Indemnity Bond
Sorry if this is wordy. I haven't seen this angle presented before. It is probably written in similar wording in many other states. It may help resolve some of these titleing problems that have cropped up lately. This is from North Carolina. Kudos to my sister who suggested this. She retired after 32 years with NC Dept of Motor Vehicles. Her department was the unit that answered all inquiries on how to resolve issues like this. I used to lean on her a lot when she worked there.
Note: Last line says that this doesn't apply to "abandoned" vehicles. In other words, you need to have a convincing story ready and maybe hide your prison tattoos when you apply for an indemnity bond.
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FROM NC DMV
3.13 BONDS G.S. 20-76 (b)
Whenever an applicant is unable to furnish the required proof of ownership, an indemnity or cash bond may be filed with the Division in order for a North Carolina title to be issued.
INDEMNITY BOND (MVR-92) is a security bond written by an insurance company licensed to write indemnity bonds.
CASH BOND (MVR-92E) is a monetary bond that must be for at least $100.00.
1. Full value of bond
2. Payment by cash or certified check
3. Bond amount is refunded to the purchaser after 3 years. No interest is paid.
Requirements For Filing An Indemnity And/Or Cash Bond
1. Application Form MVR-1 completed in the purchaser’s name and signed in the presence of a notary.
2. Notarized statement as to how the vehicle was acquired and any proof of ownership. Proof of ownership may be a bill of sale, conditional sales contract, out-of-state registration, etc. (note: the "etc." gives some "wiggle room" and means you should be homey and smilie-faced with the DMV person)
3. A vehicle not registered in North Carolina requires an inspector’s report from the Enforcement Section. (note: this is the point where they leave the room and run the S/N# or Vin# through the local and national computer system...... you'll be glad you remembered to wear your anti-perspirant) The vehicle must be in operating condition.
4. Bond value
a. 1 ½ times the vehicle value; or
b. 2 appraisals on dealer letterhead if value cannot be obtained from the Division; or
c. Minimum $100.00 cash bond. (note: Carolinians are easy to get along with. Again, if they are enjoying their interface with you, and the cruiser is old and dirty, they will lean toward the $100 cash bond)
5. $35.00 title fee
6. Highway use tax is due
a. 3% of the vehicle value; or
b. 3% of the highest appraisal
c. Dealer sale requires a bill of sale, with 3% of purchase price less trade in.
If a vehicle is titled in a dealers name for resale purposes only, dealer would pay $10.00 title fee and no highway use tax.
Bonds Are Not Acceptable On
(a) abandoned vehicles
(b) Mechanic and Storage lien sales
(c) Outstanding lien for which a lien cancellation cannot be furnished
(d) Litigation is pending
(e) Applicant is a nonresident and the vehicle is not registered in North Carolina