Dealer bond cost by the numbers
- $10,000
- Dealer bond for motorcycle/ATV-only and small wholesale-only dealers
- CA DMV (Veh. Code §11710)
Premium, not face amount
The number on the bond, $50,000, is the coverage the California DMV requires under Vehicle Code §11710, not your cost. You pay an annual premium, a percentage of that amount set by underwriting. With strong credit the premium can start around 1% of the bond a year; as credit weakens, the rate climbs. We quote your real number rather than a teaser.
The amount depends on your dealer class
Not every dealer posts $50,000. The DMV sets the bond by license class, so confirm yours before you file.
| Dealer class | Bond amount |
|---|---|
| Retail used or new vehicle dealer | $50,000 |
| Wholesale-only (under 25 units) | $10,000 |
| Motorcycle or ATV-only dealer | $10,000 |
What moves the premium
- Credit. The single biggest factor. Strong credit earns the lowest rate; challenged credit costs more but is still placeable.
- Bond amount. A $10,000 wholesale bond costs less in dollars than a $50,000 retail bond at the same rate.
- The market. Different sureties price the same file differently, which is exactly why shopping it as a broker matters.
Bad credit is still placeable
A low score means a higher premium, not a closed door. We shop the markets that write credit-challenged dealers instead of declining at the first no. See the full auto dealer bond page, or if you are still getting licensed, start with how to get a California auto dealer license. Ready now? Get a quote and we will price your exact bond.