Motor Vehicle Dealers - Used Vehicles Only
Required for used motor vehicle dealers operating in Arkansas to obtain and maintain their dealer license from the state.
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About This Bond
The State of Arkansas Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond is a surety bond required by the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission for businesses that sell used motor vehicles. This bond ensures that licensed dealers comply with all applicable state laws, regulations, and licensing requirements governing the sale of used motor vehicles.
Used motor vehicle dealers in Arkansas must obtain this bond as part of their licensing process. The bond amount varies based on the dealer's business volume and operations, with options for $25,000 or $100,000 coverage. Dealers typically need the higher bond amount based on their sales volume or specific business activities.
This bond protects the State of Arkansas and consumers from financial losses that may result from the dealer's failure to comply with state motor vehicle laws, fraudulent practices, or other violations of their licensing agreement. If a dealer violates the terms of their license, affected parties can file claims against the bond for compensation up to the bond amount.
The bond term is one year and must be renewed annually to maintain an active dealer license. Continuous coverage is essential, as any lapse in the bond will result in suspension of the dealer's license until a new bond is secured.
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At a glance
Arkansas Auto Dealer Bond Key Facts
Governed by Ark. Code Ann. § 27-14-409; DFA Regulation 1993-3 (27 CAR §§ 10-103 to 10-104).
The basics
What Is an Auto Dealer Bond in Arkansas?
A bonded title in Arkansas is a regular vehicle title the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) issues on the strength of a surety bond. You use it when you cannot get the normal proof of ownership — for example, the title is lost and the seller cannot provide one — and the vehicle is in your possession. Arkansas law calls this filing a bond for a bonded title under Ark. Code Ann. § 27-14-409.
Good to know - There is no minimum vehicle value to require a bond — the surety bond is the standard path when you cannot get normal proof of ownership.
The bond protects any prior owner or lienholder and any future buyer if someone else turns out to have a claim on the vehicle. You file it together with your title application — it does not replace the application.
Arkansas sets the bond at 1.5 times your vehicle’s value, as determined by the Department, and the bond stays in effect for three years. If no one makes a valid claim during that time, the bond ends and you keep a clear title.
Arkansas accepts more than one kind of bond. In place of a corporate surety bond, the Department may accept a certificate of deposit with assignment or an irrevocable letter of credit that meets the same requirements.
Qualification
What You Need to Qualify for a Arkansas Auto Dealer Bond
Approval depends on your dealer license type, required coverage amount, and underwriting factors such as credit.
- The vehicle is in your possession and legally controlled by you.
- The vehicle has not been issued a junking certificate or a similarly branded certificate of title.
- The vehicle is not subject to a storage or mechanic’s lien.
- The vehicle is not stolen.
- The vehicle is not involved in ownership litigation.
Step by step
How to Get an Auto Dealer Bond in Arkansas: Step by Step
File your Statement of Facts
Complete the Statement of Facts for Issuance of a Bonded Title (Form 10-345) and mail it to the DFA Office of Motor Vehicle - Bonded Titles. It must be accompanied by a bill of sale and a verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the form prescribed by the Arkansas State Police, done by a certified law enforcement officer or the Arkansas State Police.
Statement of Facts for Issuance of a Bonded Title (10-345)Wait for the letter of approval and bond amount
The bonded title agent researches Office of Motor Vehicle records to confirm you can use bonded title procedures. If approved, you receive bond forms and a letter of approval that sets the bond amount — equal to 1.5x the vehicle’s value as determined by the Department. Allow 10 to 25 business days. Enter your value in the calculator above to estimate your premium.
Buy and file your surety bond
Buy a bond for the amount on your letter of approval from an insurer authorized in Arkansas, or instead provide a certificate of deposit with assignment or an irrevocable letter of credit that meets the Department’s requirements. File it with the Commissioner within 30 days of its effective date. Once issued, the bond stays in effect for three years.
