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Any individual or business entity that wishes to sell or lease motor vehicles in the state of Pennsylvania must purchase a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond. This bond is required by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to protect consumers from financial losses due to fraud or other misconduct by motor vehicle dealers.
The following types of businesses are required to obtain a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond:
- New and used car dealers: Businesses that sell new or used cars to the public.
- Motor vehicle manufacturers: Businesses that manufacture motor vehicles for sale in Pennsylvania.
- Full agents: Businesses that are authorized to act on behalf of a motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer.
- Salvors: Businesses that purchase and sell wrecked or damaged motor vehicles.
- Messenger services: Businesses that transport motor vehicles for sale or lease.
- Card agents: Businesses that are authorized to issue temporary registration cards for motor vehicles.
The amount of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond is determined by the PennDOT based on the applicant’s financial condition and the volume of motor vehicles they anticipate selling or leasing. However, the bond amount must be at least $20,000. If you are a business that sells or leases motor vehicles in Pennsylvania, you are required to obtain a Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond. Failure to obtain a bond can result in a fine of up to $1,000 per day and revocation of your license.
How to Get a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond
At Surety1.com we make it easy to obtain this surety bond. Our simple, three step process is:
- Complete the easy to navigate and secure online application. 1
- Review the free, no obligation quote from one of Surety1’s professional surety bond agents, usually within one business day.
- Sign some paperwork and pay the bond premium
Once these steps have been completed, the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond will be shipped to the bond applicant.
1 -The name of the applicant on the surety bond application must match exactly the full legal business name of applicant for the license.
The cost of the bond is usually between 1% and 3% of the bond amount, subject to a minimum premium and fees of $150 to$250. Surety1 will shop its many markets to procure the right price at the right terms.
Surety1.com is a service of AssuredPartners one of the largest and fastest growing insurance agencies in the nation. Representing over a dozen surety bond companies, Surety1.com is the premier online provider of surety bonds nationwide since 2003.
How to Get a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer License
Obtaining a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer License involves several steps, including meeting eligibility requirements, completing an application, and obtaining a surety bond. Here’s a detailed overview of the process:
- Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer License, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have at least two years of experience in the motor vehicle industry
- Pass the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Education Certification Program
- Application Process:
The application process for a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer License involves the following steps:
- Create an account on the PennDOT Dealer Services website
- Complete the online application form
- Provide personal and business information
- Attach supporting documents, including proof of residency, financial statements, and business licenses
- Submit the application and pay the required fee
- Surety Bond:
You will need to obtain a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond. The amount of the bond is determined by PennDOT based on your financial condition and the volume of motor vehicles you anticipate selling or leasing. However, the bond amount must be at least $20,000.
- Fingerprints and Background Checks:
You will need to submit your fingerprints to PennDOT for a criminal background check. The background check will be used to verify your criminal history and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for a dealer license.
- Inspection of Your Business Location:
A PennDOT representative will inspect your business location to ensure that it meets all applicable regulations, including zoning requirements, signage requirements, and accessibility standards.
- License Issuance:
Once you have completed all of the application requirements and passed the inspection, PennDOT will issue your Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer License. The license is valid for two years and must be renewed annually.
- Ongoing Requirements:
As a licensed motor vehicle dealer, you must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including:
- Maintaining a Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond of at least $20,000
- Complying with titling and registration laws
- Disclosing material facts about vehicles to potential buyers
- Providing accurate information on dealer contracts
- Keeping accurate records of all transactions
- Reporting odometer readings correctly
- Cooperating with PennDOT investigations
Failure to comply with these ongoing requirements can result in disciplinary action, including fines, license suspension, or revocation.
About Surety1.com
Contact Surety1
How to Get Your Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond
- Complete an online application. It’s free and no-obligation.
- One of our surety experts will contact you with a firm quote and an agreement to sign.
- Provide payment and your signed agreement, and then you will receive your Surety Bond!
If you have any questions, please call us at 877-654-2327.
Surety1 was founded in 2003 and helps thousands of clients find the best prices on their surety bonds. We take pride in our work so that we can give you great service. Learn more about Surety1.