Ohio dealer title defect bonds.
$750.

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

Ohio motor vehicle dealers file a title defect surety bond with the BMV, and the required amount rose to $75,000 effective April 1, 2026 (up from $25,000). The premium is a fixed $750 — the price you see at checkout. A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry — with e-signing in 1–2 business days.

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Required for your Ohio motor vehicle dealer license — filed with the BMV Dealer Licensing section

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New $75,000 limit effective 4-1-2026, up from the old $25,000 amount

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A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, and it never affects your score

$750 flatfixed premiumInstantissued the moment you pay1–3 yrterms available

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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, effective date. That is the application — 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 BMV

Pay online and receive the executed title defect bond, ready to file with your 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

Ohio licenses motor vehicle dealers through the BMV, and conditions the license on a title defect surety bond. The bond backs the Ohio Attorney General's Title Defect Rescission (TDR) Fund — the fund that reimburses consumers when a dealer fails to deliver a clear title within the statutory window, sells an undisclosed rebuilt-salvage or buy-back vehicle, tampers with an odometer, or otherwise leaves a buyer with a defective title.

The required amount increased to $75,000 effective April 1, 2026, up from the prior $25,000. New dealers need the $75,000 bond to get licensed, and existing dealers move to the higher amount on their renewal. It is a three-party arrangement: you (the principal), the surety, and the State of Ohio / harmed buyers as the protected parties.

It is not insurance for you — if the surety or the TDR Fund pays a claim, you repay the surety. Dealers who deliver clean title and disclose vehicle history treat the bond as a license formality, not a risk.

ORC 4517.12 / 4505.181 (TDR Fund) — $75,000 eff. 4-1-2026Ohio motor vehicle dealers are licensed by the BMV and must file a title defect surety bond that backs the Attorney General's Title Defect Rescission Fund (ORC 4505.181), which reimburses buyers for undelivered or defective titles, undisclosed salvage/buy-back vehicles, and odometer fraud. The required bond amount increased from $25,000 to $75,000 effective April 1, 2026 — new dealers need the $75,000 bond, and existing dealers increase coverage at renewal. Confirm the amount and form on your BMV Dealer Licensing application.

You need this bond if you're

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Applying for an Ohio dealer license — new, used, wholesale, or auction

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Renewing your dealer license and moving to the new $75,000 limit

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Opening after 4-1-2026 when the $75,000 amount applies to all new applicants

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Moving to Ohio 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 pull. Submit once and your bond is issued when you pay.

Start the application →

FAQ

Common questions.

Why did the bond amount change to $75,000?Ohio raised the required dealer title defect bond from $25,000 to $75,000 effective April 1, 2026, to better fund the Attorney General's Title Defect Rescission Fund. New dealers need the $75,000 bond to get licensed; existing dealers move to the higher amount at renewal.

Do I pay the $75,000?No. Your premium is a fixed $750. The $75,000 is the surety's maximum liability to the state and harmed buyers; it is not a deposit, and nobody holds your money.

What does the bond guarantee?That you deliver clear title within the statutory window, disclose rebuilt-salvage and buy-back vehicles, and do not tamper with odometers. If you fail to and a buyer is harmed, the Title Defect Rescission Fund can reimburse them and recover against the bond — and if the surety pays, you repay the surety.

Is there a credit check?A quick soft credit check may apply — never a hard inquiry, and it never affects your score. It is the only extra step beyond the application, and it informs approval, not price — the premium stays $750 either way.

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.

Same family

Other Ohio motor vehicle dealer bonds.

Not sure this is the one your license calls for? These are the other motor vehicle dealer bonds we write in Ohio. Each has its own statute and bond amount.

Related bonds

Other Ohio bonds.

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