What is a Missouri Motor Vehicle and Boat Dealer Bond?
The Missouri Motor Vehicle and Boat Dealer Bond (commonly called a motor vehicle dealer or auto dealer bond) is a surety bond that ensures a licensed dealer will adhere to their license and state regulations. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) requires vehicle dealer license applicants to obtain this bond as part of their licensing requirements. A surety bond is a three-party contract between the principal, the obligee, and the surety company. In this case, the principal is the dealer, the obligee is the Missouri DOR, and the surety company is the licensed business that backs the bond.
In general, auto dealer bonds ensure that the public can receive compensation in the event that the principal, aka the licensed dealer, fails to comply with their licensing requirements. If the principal operates fraudulently and, as a result, a consumer suffers injury, that injured party can file a claim against the principal’s bond. The surety company will investigate the claim and (if the claim is valid) compensate the injured party for damages up to the bond amount.
Unlike typical insurance, a surety bond requires the principal to reimburse the surety for all valid claims, plus additional fees and expenses incurred by the surety. In short, a surety bond transfers financial liability from the obligee to the surety company and, ultimately, the principal, who must reimburse the surety for all claims.
Who has to get this bond?
An auto dealer engaging in the sale of more than six new, used, or reconstructed motor vehicles in a single year is required to obtain a surety bond. These dealers are required to have this bond because it is a licensing requirement. Without a motor vehicle dealer bond, the dealers would not be able to obtain their business license and, therefore, would not be able to operate legally within the state.
Bear in mind that, within Missouri, there are various motor vehicle dealer license classifications depending on the kinds of vehicles you sell.
How much does this bond cost?
The bond premium, or the price, will only be a percentage of the bond amount, which for the Missouri Motor Vehicle and Boat Dealer Bond is $50,000. A well-qualified dealer with optimal financials may see rates starting as low as 0.75% to 1% of the bond amount. However, the premium for this bond will vary based on factors such as the type of business the dealership conducts and the dealer’s credit history, which will be checked via a soft inquiry to not harm your overall credit.
At EZ Surety Bonds, we work with various surety companies to ensure we can find you the best rates available, regardless of your credit score. So, even if you have nonstandard credit, we encourage you to apply for your free quote anyway.
Obligee information
The obligee for this bond, aka the entity that requires you to get a surety bond, is the Missouri Department of Revenue. We have provided their contact information below:
Missouri Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Bureau, Dealer Licensing Section
301 West High, Room 370
Jefferson City, Missouri 65105
Phone: 573-526-3669
How to get your Missouri Motor Vehicle and Boat Dealer Bond
Apply for your Missouri Auto Dealer Bond today, and you will hear back from one of our surety experts regarding your free quote within only 24 hours. We make the application process fast and simple. Plus, our applications are all online. Just fill out the short application on our website to get bonded—it’s that easy.
If you have any further questions, contact our surety experts by email at info@ezsuretybonds.com or by phone at 1-866-546-4605.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my dealer’s license in Missouri?
To obtain your Missouri Dealer License, you must complete the following steps:
- Determine the type of license you need
- Complete a dealer education program
- Register your business
- Get your permanent business location
- Complete a criminal background check
- Get your Missouri Dealer Surety Bond
- Ensure you meet all the license requirements, then fill out a dealer license application online, including any additional required forms
- Pay all necessary fees, including a $100 licensing fee and a $15 filing fee (as of 2022)
For more in-depth, step-by-step details on how to get your Missouri Dealer License, read our guide here.
How much is a Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond in Missouri?
The Missouri Motor Vehicle and Boat Dealer Bond has a bond amount of $50,000. The premium is based on several factors, such as your industry experience, business financials, and, most importantly, your credit score. Simply complete the quick application form on our website today, and one of our surety experts will contact you regarding your free quote within 24 hours.
After I purchase my Missouri Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond, what do I do?
After paying for your bond, we will mail the original document to you. Most obligees require you to file the original document; however, some obligees will accept an electronic version. Every obligee has different requirements, so make sure to check with your obligee for the specific filing requirements you need to follow for your bond.
