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Minnesota Motor Vehicle Dealer Surety Bond

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Minnesota requires Motor Vehicle Dealers to have a license and a Motor Vehicle Dealer Surety Bond. Dealers that are required to be licensed include: new/franchise and used vehicle dealers (including car dealers or auto dealers), lessor dealers, wholesale dealers, vehicle brokers, vehicle auctioneers, salvage pool dealers, limited use vehicle dealers, snowmobile trailer dealers, motorized bicycle dealers, small horse trailer dealers (weighing less than 24,000 lbs) and boat trailer dealers.

Surety Bond and License Requirements:

  1. Dealers can apply for a license through Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services.
  2. Complete the motor vehicle dealer application, demonstration /in-transit plate application, and pay the license fee.
  3. Obtain liability insurance for vehicles held for resale.
  4. Have an established place of business and business hours, meet local zoning requirements (complete the Zoning Verification form), have a permanent enclosed building, have sewer and water utilities (for most dealer license types). An inspection of the dealership will be conducted for the application.
  5. New/franchise dealers must file a copy of the franchise agreement with the Dealer Licensing Unit. Dealers that sell boat, snowmobile and utility trailers are not required to have a franchise agreement.
  6. Complete the Certification of Compliance (Workers Compensation Law).
  7. Complete the Verification of Property Lease or provide proof of owership of the property. Leased properties must be valid for a minimum of one year.
  8. A surety bond is required for a dealer license. The bond amount is based on the following:
  • $5,000 surety bond for motorized bicycle dealers, snowmobile, small horse trailers and boat trailer dealers.
  • $50,000 surety bond for all other dealer types

    • How Much Will This Bond Cost?

    The Premium that you pay for a Minnesota Motor Vehicle Dealer Surety Bond is dependent on credit, length of time in the business and number of business locations. Our rates start at $100 for bond amounts of $10,000 and lower, and 1% of the bond amount for bonds over $10,000. Our Surety Bond Specialists can give you a free, no-obligation quote for the type of bond needed for your business.

    Related Links:

    Minnesota Motor Vehicle Dealer License Information
    Minnesota Motor Vehicle Dealer Application

    More Surety Bond Questions?

    Check out our FAQ page or What’s a Surety Bond? page. Should you need or choose to buy a surety bond, buy from us. SuretyGroup.com has been underwriting surety bonds throughout the U.S. for more than 35 years. When you work with us, you enjoy the unique benefit of dealing with a team of highly experienced surety agents with in-house underwriting authority. This allows you to receive competitive, low rates, quick approvals, and immediate bond delivery. In most cases, your bond will be delivered within 24 hours after you apply for it.

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