Pennsylvania Auto Dealer Bond Guide: Requirements, Cost & How to Get One

Pennsylvania has multiple different bond amounts depending on how the auto dealer business operates and your license requirement. They typically require a $20,000 or $30,000 bond if you sell vehicles, $10,000 for vehicle salvors and $3,000 for Card Agents. Below are the specific bond titles as well as the required bond amount.

• $3,000 Pennsylvania Card Agent Bond
• $10,000 Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Salvor Bond
• $20,000 Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Manufacturer/Dealer Bond (sells vehicles only)
• $30,000 Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Manufacturer/Dealer & Full/Issuing Agent Bond (sells vehicles & registration plates)
• $30,000 Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Full/Issuing Agent (sells registration plates only – no vehicles)
• $50,000 Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Messenger Service Bond

This guide covers the requirement, cost, and how to get bonded for your PA dealer license.

For how auto dealer bonds work generally, see our auto dealer bond explained.

Pennsylvania’s Auto Dealer Bond Requirement

Pennsylvania vehicle dealers must obtain a motor vehicle dealer bond and file it with the State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons. The bond:

• Protects customers and the state from dealer fraud and misconduct
• Covers failure to deliver clear title, odometer issues, and unpaid taxes/fees
• Must be in place before the dealer license is issued
• Applies to new and used vehicle dealers

How Much Does a Pennsylvania Auto Dealer Bond Cost?

Premium is a percentage of the bond amount, driven by credit:

• Standard credit: 1-3%
• Sub-standard credit: 3-10%

Get the Pennsylvania motor vehicle dealer bond directly. For full pricing, see the surety bond cost guide.

Getting a Pennsylvania Dealer Bond with Bad Credit

Pennsylvania dealer bonds are obtainable with bad credit through specialty programs — premiums run toward the higher end but approval is usually available. See bad credit surety bonds and how to get bonded with bad credit.

What the Bond Covers

• Fraud or misrepresentation in vehicle sales
• Failure to deliver clear title to buyers
• Odometer tampering or rollback
• Failure to remit sales taxes or registration fees collected from customers

How to Get a Pennsylvania Auto Dealer Bond

1. Confirm the required bond amount and any required form with the PA Board of Vehicles.
2. Apply. Provide business information, owner information, and authorize a credit check.
3. Get your quote and pay. Good credit, often same-day; bad credit may take 24–48 hours.
4. File with the PA Board of Vehicles. Submit with your dealer license application.

See more Pennsylvania bonds at the Pennsylvania state bonds hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much is a Pennsylvania auto dealer bond?
  Pennsylvania requires a motor vehicle dealer bond in order to obtain your dealer license. You pay a premium of 1–3% of that amount. You pay the premium, not the full $30,000.
• What is the auto dealer bond requirement in Pennsylvania?
  Pennsylvania requires a motor vehicle dealer bond filed with the State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons. The required bond amount depends on how your auto dealer business operates (selling vehicles only, registration plates only, both or vehicle salvors). The bond must be in place before your dealer license is issued and applies to new and used vehicle dealers. Check with your State Licensing authority to confirm your required bond amount.
• What does a Pennsylvania auto dealer bond cover?
  It protects customers and the state from dealer fraud, failure to deliver clear title, odometer tampering, and failure to remit sales taxes or fees collected from buyers. Harmed parties file claims against the bond.
• Can I get a Pennsylvania auto dealer bond with bad credit?
  Yes. Specialty programs cover most credit profiles. The premium runs higher (toward 10% of the bond amount), but approval is usually available even with poor credit or a past bankruptcy.
• How long does a Pennsylvania auto dealer bond last?
  Most run for one year and renew annually alongside the dealer license. Confirm the exact term with the PA Board of Vehicles, as it aligns with your dealer registration cycle.
• How fast can I get a Pennsylvania auto dealer bond?
  Good-credit applicants often get same-day issuance. Bad-credit applications may take 24–48 hours. The bond is delivered by email, with a hard copy mailed if the Board requires the original.
• Do I pay the full bond amount?
  No. You pay only the premium — 1–3% of the bond amount for good credit. The bond coverage amount is the maximum the surety would pay on a valid claim.
• Who requires the Pennsylvania auto dealer bond?
  The Pennsylvania State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons requires it as a condition of holding a vehicle dealer license. The bond protects the state and consumers from dealer misconduct.

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