Not in Hawaii? Motor vehicle dealer bonds in other states

Hawaii motor vehicle dealer bonds.
From $100.

Also known as the Hawaii auto dealer bond or car dealer bond.

Hawaii licenses motor vehicle dealers through the DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division under HRS chapter 437, and conditions the license on a surety bond sized to your vehicle type and volume. This bond is priced at 1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum. A quick soft credit check may apply, never a hard inquiry.

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Required for your Hawaii dealer license — through the DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division
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Amount depends on vehicle type and monthly volume — motorcycle, used, and new tiers differ
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1% of the bond amount, $100 minimum — a quick soft credit check may apply, never a hard inquiry, no impact on your score
A-ratedA.M. Best carriersInstantissued the moment you pay1% rate$100 minimum
Trusted by industry leaders
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC)
Blumenfeld Development Group (BDG)
Capital Development Partners
McKinney Properties
Terra Capital
JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Triple Five Group
The Georgetown Company
How it works

Three steps to licensed.

Your dealer license is waiting on this bond. Here's the entire process — no broker phone tag:

TODAY · ONLINE

Apply once, online

Business details, owner information, the bond amount your license requires, and an effective date. The only extra step is a one-time consent to a soft credit pull.

RIGHT AWAY

Approved

Most are approved as soon as you apply. The credit check is a soft pull that never affects your score. If it needs a second look, one to two business days at most.

WHEN YOU PAY

E-sign & file with the DCCA

Pay online and receive the executed bond ready to file with your motor vehicle dealer license application. Wet-ink originals mailed whenever the state insists.

About this bond

What it is and who needs it.

What the bond actually guarantees

Hawaii licenses motor vehicle dealers through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, under HRS chapter 437 (read with chapter 436B and the administrative rules). The license is conditioned on a surety bond that backs your compliance with dealer law and the taxes and fees you owe the State.

The amount depends on what you sell and how much. Industry guidance describes tiers along these lines: motorcycle and scooter dealers around $10,000; used-vehicle dealers around $25,000 (higher at larger monthly volumes); and new-vehicle dealers around $50,000 (higher above roughly ten new units a month). Confirm your exact figure on your DCCA application — send it to us and we'll verify it before issuing.

It's a three-party arrangement: you (the principal), the surety carrier, and the State of Hawaii together with harmed buyers (the protected parties). If you fail to deliver clear title, mishandle a customer's money, or skip taxes and fees, the harmed party can recover against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

HRS ch. 437 (Motor Vehicle Dealers)Hawaii motor vehicle dealers are licensed by the DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing Division under HRS chapter 437, read with chapter 436B and the administrative rules, which condition the license on a surety bond. Industry guidance reports bond tiers by vehicle type and monthly volume — roughly $10,000 for motorcycle/scooter dealers, $25,000–$100,000 for used dealers, and $50,000–$200,000 for new dealers. The exact amount is set on your DCCA application; confirm it there or send it to us and we'll verify.

You need this bond if you're

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Applying for a HI dealer license — new, used, wholesale, or motorcycle/scooter
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Renewing your dealer license and your current bond is expiring or non-renewing
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Changing your sales volume into a higher bond tier the DCCA sets
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Moving to Hawaii from another state and getting licensed here

One application, issued instantly.

These are the actual underwriting fields, including a one-time consent to a soft credit check. Submit once and your bond is issued when you pay.

Start the application →
FAQ

Common questions.

How much is the Hawaii motor vehicle dealer bond?The premium is 1% of the bond amount the DCCA sets for your vehicle type and monthly volume, with a $100 minimum — priced by amount, not by credit tier. Your exact price appears at the application.
What bond amount do I need?It depends on what you sell and how much. Industry guidance describes roughly $10,000 for motorcycle/scooter dealers, $25,000 for used dealers (more at higher volumes), and $50,000 for new dealers (more above about ten units a month). Confirm your exact figure on your DCCA application — or send it to us and we'll verify it.
Do I pay the full bond amount?No. You pay the premium quoted at application, not the bond amount. The bond amount is the surety's maximum liability to the state and harmed buyers; it's not a deposit, and nobody holds your money.
Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply — it's never a hard inquiry and has no impact on your score. It's the only extra step beyond the application; your price itself is set by the bond amount, not your credit tier.
When does it renew?Terms run 1, 2, or 3 years — your choice at purchase. You'll get renewal notices 60 and 30 days before expiration, with autopay available, and the bond must stay active for your dealer license to stay valid.
Which A-rated carriers underwrite these bonds?Typically Arch Insurance Company (A.M. Best A+) or Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (A.M. Best A). Which one writes your bond depends on the bond type and your state. The carrier's name and official signature are printed on the bond you receive.
How do I contact Light RFP about this bond?Email insurance@lightrfp.com. It reaches the bond team at Light RFP Risk Management Services LLC (NY DFS License # PC-1978982). Write to us about quotes, applications, bond forms or certificates. We will respond within 24 hours.
Related bonds

Other Hawaii bonds.

The DCCA is waiting on one document.

Pricing from $100, short application, bond issued when you pay. Free until issued.

Your premiumfrom $100
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