Hawaii Auto Dealer Bond Guide
If you are applying for a motor vehicle dealer license in Hawaii, you need to file a surety bond. Read this guide to learn the ins and outs of the bonding process.
Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect the public from fraudulent actions and license violations
- Who Needs It: Any person who sells more than 3 motor vehicles per year
- Regulating Body: The Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Board
- Required Coverage: $10,000–$200,000, based on dealership type and sales volume
- Premium Rates: Start at 1% of the bond amount, credit-based
What is a Hawaii motor vehicle dealer bond?
Hawaii Revised Statute §437-7 authorizes the Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry License Board to accept an optional bond for dealer licensing if a dealer applicant cannot provide acceptable proof of inventory or flooring line of credit. Form MOVE-13 0312R requires bonded dealerships to adhere to Hawaii revised statutes and specifically prohibits dealer fraud related to vehicle sales, purchases, or negotiations. Bond amounts vary depending on the license type needed.
How much does a motor vehicle dealer bond cost in Hawaii?
Hawaii motor vehicle bond costs vary depending on which auto dealer license and bond amount you need. Your exact bond premium will be provided after a quick application review. Apply online now to get your free, personal Hawaii auto dealer bond quote!
- Annual premiums for the Motorcycle or Scooter Dealer Bond start at $100.
- Annual premiums for the Used Vehicle Dealer Bond start at $250.
- Annual premiums for the New Vehicle Dealer Bond start at $500.
Multi-year discounts are also available for qualified applicants who would like to extend their motor vehicle dealer bond term.
How do you get a Hawaii motor vehicle dealer license bond?
You can apply for your free Hawaii motor vehicle dealer bond quote online 24/7. Simply select which license you need and provide the following information for Motor Vehicle Industry Board approval.
- dealer/dealership name
- business location county
- number of vehicles sold
- dealer license number, if available
Once your order has been processed, your official Hawaii motor vehicle dealer license bond will be delivered to your email.
How fast can I get an auto dealer surety bond?
Our industry-leading technology and responsive customer service team allow us to offer free quotes and deliver official Hawaii car dealer bonds faster than any other surety provider. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed with same-day emailed Hawaii MVD bond delivery.
If you have questions about the Hawaii auto dealer bond or your application, call 1 (800) 308-4358 to speak with a friendly surety expert. We're here to guide you through the motor vehicle dealer bond process so you can get back to running your business.
Why do you need a Hawaii motor vehicle dealer bond?
You might need a Hawaii auto dealer bond if you sell more than 3 vehicles in a year and can't prove your minimum inventory or flooring line of credit as required by state law.
By filing this bond, you agree to operate your dealership according to all industry rules and provisions outlined in Hawaii Revised Statutes. If you fail to do so, harmed individuals can recover losses by filing a claim against your bond. You would then be required to reimburse the surety company for any claims paid.
Who regulates licensing for vehicle dealers?
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board enforces all licensing and bonding requirements for vehicle dealers in the state.
If you have questions about motor vehicle dealer license requirements or your auto dealership license application status, you can contact the board by calling 1 (808) 586-2701 or emailing [email protected].
How do I update my vehicle dealer bond form?
If the Motor Vehicle Industry Board requires your Hawaii vehicle dealer bond form be updated for any reason, contact your surety provider. If you purchased your car dealer bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change.
The most common changes requested for this bond are the dealership's name or county.
How do you renew your Hawaii auto dealer bond?
Your Hawaii auto dealer bond must be renewed whenever its current 1-year term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, renewal instructions will be emailed to you to keep your bond active for your next license term.
Note: Hawaii auto dealer licenses must be renewed by June 30 of even-numbered years.
How do I get my motor vehicle dealer license in Hawaii?
Follow these steps to apply to become a licensed and registered motor vehicle dealer.
1. Verify your Hawaii dealership location is approved with the county zoning ordinance.
2. Fill out the Motor Vehicle Dealer/Auction Application for your license type. You must include the following with your application.
- photographs of your dealership
- self-inspection report
- copy of your lease (if you aren't the owner of the building)
- financial statement prepared by a licensed or certified public accountant
- copy of the dealer and sales agreement (if you're selling new vehicles)
- proof that you're business is registered (if applicable)
3. Provide proof of your line of credit or optional surety bond.
4. Submit your application with the required documents and fee, which varies depending on your license type and location. The payment must be made by check payable to "Commerce and Consumer Affairs."
Mail all required items to:
Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board
DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
