If you purchased a vehicle without a title (bill of sale only) or lost the title before titling it in your name, you must follow the Title Established by Surety Bond process (DR 2922) . This also applies to large trailers (over 2,000 lbs) purchased without titles. For small trailers, see the sections on In Lieu of Bond and Homemade/Kit Trailers.
Vehicles purchased with skipped or jumped titles—when a seller sells a vehicle without first retitling it in their name—also require a bonded title. Proper ownership must be established. Acceptable proof includes a valid bill of sale (many templates are available online), a Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney as appropriate, or the invalid title itself as proof of purchase.
In cases of an owner’s death, if a vehicle is inherited through an estate, a death certificate may suffice. If the vehicle is gifted, obtain a bill of sale, even if the sale price is $0.