Florida HSMV Form 82026 Bonded Title Affidavit Guide – If you purchased a vehicle in Florida through a private sale but never received a properly assigned title, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) may allow you to obtain a bonded title. A key document in this process is HSMV Form 82026, officially titled the “Affidavit to Accompany Application for Bonded Title.”
This comprehensive guide explains what Form 82026 is, who can use it, how to complete it correctly, what supporting documents are required, and how the overall Florida bonded title process works in 2026. All information is based on current FLHSMV procedures and official forms.
Official Form Download: Download Florida HSMV Form 82026 (PDF)
What Is Florida HSMV Form 82026?
HSMV Form 82026 is a sworn affidavit required by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles when an applicant seeks a bonded title because they cannot provide a properly assigned Certificate of Title from the previous owner.
On this form, the applicant must:
- Describe the motor vehicle (year, make, type, body style, VIN, and any existing Florida title number)
- State their ownership claim
- Identify the prior owner/seller (if known)
- Provide the approximate acquisition date and the vehicle’s current retail value
- Explain in detail why they do not have a title
- Certify under penalty of perjury that there are no known liens or encumbrances
The form is revised as of December 2012 (REV. 12/12) and remains the current version used statewide.
When Do You Need Form 82026?
You need Form 82026 when applying for a Florida bonded title under FLHSMV Procedure TL-70. A bonded title is available only in limited circumstances:
- The vehicle was acquired through a private (casual) sale where money changed hands
- The vehicle is an automobile, a truck with a net weight under 8,000 pounds, or a motorcycle
- The vehicle currently has a Florida paper title record with no security interests, liens, or encumbrances
- The model year falls within the eligible range (for 2026 applications: model years 2010 through 1997)
Bonded titles are not available for gifts, inheritances, divorces, even trades, out-of-state titles, electronic titles, vehicles with liens, vessels, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, off-highway vehicles, or trucks weighing 8,000 pounds or more.
Eligibility Requirements for a Florida Bonded Title
According to current FLHSMV Procedure TL-70 (revised April 2025), applicants must meet these criteria:
- Be a Florida resident or a Florida-based business
- Provide acceptable identification (Florida or other U.S. driver’s license/ID, valid passport, or active Florida business registration via SunBiz or local business license)
- The seller’s name on Form 82026 must match the owner of record in the Florida motor vehicle system
- No existing liens or encumbrances may appear on the title record
- A surety bond equal to twice the vehicle’s current retail value (Kelley Blue Book Private Party Value) must be obtained
Vehicles model year 2011 or newer are ineligible, as are vehicles older than the sliding scale shown in the official procedure (for 2026, the oldest eligible year is 1997).
How to Complete HSMV Form 82026 Step by Step?
All sections of Form 82026 must be completed legibly. Incomplete or missing information (except the Florida title number) will result in rejection.
Section 1 – Motor Vehicle Description
- Year
- Make/Manufacturer
- Type of Vehicle (car, truck, trailer, etc.)
- Body Type (4D, SW, etc.)
- Florida Title Number (if known)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – must be accurate and match the vehicle
Section 2 – Affidavit of Vehicle Ownership
- Printed/typed name of the applicant/owner and co-applicant (if any)
- Date the vehicle was acquired (approximate date is acceptable if exact date is unknown)
- Current Retail Value of the Motor Vehicle (must match the Kelley Blue Book Private Party Value used for the bond)
- Printed/typed name and address of the prior owner/seller (if known)
- Detailed explanation of the facts that entitle you to ownership and why you do not have a title
Sign and date the form under the perjury declaration. Both owner and co-owner (if applicable) must sign. While the form itself does not contain a notary block in the current version, many tax collector offices and surety companies expect the affidavit to be notarized as part of a complete packet.
Provide a clear, factual narrative. Vague statements such as “I just have the car” are routinely rejected. Explain the purchase details, why the title was never received, and any supporting evidence you possess.
Required Documents for a Florida Bonded Title Application
Form 82026 is only one piece of the complete packet. You must also submit:
- HSMV Form 82040 – Application for Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title
- HSMV Form 82042 – Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification (completed by an authorized inspector)
- HSMV Form 82033 – Title Surety Bond for a Motor Vehicle (bond amount = 2 × current retail value)
- Current Kelley Blue Book screenshot showing the Private Party Value (using the owner’s residential ZIP code, accurate mileage, options, color, and at least “good” condition)
- Bill of sale or other proof of how you acquired the vehicle
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- Any additional supporting evidence of ownership
Official forms are available on the FLHSMV Forms page.
The Surety Bond Requirement
Florida law (Section 319.23(7), Florida Statutes) requires a surety bond on Form HSMV 82033 in an amount equal to twice the vehicle’s current retail value. You do not pay the full bond amount; you pay a premium to a licensed surety company (typically a few hundred dollars depending on vehicle value and your credit).
The bond remains in effect for three years. If no valid claims are made during that period, the “bonded” brand can be removed and a clean title issued. The bond protects any person who later proves a superior ownership interest or lien.
Where and How to Submit Your Application?
Applications are submitted to your local county tax collector’s office or license plate agency. Due to current FLHSMV procedures, offices often scan the complete packet and forward it to the Bureau of Motorist Services Support for review before collecting fees or processing the title.
Expect a determination within approximately five business days. If approved, you return to complete the transaction and pay applicable title fees, sales tax (based on the retail value or bill of sale), and any other charges.
Locate your nearest office using the official FLHSMV locations finder.
Common Reasons Form 82026 and Bonded Title Applications Are Rejected
- Incomplete or illegible information on Form 82026
- Vehicle details that do not match the Florida motor vehicle record
- Seller’s name on the affidavit does not match the owner of record
- Existing liens or security interests on the title
- Incorrect or mismatched Kelley Blue Book valuation
- Vehicle outside the eligible model-year range or vehicle type
- Out-of-state title history or electronic title
- Missing VIN verification or incomplete supporting documents
Accuracy and completeness are essential. Double-check every field against the official procedure before submission.
What Happens After the Bonded Title Is Issued?
The Florida title will carry a “Bonded Title” brand. The surety bond remains active for three years from the date of issuance. After three years with no successful claims against the bond, you may apply to have the brand removed and receive a clean title.
During the three-year period, the bonded title functions as legal proof of ownership for registration, insurance, and most other purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form 82026 and Florida Bonded Titles
Is Form 82026 the only form I need?
No. You also need Forms 82040, 82042, and 82033, plus valuation proof, identification, and supporting ownership documents.
Do I need a notary for Form 82026?
The current form does not include a notary section, but many local offices and surety providers require notarization as part of a complete package. Check with your tax collector.
Can I use Form 82026 for a gift or inherited vehicle?
No. Bonded titles are limited to private sales involving the exchange of money. Other situations fall under different procedures (such as TL-07).
How long does the process take?
After submission, FLHSMV review typically takes several business days. Once approved, the title is issued according to normal processing times at the local office.
Where can I get the official Form 82026?
Download it directly from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/82026.pdf.