If you cannot locate the previous owner, it will be necessary to get:

1. A Court Order.  A court order awarding ownership of a vehicle can be used but must contain the year, make, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle; or
   
2. A Surety Bond. Without a court order, you must obtain a surety bond.  A surety bond is like an insurance policy, and is purchased by the applicant from an insurance company or bonding agency.  It must be for twice the fair market value of the vehicle.  ("Fair market value" can be established by a dealer appraisal or a recognized vehicle appraisal guide.)  The bond is posted for three years and is returned if no claims are filed during the three-year period, or
   
3. As a last resort, if the vehicle is six or more years old and valued at $2,500 or less, you can apply for a title at a Secretary of State branch office. You will need to complete a TR-205 Certification of Ownership (available at all Secretary of State offices), stating you are the rightful owner of the vehicle, and including the vehicle description, the true value of the vehicle, and a complete explanation of how, when, where, and from whom the vehicle was acquired.

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