Missouri Auto Dealer Bonds
Auto dealer bonds protect consumers and the state. The bond amount and license type required depend on your state's DMV.
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At a glance
Missouri Auto Dealer Bond Key Facts
Governed by Section 301.560 RSMo.
The basics
What Is an Auto Dealer Bond in Missouri?
A Missouri auto dealer bond is a $50,000 surety bond you must post to get a motor vehicle dealer license from the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). A surety bond is a three-party promise: it protects your customers and the state if you break Missouri dealer laws, and you repay the surety for any valid claim it pays. Section 301.560 RSMo requires this bond for every covered dealer license type.
Good to know - A $50,000 bond is required for every covered dealer license type (new franchise, used, powersport, wholesale, trailer, and boat dealers). A higher $100,000 bond is required only if you want to be authorized to deliver a vehicle to a buyer before the certificate of ownership is assigned.
The bond is not insurance for your business. It protects the public and the state of Missouri. If you break a dealer law and cause someone a loss, they can file a claim against your bond, and you must pay the surety back.
Missouri sets the standard bond at $50,000. A higher $100,000 bond is required only if you want to be authorized to deliver a vehicle to a buyer before the certificate of ownership (title) is assigned. Most dealers post the $50,000 bond.
The bond covers the main dealer license types: new motor vehicle franchise dealers, used motor vehicle dealers, powersport dealers, wholesale motor vehicle dealers, trailer dealers, and boat dealers.
Qualification
What You Need to Qualify for a Missouri Auto Dealer Bond
Approval depends on your dealer license type, required coverage amount, and underwriting factors such as credit.
- You are applying for a covered dealer license: new motor vehicle franchise, used motor vehicle, powersport, wholesale, trailer, or boat dealer.
- You have an established place of business that meets Missouri zoning and display requirements.
- You (and every owner, partner, or principal officer) have completed a name-based criminal background check through the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
- First-time used motor vehicle dealers have attended a Department-approved Dealer Educational Seminar within the last 12 months.
- You carry dealer garage liability insurance.
- You are ready to post a $50,000 surety bond (or $100,000 if you want the deliver-before-title privilege).
Step by step
How to Get an Auto Dealer Bond in Missouri: Step by Step
Choose your dealer license type
Decide which license you need — new franchise, used, powersport, wholesale, trailer, or boat dealer. Your license type sets which rules apply, but the standard bond amount is $50,000 for all of them.
Attend the Dealer Educational Seminar (if required)
If you are applying for a used motor vehicle dealer license for the first time, you must attend a Department-approved Dealer Educational Seminar within 12 months before you apply, and include your certificate of completion.
Dealer Educational Seminar RequirementsComplete your background check
Every owner, partner, or principal officer must obtain a name-based criminal record from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (through machs.mo.gov). Out-of-state owners also need a background check from their home state.
Get your business inspected and certified
Have your dealership location inspected and complete the Inspection and Certification for Dealer, Auction, or Manufacturer Business License (Form 5748) to show your lot and office meet Missouri requirements.
Inspection and Certification for Dealer, Auction, or Manufacturer Business License (Form 5748)Buy your surety bond
Purchase your $50,000 Missouri dealer bond (or $100,000 if you want the deliver-before-title privilege). Market Canopy issues the bond on the Department-approved Form 331 and sends you the signed original to include with your application — you do not fill it out yourself.
Submit your dealer application and fees
File the Application for Dealer, Auction, or Manufacturer License and Number Plate(s) (Form 4682) with your bond, inspection, insurance, background checks, and the $150 fee through mydmv.mo.gov or by mail to the Dealer Licensing Section.
Application for Dealer, Auction, or Manufacturer License and Number Plate(s) (Form 4682)Paperwork
Missouri Dealer Bond Forms & Documents
The main dealer license application you complete and submit.
View formCertifies your place of business; submitted with your application.
View formThe official bond form. Market Canopy issues this on your behalf and sends you the signed original — you do not complete or sign it yourself.
View formYou'll also need
Cost
How Missouri Auto Dealer Bond Pricing Works
You do not pay the full bond amount. The state requires a $50,000 bond (or $100,000 for the deliver-before-title privilege), but you pay a premium — a small percentage of that amount — to buy it.
Your premium depends mainly on the bond amount and underwriting, especially your personal credit. Well-qualified dealers pay the lowest rate. The $150 license fee and dealer plate fees are separate state charges, not part of the bond premium.
Use the quote flow on this page to get your exact premium. We do not quote a binding price here because the rate is set after underwriting.
Worked example
On a $50,000 Missouri dealer bond, a dealer with strong credit might pay a premium equal to a low single-digit percentage of the $50,000 — not the full $50,000. Your actual premium is confirmed after underwriting.
Filing
Filing Information
Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau — Dealer Licensing Section
Filing notes
Market Canopy issues your Missouri dealer bond on the Department-approved Surety Bond (Form 331) and sends you the signed original for your license packet — you do not fill out or sign the bond form yourself.
You submit the original executed bond together with your dealer application (Form 4682) and supporting documents to the Motor Vehicle Bureau, Dealer Licensing Section, either through the online portal at mydmv.mo.gov or by mail to P.O. Box 43, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0043.
The bond must stay in force for your entire license period. Missouri dealer licenses run through December 31 of the license year, so keep the bond continuous and renew it before it lapses.
FAQ
Missouri Auto Dealer Bond FAQ
Yes. Section 301.560 RSMo requires every motor vehicle dealer applicant to furnish a $50,000 corporate surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit on a Department-approved form before the state issues a dealer license.
The standard bond is $50,000. A higher $100,000 bond is required only if you want to be authorized to deliver a vehicle to a buyer before the certificate of ownership is assigned. You pay a premium — a percentage of the bond amount — not the full amount.
New motor vehicle franchise dealers, used motor vehicle dealers, powersport dealers, wholesale motor vehicle dealers, trailer dealers, and boat dealers all must post the $50,000 bond under Section 301.560 RSMo.
You file the original bond with the Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau, Dealer Licensing Section, along with your Form 4682 application — through the online portal at mydmv.mo.gov or by mail to P.O. Box 43, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0043. Market Canopy issues the bond and sends you the signed original.
No. The bond is issued on the Department-approved Surety Bond (Form 331). Market Canopy prepares and signs the bond and sends you the original to include with your license application — you do not complete or sign the bond form.
You can buy a term of 1, 2, or 3 years, subject to approval. The bond must stay in force for your entire license period; Missouri dealer licenses run through December 31 of the license year, so renew the bond before it lapses.
You pay a premium, which is a percentage of the $50,000 (or $100,000) bond amount, based mainly on your credit and underwriting. Use the quote flow on this page for your exact premium. The $150 state license fee is separate.
First-time used motor vehicle dealers must attend a Department-approved Dealer Educational Seminar within 12 months before applying, unless they already hold a new or used dealer license for a separate dealership.
Sources
Last verified 2026-07-01. Requirements change - confirm current details with Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau — Dealer Licensing Section before you file. This page is informational and not legal advice.
FAQ
Missouri Auto Dealer Bond Questions
The cost of a Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri license instructions.
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AutoDealersBond.com is operated by Shield Liability Insurance Agency, a California and Texas licensed insurance agency (CA License #6018195, TX License #3446536). Shield Liability Insurance Agency 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.
