Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Bond

How much does a Pennsylvania motor vehicle bond cost?

Pennsylvania motor vehicle bond costs vary depending on which license type you need. Your personal premium will be provided after a quick application review. All premiums cover the full 1-year bond term as required by the state. 

• Card agent costs start at $100.
• Salvor costs start at $100.
• Dealer bond costs start at $120.
• Manufacturer costs start at $120.
• Full agent costs start at $180.
• Messenger service costs start at $500.

How do I get a motor vehicle dealer, manufacturer, agent, messenger, or salvor bond?

You can apply for your Pennsylvania motor vehicle bond online 24/7. You'll need to provide the following information for Department of Transportation approval.

• dealer or dealership name
• business address 
• county
• vehicle dealer license type
• dealer license number, if available

Once your order is processed, you'll receive your bonding confirmation by email, and your official bond will be shipped to you. 

How fast can I get a manufacturer, agent, messenger, salvor, or motor vehicle dealer bond?

Our industry-leading technology and responsive team of surety bond specialists allow us to offer free quotes and deliver your official Pennsylvania motor vehicle bond faster than any other surety provider. The DOT requires your Pennsylvania vehicle license bond be physically issued and shipped to you, so choose overnight shipping during checkout if you're in a rush. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically shipped same-day.

What is a Pennsylvania motor vehicle bond?

Pennsylvania state law requires individuals file a surety bond before being licensed as a motor vehicle professional in the state. Licensing laws vary, but the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation uses form MV-375 to fulfill surety bond requirements for multiple license types. Named the “Manufacturer/Dealer/Full Agent/Card Agent/Messenger Service/Salvor Bond,” this bond is more commonly known as the “auto dealer bond” or “motor vehicle dealer bond” even though it's used for multiple license applications. The bond amount required varies depending on the license type.

Note: The Pennsylvania State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons enforces separate license requirements for auto dealers and manufacturers, but the same MV-375 form is used. You can find more detailed information about dealer license and bond requirements on our separate Pennsylvania auto dealer bond page. 

Why are motor vehicle dealer bonds required?

By filing this bond, dealers, manufacturers, card agents, full agents, salvors, and messenger services agree to comply with state laws when operating their businesses. If the state or consumers are harmed as a result of noncompliance, the issuing surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount. The bonded auto dealer or other professional will be required to reimburse their surety company for any claims paid.

Who regulates licensing for motor vehicle professionals?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation enforces license and surety bond requirements for agent services, card agents, messenger services, and salvors. If you have questions about the licensing process, the DOT advises you call the Regulated Client Service Section at 1(717)705-1101.

What are the different Pennsylvania motor vehicle license types?

A card agent license is required for individuals who issue temporary vehicle registration cards. Card agents must file a $3,000 surety bond. 

A full agent license is required for individuals who complete motor vehicle transactions for clients. Full agents must file a $30,000 surety bond for each business location. 

A messenger service license is required for individuals who provide vehicle titles, registrations, and other vehicle documents for a fee. Messenger services must file a $50,000 surety bond for each branch office. 

A salvor license is required for individuals who process or tow abandoned vehicles. Salvors must file a $10,000 surety bond for each business location. 

A vehicle dealer or manufacturer license and $20,000 bond amount must be filed with the Pennsylvania State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons. Note that Pennsylvania auto dealer bond and auto dealer license requirements are regulated separately from other motor vehicle license types in the state.

How do I update or change my motor vehicle dealer form? 

If the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires you to update your bond documentation for any reason, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change.

The most common updates requested for these bonds include:

• dealer or dealership name
• business address 
• county
• vehicle dealer license type
• dealer license number

How do I renew my motor vehicle bond?

You must renew your vehicle dealer bond before its current 1-year term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, renewal instructions will be emailed to you to keep your bond active for your next license term. 

How do I get licensed as a motor vehicle professional in Pennsylvania?

Your motor vehicle application process will vary depending on which license you need. You can also find helpful links to the different license types offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in the Additional Resources section below. 

You can also find Pennsylvania vehicle manufacturer, dealer, and salesperson application forms online.