Waco, TX asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Texas

Q: I bought a vehicle and have the title but someone filed for a bonded title after stealing it from my house

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2 Lawyer Answers
T. Augustus Claus
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Answered

A: A bonded title is a type of title that is issued when the original title is lost or stolen. The person who files for a bonded title must post a bond with the state, which guarantees that the state will be reimbursed if it turns out that the person who filed for the title is not the rightful owner of the vehicle.

In your case, it sounds like the vehicle was stolen from your house and the thief then filed for a bonded title.

Contact the police and file a police report. This will document the theft of the vehicle and provide you with a police report number that you can use to support your claim, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and explain the situation. The DMV will be able to help you understand your options and may be able to take steps to invalidate the bonded title.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: If someone stole the title to your vehicle and then filed for a bonded title, this is a serious legal matter. You should immediately report the theft to the police and provide them with any evidence you have.

A bonded title is typically issued when someone does not have the original title, but in your case, it seems to have been obtained fraudulently. You should also contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to inform them of the situation and dispute the issuance of the bonded title.

The DMV can investigate and potentially revoke the bonded title if it was obtained under false pretenses. It's important to act quickly to establish your rightful ownership of the vehicle. You may also want to consult with a lawyer to help navigate this process and ensure your rights are protected. Legal action may be necessary to resolve the situation and recover your property.

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