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California Auto Dealer Bond

Bond Amount:
Equal to your project amount
1 year bond starts at
2%
of bound amount, based on
credit check
Quote

California Auto Dealer Bond

Bond Amount:
Equal to your project amount
  • Acceptance Guaranteed
  • Refund within 5 days if not satisfactory
  • Superior customer service
1 year bond starts at
2%
of bound amount, based on
credit check
Get a Quote

How much does an auto dealer bond cost?

The cost of a auto dealer bond mainly depends on two factors:

Bond Limit: Every state has a specified bond amount that they require auto dealers to be bonded for. In other words, this determines the size of bond that auto dealers have to purchase. For example, given that Texas has a bond limit of $50,000 for motor vehicle bond, the amount you pay (aka bond premium) is a percentage typically between 0.5%-5% of the bond limit. Thus, a Texas dealer bond would start from $250, and could go up to $2,500 for those with poor credit.

Credit Score: this is crucial for premium amount as well as whether a potential dealer can even obtain a motor vehicle bond in the first place. Credit score reflects whether the applicant can behave in a way that is less likely to result in a claim being filed and whether the applicant can repay any potential claim.

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Overview

A California Auto Dealer Bond is a $50,000 surety bond required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles for all licensed vehicle dealers. The bond is designed to protect the public, not the dealer—covering consumers, lenders, and the state against losses caused by fraud, misrepresentation, or violations of dealer laws. It acts as a financial guarantee that dealers will operate fairly and in compliance with state regulations.

Purpose of California Auto Dealer Bonds

  • Consumer Protection: Safeguards buyers, lenders, and the state from financial harm caused by unethical or unlawful dealer actions.
  • Legal Requirement: A $50,000 dealer bond is mandatory to obtain or renew a valid dealer license in California.
  • Credibility: Shows customers and regulators that the dealer is licensed, compliant, and financially backed by a surety.
  • Accountability: Creates financial consequences for dealers who fail to meet their legal obligations.

Cost of California Auto Dealer Bonds

Dealers don’t pay $50,000 upfront. Instead, they pay an annual premium.

  • Premium Range: Typically between $400–$4,000 per year for applicants with strong credit.
  • Credit-Based Pricing: Premiums increase for dealers with poor credit, bankruptcies, or compliance issues.
  • Underwriting Factors: Sureties also evaluate business history and financial stability.

Key Considerations

  • Bond Amount: Fixed at $50,000 under California law.
  • Renewal: Must remain active; if the bond lapses, the dealer’s license is suspended or revoked.
  • Claims: The surety pays valid claims up to $50,000, but the dealer must reimburse the surety in full.
  • Strict Oversight: California enforces dealer bond compliance aggressively, and failure to maintain the bond risks license denial or loss.