Motor Vehicle Dealers - New or New and Used Vehicles
Required for motor vehicle dealers selling new or new and used vehicles in Minnesota. Protects consumers and the state from dealer violations of licensing laws.
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About This Bond
The State of Minnesota Motor Vehicle Dealer License Surety Bond is a financial guarantee required for businesses that sell new vehicles or both new and used vehicles in Minnesota. This bond ensures compliance with state motor vehicle dealer licensing laws and regulations.
Motor vehicle dealers operating in Minnesota who sell new vehicles or a combination of new and used vehicles must obtain this bond as part of their licensing requirements. The bond is mandated by the State of Minnesota to ensure dealers operate ethically and in accordance with state laws.
This $50,000 surety bond protects consumers and the State of Minnesota from financial losses resulting from the dealer's failure to comply with licensing requirements, fraudulent practices, or violations of motor vehicle dealer laws. If a dealer engages in prohibited activities or fails to fulfill their legal obligations, affected parties can file claims against the bond for compensation.
The bond has a one-year term and is renewable annually. Dealers must maintain continuous bond coverage to keep their license active and continue operating legally in Minnesota.
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At a glance
Minnesota Auto Dealer Bond Key Facts
Governed by Minn. Stat. § 168A.07.
The basics
What Is an Auto Dealer Bond in Minnesota?
A bonded title in Minnesota is a regular certificate of title that Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) issues once you file a surety bond. You use it when DVS is not satisfied that you own the vehicle — for example, you have no properly assigned title and cannot reach the previous owner. Under Minnesota Statutes section 168A.07, the bond must equal one and one-half times (1.5x) the vehicle’s value as determined by DVS, and DVS brands the title “BONDED” for three years. This option is available only when the vehicle is more than five years old.
Good to know - There is no minimum dollar value that triggers the bond — a surety bond is the standard path when you cannot prove ownership. The bonded-title option is available only when the vehicle is more than five years old; for newer vehicles, ask DVS about other ways to establish ownership.
The bond protects any prior owner, secured party (lienholder), or later 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.
You do not buy the bond first. DVS reviews your application and determines the vehicle’s value, then a deputy registrar gives you the bond form and calculates the amount. The bond (or an equal cash deposit) must be one and one-half times that value.
DVS holds the bond for three years and brands the title “BONDED.” If no one makes a valid ownership claim during those three years, the bond is returned and you can get a new title without the brand.
Qualification
What You Need to Qualify for a Minnesota Auto Dealer Bond
Approval depends on your dealer license type, required coverage amount, and underwriting factors such as credit.
- You have the vehicle but cannot provide proof of ownership DVS will accept (for example, no properly assigned title and you cannot reach the previous owner).
- The vehicle is more than five years old (the bonded-title path is available only for vehicles more than five years old).
- You have done your due diligence to find any prior owner or lienholder and can complete the Affidavit Regarding Due Diligence.
- You can show the vehicle’s value (a printout from a recognized value guide or other documentation) and provide clear photos of the vehicle and its VIN.
- The surety bond is issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Minnesota — or you post an equal cash deposit instead.
Step by step
How to Get an Auto Dealer Bond in Minnesota: Step by Step
Confirm you qualify and do your due diligence
Minnesota issues a bonded title only when DVS is not satisfied as to ownership and the vehicle is more than five years old. Complete the Affidavit Regarding Due Diligence, describing the steps you took to find the previous owner or any lienholder.
Affidavit Regarding Due DiligenceGather your value evidence and vehicle photos
Get a printout of the vehicle’s value from a recognized guide (NADA or Kelley Blue Book), and take clear color photos showing all sides of the vehicle plus a picture or etching of the VIN.
Have DVS set the value at a deputy registrar
Bring your application, affidavit, value evidence, and photos to a Minnesota deputy registrar office in person (these documents cannot be mailed in). DVS reviews everything and determines the vehicle’s value, and the deputy gives you the bond form and calculates the bond amount.
Buy your surety bond for 1.5x the value
Purchase a surety bond equal to one and one-half times (1.5x) the value DVS set, from a surety company authorized in Minnesota — or post an equal cash deposit. Once filed, DVS holds the bond for three years and the title is branded “BONDED.” Enter your vehicle value in the calculator above to estimate your premium.
Ownership and Security Interest BondFile your application and bond
Submit the completed Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle (PS2000) with your signed bond, the due-diligence affidavit, your value evidence, and the photos, and pay the state title and filing fees at the deputy registrar office.
Application to Title and Register a Motor Vehicle (PS2000)Paperwork
Minnesota Dealer Bond Forms & Documents
Main Minnesota title and registration application, filed with the bond.
View formDocuments your efforts to find the prior owner or lienholder. Submit in person at a deputy registrar office — it cannot be mailed in.
View formThe surety bond filed to establish ownership (1.5x the DVS-determined value). Provided by your deputy registrar; not available online.
You'll also need
Cost
How Minnesota Auto Dealer Bond Pricing Works
You do not pay the full bond amount. In Minnesota the bond must equal one and one-half times (1.5x) the vehicle’s value as determined by DVS. You pay a premium, which is a smaller percentage of that bond amount.
Your final price depends on the bond amount and underwriting. Use the calculator above for an estimate; your final premium may vary. State title and filing fees are paid to Minnesota and are separate from the bond premium.
Worked example
If DVS sets your vehicle's value at $4,000, the bond amount is 1.5x that, or $6,000. You pay only the premium on the $6,000 bond, not the full $6,000.
Filing
Filing Information
Minnesota Department of Public Safety — Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)
We prepare the issued bond and send you a copy for your records. Filing requirements vary by state, license type, carrier, and bond form.
651-297-2126FAQ
Minnesota Auto Dealer Bond FAQ
Yes. Under Minnesota Statutes section 168A.07, when DVS is not satisfied that you own the vehicle and the vehicle is more than five years old, you can get a title by filing a surety bond. DVS brands the title “BONDED” for three years.
The bond amount equals one and one-half times (1.5x) your vehicle’s value as determined by DVS. You pay a premium — a percentage of that amount — not the full bond amount. Use the calculator above to estimate it.
DVS determines the value. You provide evidence of it, such as a printout from a recognized value guide (NADA or Kelley Blue Book) or other documentation.
Three years. DVS holds the bond for three years and brands the title “BONDED.” If no ownership claim is made during that time, the bond is returned and a new title is issued without the brand.
The bonded-title path is only for vehicles more than five years old. For a newer vehicle, ask DVS about other ways to establish ownership.
At a deputy registrar office. The Affidavit Regarding Due Diligence and your supporting documents must be submitted in person — they cannot be mailed in. Submit your application (PS2000) and signed bond and pay the fees. Call 651-297-2126 or use the DVS office locator with questions.
Yes. You also need a completed Affidavit Regarding Due Diligence, evidence of the vehicle’s value, and clear photos showing all sides of the vehicle plus the VIN.
Sources
Last verified 2026-06-23. Requirements change - confirm current details with Minnesota Department of Public Safety — Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) before you file. This page is informational and not legal advice.
FAQ
Minnesota Auto Dealer Bond Questions
The cost of a Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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.
