Indiana Vehicle Dealer Bond Guide
If you are applying for an auto dealer license or other type of vehicle merchandising license in Indiana, 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 potential financial harm by auto industry professionals
- Who Needs It: Vehicle merchandisers, including dealers, auctioneers, distributors and salvagers
- Regulating Body: The Indiana Secretary of State, Dealer, Auto Dealer Services Division
- Required Coverage: $25,000
- Premium Rates: Start at $250, credit-based
What is an Indiana vehicle merchandising bond?
Indiana Code 9-32-11-2 requires individuals file a $25,000 surety bond with their dealer license application. State form SF 53966 is officially titled the “Indiana Vehicle Merchandising Certificate / Bond” but is also known as the “Indiana vehicle merchandising bond,” “Indiana vehicle dealer bond,” or “Indiana auto dealer bond.”
The bond form specifically requires auto industry professionals comply with all laws, ordinances, and resolutions that govern their state-issued license.
How much does an Indiana vehicle merchandising bond cost?
Indiana vehicle merchandising bond costs start at $250 annually. Your personal motor vehicle dealer bond premium will be provided after a quick application review.
How do I get a vehicle merchandising bond in Indiana?
You can apply for your Indiana vehicle merchandising bond online 24/7. Simply provide the following information for Indiana Auto Dealer Services Division filing approval.
- name
- address
- phone number
- email address
- license type
- license number
Once your order has been processed, your official Indiana surety bond will be delivered by email.
How fast can I get an Indiana auto dealer bond?
Our industry-leading technology and responsive customer service team allow us to deliver your official Indiana vehicle merchandising bond faster than any other surety company. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed and emailed same-day.
If you have questions about the Indiana vehicle 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 dealer license bond process so you can get back to running your business.
Why is the Indiana motor vehicle dealer bond required?
Motor vehicle dealers and other auto industry professionals must file state bond form SF 53966 before they can receive their official state license. This vehicle merchandising bond specifically allows the state to recover fines, penalties, costs, and fees resulting from damages caused by a licensed dealer's violation of Indiana Code 9-32. By filing this bond a licensed vehicle dealer or other professional agrees to comply with Indiana Code while operating their dealership or other business. This bond ensures the licensed principal will pay all fines and fees as determined by the Secretary of State.
Who needs an Indiana auto dealer bond?
The following professionals must file this surety bond with the state when submitting their Indiana dealer license application.
- Automobile Auctioneer: professionals who provide a location for auctioneers to conduct vehicle auction business
- Auto Mobility Dealer: professionals who work exclusively in the field of adapted vehicles and watercraft
- Automotive Salvage Recycler: professionals who dismantle, wreck, or destroy to resell parts or rebuild
- Dealer: professionals who sell motor vehicles to consumers
- Distributor: professionals who sell vehicles to dealers
- Manufacturer and Converter Manufacturer: professionals who build or construct motor vehicles to resell
- Transfer Dealer: professionals other than a dealer, wholesale dealer or manufacturer who transfer vehicles titles and ownership more than of 12 or more vehicles in a year
- Watercraft Dealer: professionals who sell or advertising selling at least 6 watercraft vehicles in a year
- Wholesale Dealer: professionals who sell or purchase vehicles to or from other dealers
Who regulates the vehicle merchandising auto industry?
The Indiana Secretary of State Auto Dealer Services Division regulates auto industry professionals working in the state, including the $25,000 surety bond requirement. If you have questions about your existing Indiana dealer license or new dealer licensing application, you can contact the Division by calling 1(317)234-7190 or emailing [email protected].
The Indiana Auto Dealer Services Division requires this bond for state auto industry licensing. If you work as a vehicle dealer in other states, we also offer auto dealer bonds nationwide.
Who are the parties to an Indiana vehicle merchandising bond?
The Indiana vehicle merchandising bond brings 3 parties together into a mutual agreement.
- Principal: the auto dealer or other motor vehicle professional who files the bond to guarantee they'll work according to licensing laws
- Obligee: the Indiana Auto Dealer Services Division, which requires the bond to enforce auto industry laws and associated licensing requirements
- Surety: the insurance company that issues the bond and financially backs the principal's ability to fulfill their obligation
How do I update or change my Indiana vehicle merchandising bond?
If the Indiana Auto Dealer Services Division requires your bond form to be updated for any reason, contact your surety company. If you purchased your Indiana surety bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change. The most common changes for these bonds include updating the following information.
- name
- address
- phone number
- email address
- license type
- license number
How do I renew my Indiana auto dealer bond?
You must renew your Indiana vehicle merchandising bond before its current term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, instructions will be provided to keep your bond active for your next license term. In the event an existing bond expires or is canceled, the Indiana Auto Services Division specifically requires new bonds be filed immediately. The Division will suspend your dealer license during any lapse in bond coverage.
How do I apply for a motor vehicle dealer license in Indiana?
Complete the following steps to apply for your dealer licensing in Indiana. Note that your application form will be based on your license type.
- Complete a background check through IdentoGO.
- Fill out the related Business Entity Documentation.
- Provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance.
- File a Indiana surety bond.
- Pay your license fee.
- Provide a photo ID.
- Upload photos of the location.
- Provide a complete Retail Merchant Certificate.
- Complete a zoning affidavit.
- Verify your National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association Accreditation (mobility vehicle dealers only).
Note that transport operators have their own separate licensing requirements.
What are the consequences of a claim on an Indiana vehicle merchandising bond?
If you fail to comply with the terms of your license or bond, a claim can be filed. If the claim is found to be valid, those harmed will be protected up to the full $25,000 bond amount. You must then reimburse your issuing surety company for all claims paid.
