How to Get a Bonded Title in Dallas County, Texas (2026 Guide)

Bought a vehicle in Dallas without a title? Did the seller skip town before signing the paperwork? A bonded title is the legal way to establish ownership. This guide outlines the exact process required by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and the Dallas County Tax Office.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you start, make sure you qualify:

• You must live in Texas (or be military stationed in Texas).
• You must have physical possession of the car, truck, or motorcycle.
• The vehicle cannot be stolen, junked, or nonrepairable.
• You cannot get a bonded title if the vehicle has a recorded lien (loan) less than 10 years old, unless you have an original release of lien.

Step 2: Go to the TxDMV Regional Service Center

The process starts with the state, not the county. You must visit the Dallas TxDMV Regional Service Center (located in Carrollton).

Dallas TxDMV Regional Service Center
1925 E. Beltline Rd., Suite 100
Carrollton, TX 75006

Bring these documents:

• Bonded Title Application (Form VTR-130-SOF)
• Proof of ownership (bill of sale, canceled check, eBay receipt, etc.)
• Your driver's license or government ID
• $15 fee
• If out of state: A VIN inspection (Form VTR-68-A). You can schedule this through the Dallas County Sheriff's Department North Texas Auto Theft Task Force.

Step 3: Get Your Notice of Determination

If your paperwork is accepted, the TxDMV will give you a Notice of Determination for a Bonded Title (Form VTR-130-ND).

This form states the required amount for your surety bond. In Texas, the bond amount is set at 1.5 times the vehicle's appraised value.

Step 4: Buy Your Surety Bond

You have exactly one year from the date on your Notice of Determination to purchase a Texas Certificate of Title Bond.

The bond is inexpensive. For vehicles valued up to $6,000, you will pay a flat fee of $100. For every $1,000 in value over $6,000, the bond costs an additional $15.

Purchase your Texas Title Bond online with Rock Like Agency. We process these bonds instantly so you can finish your application the same day.

Step 5: Apply at the Dallas County Tax Office

IMPORTANT: You have exactly 30 days from the date you purchase your surety bond to submit everything to the county.

Take your paperwork to the Dallas County Tax Office downtown (Records Building) or any local branch. Bring:

• The original Notice of Determination (Form VTR-130-ND)
• The original, signed Surety Bond
• Application for Texas Title (Form 130-U)
• Proof of auto insurance
• Payment for Dallas County title fees ($28 to $33) and vehicle sales tax

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dallas county tax office bonded title process?

The Dallas County Tax Office only handles the final step of the bonded title process. You cannot start the process there. You must first go to the TxDMV in Carrollton to get your Form VTR-130-ND, then buy your surety bond, and finally take all those documents to the Dallas County Tax Office to register the vehicle.

How much does a bonded title cost in Dallas?

Your total costs will include a $15 TxDMV fee, the cost of the surety bond ($100 minimum), Dallas County title application fees ($28-$33), and vehicle sales tax based on the appraised value.

How long does the "bonded" brand stay on the title?

A Texas bonded title lasts for three years. If no one comes forward with a valid claim to the vehicle during that time, you can return to the Dallas County Tax Office and apply for a standard, "clean" Texas title without having to buy another bond.