SB 2245 Texas Senate · 89th Legislature (2025)

Relating to procedures for the issuance of a bonded title for a motor vehicle.

This bill amends Texas law to clarify procedures for obtaining a bonded title when a motor vehicle lacks a clear title. It directly affects vehicle owners who lost title documents but need to register or sell their vehicles. Key changes include: (1) allowing bonded titles if liens are 10+ years old, lienholders are out of business, or lien releases are provided; (2) requiring the Department of Motor Vehicles to notify recorded owners/lienholders of bond filings; and (3) delaying title issuance for 30 days if no existing license number exists, unless no one objects. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, and does not change bond amounts or liability limits.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 11, 2025 Last action May 27, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Engrossed · 4 edits · May 6, 2025
MODERATE
This bill updates the bonded title process for motor vehicles in Texas by clarifying eligibility criteria and adding specific procedural requirements for title issuance. The changes ensure that lienholders are properly notified and establish a 30-day waiting period for title issuance when the applicant does not hold a general distinguishing number. These modifications aim to improve transparency and protect existing lienholders while maintaining the ability for owners to obtain bonded titles when liens cannot be satisfied.
Scope change
The bill applies to bonded title filings for motor vehicles in Texas, with new provisions specifically affecting applicants who do not hold a general distinguishing number issued under Chapter 503.
REQUIREMENT

Added requirement that the department must notify any recorded owner or lienholder when a bond filing is received.

Added 30-day waiting period before title can be issued if the applicant does not hold a general distinguishing number.

ELIGIBILITY

Clarified eligibility criteria for bonded titles by organizing conditions into numbered sub-items for better readability.

TIMELINE

Established effective date of September 1, 2025 for the new provisions.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
33
Key actions
10
Committee
11
May 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report sent to Calendars
lower
May 23, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee report distributed
lower
May 21, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
lower
May 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Left pending in committee
lower
May 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Testimony taken/registration(s) recorded in committee
lower
May 7, 2025
Committee
Referred to Transportation
lower
May 7, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
lower
May 6, 2025
Introduced
Received from the Senate
lower
May 6, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed
upper
Apr 23, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee report printed and distributed
upper
Apr 23, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported favorably w/o amendments
upper
Apr 23, 2025
Upper · Passed
Vote taken in committee
upper
Apr 23, 2025
Upper · Passed
Testimony taken in committee
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Committee
Referred to Transportation
upper
Mar 25, 2025
Introduced
Read first time
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors