Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond in Ohio

What this bond requires in Ohio

Effective April 1, 2026, Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4501:1-3-11 raised the used motor vehicle dealer surety bond from $25,000 to $75,000, and the rule may also be used to satisfy the parallel $75,000 net worth requirement. The bond must be issued in the licensed business name (matching BMV and Secretary of State records) by a surety authorized to do business in Ohio, with cancellation requiring 30 days written notice to the Registrar. Dealers or principals holding (or having held within the prior year) an active new motor vehicle, adaptive mobility, or leasing license that was not suspended or revoked may be exempt from the used-dealer bond requirement. New motor vehicle dealers are separately governed by Ohio Revised Code Section 4517.12, which sets a $100,000 bond/surety/certificate of deposit posted with the Registrar.

Who requires it

The motor vehicle dealer bond is required by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Ohio Department of Public Safety) - Motor Vehicle Dealers Board under Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4501:1-3-11; Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4517.

How to file in Ohio

The applicant secures a $75,000 surety bond from an insurer authorized to transact business in Ohio, in the exact business name that matches BMV and Secretary of State records. The original bond is filed with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, and a copy is uploaded with the dealer license application through the Ohio BMV online dealer licensing system. The bond must remain in force for the entire period the dealer license is held; the licensee must notify both the Registrar and the surety company within 15 days of any change to information in the application, and the surety must give 30 days written notice to the Registrar before cancellation.

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FAQ

Common questions

Is a motor vehicle dealer bond required in Ohio?

Yes. Ohio requires motor vehicle dealer bonds issued by an admitted surety. The required amount is $75,000.

How much is the bond in Ohio?

The bond amount is $75,000. Your annual premium is a small percentage of that, based on credit and experience.

Who requires the bond?

The bond is required by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Ohio Department of Public Safety) - Motor Vehicle Dealers Board.

How is the bond filed?

The applicant secures a $75,000 surety bond from an insurer authorized to transact business in Ohio, in the exact business name that matches BMV and Secretary of State records. The original bond is filed with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, and a copy is uploaded with the dealer license application through the Ohio BMV online dealer licensing system. The bond must remain in force for the entire period the dealer license is held; the licensee must notify both the Registrar and the surety company within 15 days of any change to information in the application, and the surety must give 30 days written notice to the Registrar before cancellation.

What does the bond cover?

Surety bonds protect the obligee, not the principal. If you fail to meet the obligation the bond guarantees, the surety pays the claim and recovers from you.

Is a surety bond the same as insurance?

No. Insurance protects you. A surety bond protects whoever required the bond. You repay the surety for any claim they pay.