Rhode Island Auto Dealer Bonds
Auto dealer bonds protect consumers and the state. The bond amount and license type required depend on your state's DMV.
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At a glance
Rhode Island Auto Dealer Bond Key Facts
Governed by R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3.1-9.
The basics
What Is an Auto Dealer Bond in Rhode Island?
Yes — Rhode Island issues a bonded title. A bonded title in Rhode Island is a regular certificate of title the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues on the strength of a surety bond when it is not satisfied that you own the vehicle, or that there are no hidden liens on it. As a condition of issuing the title, the DMV can require you to file a bond equal to one and one-half times (1.5x) the vehicle's value. Rhode Island calls this the “Certificate of Title Bond.”
Good to know - There is no minimum vehicle value. The DMV may require a surety bond whenever it is not satisfied as to who owns the vehicle, or that there are no undisclosed security interests (liens) in it.
The bond protects any prior owner, lienholder, or later buyer if someone else turns out to have a claim on the vehicle. You file it together with your title application — it does not replace the application.
Rhode Island sets the bond at 1.5 times your vehicle's value, as the DMV determines it. The bond stays in effect for three years. After that, if no valid claim has been made, the bond ends; it can be released sooner if the vehicle is no longer registered in Rhode Island and you surrender the valid title.
Good to know: since January 1, 2024, Rhode Island issues a title for all vehicles, including model years 2000 and older that used to be registered without a title. If you cannot prove ownership of one of these vehicles, the bonded-title path may apply.
Qualification
What You Need to Qualify for a Rhode Island Auto Dealer Bond
Approval depends on your dealer license type, required coverage amount, and underwriting factors such as credit.
- You are titling a vehicle in Rhode Island but cannot fully prove you own it — for example, the seller never gave you a valid title, or the title was lost, stolen, altered, or improperly assigned.
- The DMV is not satisfied as to who owns the vehicle, or that there are no undisclosed security interests (liens) in it.
- You can show what proof of ownership you do have, such as a bill of sale or a prior registration.
- The bond is executed by a company authorized to conduct surety business in Rhode Island (or you deposit cash with the DMV instead).
Step by step
How to Get an Auto Dealer Bond in Rhode Island: Step by Step
Confirm you need a bonded title
Rhode Island requires a surety bond only when the DMV is not satisfied that you own the vehicle, or that it is free of hidden liens. If you can produce the normal proof of ownership, you do not need a bond. Start with the RI DMV Research/Title Office, which handles these titles.
Gather your proof of ownership
Collect whatever shows how you got the vehicle — a bill of sale, a prior registration, or a paid sales tax form — along with a government-issued photo ID. Bring or mail these to the DMV Research/Title Office so it can review your case.
Title Document ChecklistHave the DMV determine your vehicle's value
Your bond amount is based on the vehicle’s value as determined by the DMV. Ask the Research/Title Office how it will set your value, then enter that value in the calculator above to estimate your premium.
Buy your Certificate of Title Bond
Buy a surety bond equal to one and one-half times (1.5x) the value the DMV sets, from a company authorized to write surety bonds in Rhode Island, and complete the DMV's Application for Certificate of Title Bond. Once issued, the bond stays in effect for three years.
Application for Certificate of Title BondComplete your title application
Fill out the Application for Title (TR-2/TR-9). If you are also registering the vehicle at the same time, you may use the Application for Registration and Title Certificate (TR-1) instead.
Application for Title (TR-2/TR-9)File everything with the DMV Research/Title Office
Submit the signed Certificate of Title Bond, your Application for Title, your proof of ownership, and the $53.50 title fee to the RI DMV Research/Title Office at 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. You can file in person by reservation or by mail.
Paperwork
Rhode Island Dealer Bond Forms & Documents
The surety bond filed with your application, required under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3.1-9(2). Executed by you and your surety company, or backed by a cash deposit with the DMV. Rhode Island does not assign this bond form a TR-number.
View formUsed when you are registering and titling the vehicle at the same time.
View formYou'll also need
Cost
How Rhode Island Auto Dealer Bond Pricing Works
You do not pay the full bond amount. In Rhode Island the surety bond must equal one and one-half times (1.5x) your vehicle's value, as the DMV determines it. You pay a premium, which is a smaller percentage of that bond amount.
Your premium depends on the bond amount and underwriting. Use the calculator above for an estimate; your final premium may vary. The $53.50 certificate of title fee, plus any sales tax and registration fees, are state charges separate from the surety bond premium.
Worked example
If the DMV sets your vehicle's value at $8,000, the bond amount is 1.5x that, or $12,000. You pay only the premium on the $12,000 bond, not the full $12,000.
Filing
Filing Information
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
We prepare the issued bond and send you a copy for your records. Filing requirements vary by state, license type, carrier, and bond form.
(401) 462-5774FAQ
Rhode Island Auto Dealer Bond FAQ
Yes. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3.1-9, the DMV can require a surety bond as a condition of issuing a certificate of title when it is not satisfied that you own the vehicle, or that there are no undisclosed liens. Rhode Island calls it a Certificate of Title Bond.
The bond amount equals one and one-half times (1.5x) your vehicle's value, as determined by the DMV. You pay a premium — a percentage of that amount — not the full bond amount. Use the calculator above to estimate it.
The Rhode Island DMV determines the value used to set the bond (R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3.1-9). Ask the Research/Title Office at (401) 462-5774 how it will value your vehicle before you buy the bond.
Three years. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-3.1-9, the bond and any cash deposit are returned at the end of three years, or sooner if the vehicle is no longer registered in Rhode Island and you surrender the valid certificate of title.
When you cannot fully prove ownership — for example, the seller never gave you a valid title, or it was lost, stolen, altered, or improperly assigned — and the DMV is not satisfied as to ownership or that there are no hidden liens.
With the RI DMV Research/Title Office at the Cranston Headquarters, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920. File in person by reservation or by mail. Call (401) 462-5774 with questions.
The Rhode Island certificate of title fee is $53.50. Sales tax and registration fees may also apply. These state fees are separate from the surety bond premium.
Yes. Since January 1, 2024, Rhode Island issues a title for all vehicles, including model years 2000 and older that used to be registered without a title. If you cannot prove ownership of such a vehicle, the bonded-title path may apply.
Sources
Last verified 2026-06-23. Requirements change - confirm current details with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you file. This page is informational and not legal advice.
FAQ
Rhode Island Auto Dealer Bond Questions
The cost of a Rhode Island auto dealer bond is usually a small percentage of the state-required bond amount. Your exact premium depends on the bond amount, license type, business details, and underwriting factors such as credit.
Many auto dealer bonds can be issued the same day after you complete the application. Larger bond amounts or applications that need underwriting review may take longer.
Requirements vary by license type, but most Rhode Island auto dealers need to complete a short application and purchase the bond amount required by the state before their license can be issued or renewed.
Often, yes. Many states have separate bond requirements for wholesale, retail, broker, or other dealer license types. Choose the bond that matches your Rhode Island license instructions.
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AutoDealersBond.com is operated by Insurance Services by Shield, a California and Texas licensed insurance agency (CA License #6018195, TX License #3446536). Insurance Services by Shield is not an insurance carrier and does not underwrite bonds or insurance policies. Bond and coverage availability, pricing, and issuance are subject to carrier underwriting approval, eligibility, applicable state requirements, and policy or bond terms. Availability varies by state.
