5,000 or more and vessels valued at $2,000 or more. Nontransferable status or an unobtainable legal-owner release are also listed. Follow DMV's direction for your case.
Can I use a preprinted surety signature?
The manual says a preprinted surety signature and notary acknowledgment are not acceptable. Review the executed document after issuance.
How do I calculate fair market value using a handbook?
Add the lowest and highest valuations and divide by two, following the manual's REG 256 instructions.