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An Official Vermont Government Website

Title

Relating to vehicle title.

Artisan's Liens

Any person/company who repairs a motor vehicle at the request of the owner holds a lien for their reasonable charges and may retain possession of the vehicle until charges are paid. This is known as an artisan’s lien.

Obtaining Legal Ownership

In order for the repair person/company to apply for an artisan’s lien they must maintain possession of the vehicle. If the vehicle is no longer in their possession, they do not qualify for an artisan’s lien.

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FAQs.

What if I buy a 1968 El Camino from someone who has it stored in their barn and there is NO record of it at all in NMVTIS
  1. Complete the Affidavit of Non-titled Vehicle form (VT-025).
  2. Have a VIN verification completed.
  3. Provide copies of bills of sale.
  4. The title will be branded with "undisclosed lien".
What if I buy a 1973 Monte Carlo from someone who has it stored in their barn and there is record of it in NMVTIS?

Use NMVTIS or carfax.com to determine where the vehicle was last registered/titled.

Obtain the title or the registration certificate from the other state and have bills of sale from the last registered/titled owner to you (the customer)

How can I tell what the ownership document for a vehicle is?

You can use NMVTIS or carfax.com to determine where the vehicle was last registered/titled.

You can contact us or visit an office, and we can check and advise what it is, what state it is from, and provide the title number.

I sold my 2009 or older vehicle to a person who wants to register out of state, and they say their state needs a title, can I receive a title?

Yes, as long as we can verify that you were the last registered owner of this vehicle in Vermont.

Can I sell my 2009 or older vehicle without a title if it was registered prior to the ACT 165 title change?

Yes, but you must provide the registration certificate to the new owner as proof of ownership.

I registered my 1971 VW Bus prior to the ACT 165 title law change. Do I have to get a title and/or can I get one?

You do not have to get a title, but you may do so by completing a registration application and submitting it to this department with the title fee and a copy of your registration.

How Can I Check Vehicle for Vermont Liens?

Go to mydmv.vermont.gov, and click the ‘Check Vehicle for Vermont Liens’ under the Vehicle Inquiry section. Select the vehicle type (Boat or Vehicle) and then enter the identification number. Check the checkbox to verify that you are not a robot, and click the ‘Search’ button.

The results of the vehicle search are displayed. Please note that liens held by individuals will not display personal information; you would need to contact the DMV for further information if needed.

If I need to appoint a Power of Attorney, can I use my own form?

No. You must use the Vermont DMV Vehicle Power of Attorney form (VN-101)

What Can a Bonded Title Be Used For?

The central use of Bonded Titles is to act as a form of financial protection for potentially harmed parties. However, it also holds benefits for the bondholder. It can allow the bondholder to possess proof of ownership instead of an incomplete, non-existent, or lost title bond.

This is essential, as proof of legal ownership is necessary for buying insurance or selling the vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle. The bond may also be passed between owners if the vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle is sold, in much the same way a title transfer occurs when an original title is present.

When Is a Bonded Title Required?

The exact circumstances in which owners must take out a Bonded Title vary case by case. However, in most cases, if you own or wish to buy a vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle that lacks a title or if that title is incomplete, then a Bonded Title is necessary.

What is a Bonded Title?

A bonded title, also known as a Certificate of Title Surety Bond or Lost Title Bond, is a document that establishes who owns a vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle. A bonded title can be used instead of a traditional title to register, get insurance for, or sell the vehicle, trailer, vessel, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle. 

My registration, license or title has not arrived yet. What should I do?

You must notify the DMV within 60 days of issuance if you do not receive your registration/license/title. If DMV is not notified within this timeframe, the purchase of a replacement may be required.

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