Illinois Form RT OPR 23 Security Bond Guide – If you need to title and register a vehicle in Illinois but cannot provide a properly assigned Certificate of Title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), the Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) may allow you to obtain a title by posting a security bond. Form RT OPR 23 is the official Security Bond for Registration Without Certificate of Title used for this purpose.
This process is commonly called obtaining a “bonded title.” It protects prior owners, lienholders, and future buyers while allowing legitimate vehicle owners to complete registration when standard ownership documents are unavailable.
What Is Form RT OPR 23?
Form RT OPR 23 is the surety (or cash) bond form prescribed by the Illinois Secretary of State Vehicle Services Department. It is required under 625 ILCS 5/3-109 when the SOS is not fully satisfied as to the applicant’s ownership of a vehicle or the absence of undisclosed security interests.
The bond indemnifies prior owners, lienholders, subsequent purchasers, and anyone acquiring a security interest in the vehicle against loss, expense, or damage (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from the issuance of the Certificate of Title.
Official download link for the current form:
Download Illinois Form RT OPR 23 (PDF)
When Is a Security Bond Required?
A bonded title is typically needed when:
- The original title was lost, destroyed, or never properly assigned.
- You purchased a vehicle without receiving the title.
- Standard ownership documents (assigned title or MSO) cannot be surrendered with the application.
Important limitations: A bond cannot be used for abandoned vehicles, repossessions, mechanic’s liens, estate vehicles, or to remove an existing lienholder. If a prior title record shows a lien, a proper lien release is still required.
Bond Amount Requirements
Under Illinois law and administrative rules, the bond must equal one and one-half (1½) times the current wholesale value of the vehicle as determined by the Secretary of State.
Wholesale value is generally the trade-in or dealer-to-dealer value, not retail. An appraisal from a licensed Illinois vehicle dealer (or other authorized appraiser for certain vehicle types) is required. The SOS retains the right to question any appraisal that appears inappropriate.
There is no statutory minimum bond amount stated in the primary fact sheet, though practical bond amounts start from the calculated 1½× value.
Types of Bonds Accepted
Applicants may choose either:
- Surety Bond — Issued by a company authorized to transact surety business in Illinois. Form RT OPR 23 must be completed and accompanied by a Power of Attorney from the surety.
- Cash Bond — Form RT OPR 23 completed and accompanied by a deposit (currency, cashier’s check, money order, or bank certificate of deposit) made payable to the State Treasurer in the full bond amount.
The bond (and any cash deposit) is generally returned after three calendar years from the filing date, or earlier if the vehicle is no longer registered in Illinois and the current title is surrendered, provided no claim is pending.
Documents Required for a Bonded Title
According to the official Illinois SOS Fact Sheet – Titles Obtained by Bond (RT OPR 26) and administrative rules, submit the following:
- Evidence of your right to the vehicle (bill of sale, receipt, or canceled check). If unavailable, a notarized statement explaining how you obtained possession of the vehicle.
- Appraisal of the current wholesale value from a licensed Illinois vehicle dealer (or authorized appraiser for salvage, junk, mobile homes, or antiques).
- Completed Form RT OPR 23 (surety or cash bond) in the amount of 1½ times the appraised value. For surety bonds, attach the Power of Attorney.
- Completed Application for Vehicle Transaction(s) (usually prepared via the Electronic Registration and Title system) and applicable title/registration fees.
- Proper tax documents (Motor Vehicle Use Tax Return and payment to the Illinois Department of Revenue). Mobile homes require additional local service tax proof.
- Lien release if a lien appears on any prior title record.
Facilities and remitters cannot process or issue plates or temporary permits on bond applications. Plates or tags are issued only after the Bonded Titles unit approves the package.
How to Submit Your Application?
Mail the complete package to:
Secretary of State
Vehicle Titles Division
Attn: Bonded Titles
698 Howlett Building
501 S. Second St.
Springfield, IL 62756-7000
For questions, contact the Bonded Titles unit at 217-782-9796. Always verify current requirements and forms on the official Illinois Secretary of State website, as procedures can be updated.
Related official resources:
- Title and Registration Publications and Forms
- Fact Sheet – Titles Obtained by Bond (RT OPR 26)
- Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) System
Key Takeaways for Illinois Vehicle Owners
Form RT OPR 23 enables Illinois residents and vehicle owners to obtain a Certificate of Title and registration when standard ownership documents are missing, while protecting the public through a financial guarantee. The process requires an accurate appraisal, proper evidence of possession, tax compliance, and submission directly to the SOS Bonded Titles unit in Springfield.
Always download the latest version of Form RT OPR 23 and the accompanying fact sheet from the official Illinois Secretary of State website before applying. Using outdated forms or incomplete documentation can delay or result in rejection of your application.
Download the official form here: Illinois Form RT OPR 23 – Security Bond for Registration Without Certificate of Title (PDF)