Apply for the title at a revenue office
Take the bond, your letter of approval, and a completed Vehicle Registration Application to any Arkansas state revenue office. Make sure the vehicle description (year, make, model, VIN, body style) on the application matches the bond. Pay the title and registration fees and any sales tax due.
Vehicle Registration Application (Application for Title or Replacement Title)Paperwork
Arkansas Dealer Bond Forms & Documents
Filed first, with a bill of sale and VIN verification, to start the process.
View formThe main application for a certificate of title and registration.
View formOn the form prescribed by the Arkansas State Police; completed by a certified law enforcement officer or the Arkansas State Police. Filed with the Statement of Facts.
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Cost
How Arkansas Auto Dealer Bond Pricing Works
You do not pay the full bond amount. In Arkansas, the bond must equal 1.5 times your vehicle’s value as determined by the Department. You pay a premium, which is a smaller percentage of that bond amount.
Your premium depends on the bond amount and underwriting. Use the calculator above for an estimate; your final premium may vary. State title and registration fees and any sales tax due are separate from the bond premium.
Worked example
If the Department values your vehicle at $8,000, the bond amount is 1.5x that, or $12,000. You pay only the premium on the $12,000 bond, not the full $12,000.
Filing
Filing Information
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Office of Motor Vehicle
We prepare the issued bond and send you a copy for your records. Filing requirements vary by state, license type, carrier, and bond form.
Bonded Titles unit: (501) 682-4679. Office of Motor Vehicle: (501) 682-4692.FAQ
Arkansas Auto Dealer Bond FAQ
Yes. Arkansas issues a title backed by a surety bond under Ark. Code Ann. § 27-14-409 when you cannot get the normal ownership documents and the vehicle is in your possession.
The bond amount is 1.5 times your vehicle’s value, as determined by the Department. You pay a premium — a percentage of that amount — not the full bond amount. Use the calculator above to estimate it.
The Department of Finance and Administration determines the value and states the required bond amount in your letter of approval. The bond must equal 1.5 times that value.
Three years. Under DFA Regulation 1993-3, the bond must guarantee payment for three years from its effective date; after that, if no valid claim is made, the bond is no longer required.
File the Statement of Facts for Issuance of a Bonded Title (Form 10-345) with the DFA Office of Motor Vehicle - Bonded Titles, along with a bill of sale and a VIN verification. The Department reviews your records in 10 to 25 business days and, if approved, sends a letter of approval with your bond amount.
No. Arkansas also accepts a certificate of deposit with assignment or an irrevocable letter of credit that meets the Department’s requirements, in place of a corporate surety bond.
Within 30 days of the bond’s effective date. A bond filed more than 30 days after its effective date will not be accepted, and you would have to start over.
Sources
Last verified 2026-06-23. Requirements change - confirm current details with Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Office of Motor Vehicle before you file. This page is informational and not legal advice.
FAQ
Arkansas Auto Dealer Bond Questions
The cost of a Arkansas auto dealer bond is usually a small percentage of the state-required bond amount. Your exact premium depends on the bond amount, license type, business details, and underwriting factors such as credit.
Many auto dealer bonds can be issued the same day after you complete the application. Larger bond amounts or applications that need underwriting review may take longer.
Requirements vary by license type, but most Arkansas auto dealers need to complete a short application and purchase the bond amount required by the state before their license can be issued or renewed.
Often, yes. Many states have separate bond requirements for wholesale, retail, broker, or other dealer license types. Choose the bond that matches your Arkansas license instructions.
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AutoDealersBond.com is operated by Insurance Services by Shield, a California and Texas licensed insurance agency (CA License #6018195, TX License #3446536). Insurance Services by Shield is not an insurance carrier and does not underwrite bonds or insurance policies. Bond and coverage availability, pricing, and issuance are subject to carrier underwriting approval, eligibility, applicable state requirements, and policy or bond terms. Availability varies by state.
