If the department is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or that there are no undisclosed security interests in it, the department may accept the application but shall either:
(1) Withhold issuance of a certificate of title until the applicant presents documents reasonably sufficient to satisfy the department as to the applicant's ownership of the vehicle and that there are no undisclosed security interests on it; or
(2) As a condition of issuing a certificate of title, require the applicant to file with the department a bond in the form prescribed by the department and executed by the applicant, and executed by a person authorized to conduct a surety business in this state. The bond shall be in an amount prescribed by the department and conditioned to indemnify any prior owner and lienholder and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle or person acquiring any security interest in it, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss, or damage, including reasonable attorney's fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title of the vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Any such interested person has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall not exceed the amount of the bond. The bond shall be returned at the end of three years or prior thereto if the vehicle is no longer registered in this state and the currently valid certificate of title is surrendered to the department, unless the department has been notified of the pendency of an action to recover on the bond.
(3) The department may establish uniform bond amounts for vehicles.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 32 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic.
Chapter 8 - Uniform Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act.
Article 2 - Certificate of Title.
Section 32-8-30 - Certificate Required for Certain Motor Vehicles and Travel Trailers; Penalty.
Section 32-8-32 - Prerequisite to Issuance of License Plates.
Section 32-8-33 - Prerequisite to Assessment for Ad Valorem Taxes.
Section 32-8-34 - Designated Agents of Department; Bond of Title Service Providers.
Section 32-8-35 - Application for First Certificate.
Section 32-8-36 - Application for Certificate With Bond or Cash.
Section 32-8-39 - Contents and Effect of Certificate.
Section 32-8-40 - Distinctive Certificates for Certain Vehicles.
Section 32-8-41 - Delivery of Certificate.
Section 32-8-42 - Refusing Certificate.
Section 32-8-43 - Certificates Lost, Stolen, Mutilated, Etc.
Section 32-8-44 - Transfer of Ownership - Generally.
Section 32-8-45 - Transfer of Ownership - to or From Dealer; Records.
Section 32-8-46 - Transfer of Ownership - by Operation of Law.
Section 32-8-47 - Transfer of Ownership - When Department to Issue New Certificate.