top of page

OREGON

Parking Lot

OREGON
MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER BOND

Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond

Anchor 1

Getting a Oregon motor vehicle dealer bond is a key step to becoming a licensed car dealer in the state. The motor vehicle dealer bond serves as an extra guarantee that your dealership will follow all rules and regulations that govern motor vehicle dealers in the state of Oregon.



Surety Bond Name: Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond


Surety Bond Amount: $50,000


Obligee: The Oregon Department of Transportation.

​​

Just like all surety bonds, the Oregon motor vehicle dealer bond serves as protection for the general public, and not as insurance for your business. In case you don't follow the rules and your obligations under the bond, a claim can be made against you. If proven to be a legitimate claim, the penal sum of the bond is used to compensate the affected parties. The surety covers the costs of claims up front, which you’ll be required to reimburse in full. This means you should avoided having any claims, as they can cause serious harm to your business and finances.

Oregon Motor Vehicle / Auto Dealer Bond Cost

While $50,000 might seem like a large amount to pay, in reality, you only need to pay a percentage of it to get bonded, which is called the bond annual premium. The surety company will look at several factors to determine your Oregon motor vehicle dealer bond cost, most importantly, your credit score. Factors such as years licensed and years of industry experience will also play a factor in your dealer bond cost.


  • If your credit score is above 650, you’ll likely have to pay between .75% and 2% of the bond amount.

  • For applicants with credit scores between 600 and 649, the rates range between 2.5% and 4%.




Oregon Motor Vehicle / Auto Dealer License and Renewal


Who Needs a Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond?

Anyone applying as a:

…must submit a surety bond and liability insurance to the DMV Business Licensing Unit.


If you’re applying for a Three-Year Oregon Vehicle Dealer Certificate, the DMV requires you to submit:

We help you get both—fast, affordably, and 100% DMV-compliant.


Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Amounts and Requirements


The Oregon auto dealer bond must:

  • Be issued in the amount of $50,000 per certification period

  • Be signed by the bonding company and the dealer (original/wet signature required)

  • Match the business name and address exactly as listed on your DMV application

  • Remain active throughout your license period

We ensure your bond is issued correctly the first time—avoiding costly delays or rejections.



How to Apply for a Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer License


To apply for your original Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer Certificate, submit the following to the DMV:

✅ Completed DMV Application
✅ Copies of official photo IDs for all owners, partners, LLC members or officers
$50,000 Surety Bond
Dealer Liability Insurance Certificate
✅ 8-Hour Dealer Education Certificate (from an approved provider)
✅ Business Name and Location Approval from city or county
✅ All required fees

📍 Mail to:
DMV Business Licensing Unit
1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314
Let Us Help You Get Licensed—Fast

At All American Bonds and Insurance, we specialize in:

Whether you're a new dealer or renewing your certificate, we’ve got you covered.


Additional Info for Oregon Dealers

  • Renewing? You need 4 hours of continuing education per year (12 hours total for 3 years)

  • Changing Business Info? You must file a correction form (Form 735-371) with updated bond & insurance

  • Opening Another Location? Submit a supplemental application (Form 735-372)

  • Dealer Plates? Only valid on vehicles owned/inventory of the dealership—not for commercial use

Auto Dealer Liability Insurance: What’s Required?

Per ORS 822.033, your policy must:

  • Cover all motor vehicles manufactured, owned, operated, or maintained by the dealership

  • Cover all drivers with permission from the dealer

  • Meet minimum coverage amounts under ORS 806.070

  • Remain continuously active (the DMV must receive notice of cancellation directly from your insurer)

⚠️ DMV does not accept ACORD certificates. We provide the exact DMV-compliant form they require.

Need Help with Garage Liability Insurance?

At All American Bonds and Insurance, we specialize in insuring licensed auto and powersports dealers in Oregon. Whether you're starting your first dealership or expanding operations, we’ll help you choose the right protection at a competitive rate.

✅ Fast quotes
✅ Low down payments
✅ Coverage that meets dealer board and lender requirements

📞 Call us at (844) 321-2663 or Get a Quote Now!


Hassle Free Guarantee Dealer Bond

Whether applying for your first auto dealer license in Oregon, or renewing an existing one, you have to submit a dealer application form, together with all necessary documents that prove you meet the requirements.



When you renew your license, you’ll have to renew your Oregon auto dealer bond as well. As your business finances and personal credit score can change, make sure you work on improving those stats, so that you can reduce your surety bond cost over the years.

Request a FREE Bond or Insurance Quote today!

 

Get in touch with us by choosing one of the options below:

COMPLETE AN ONLINE APPLICATION
COMPLETE THE "QUICK HELP" FORM 
One of our agents will contact you shortly
bottom of page