Michigan Driver Education Provider Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect against fraud, misrepresentation or cheating by driving schools
- Who Needs It: Teen/adult driver or truck driver education providers in Michigan
- Regulating Body: The Michigan Department of State – Licensing Unit
- Bond Amount: $20,000, $40,000 or $50,000
- Minimum Rate: 0.75%; credit-based
What Is a Michigan Driver Education Provider Bond?
A Michigan driver education provider bond is a type of surety bond required by the Michigan Department of State (MDOS). The bond protects students or any other parties that could be harmed by fraud, cheating or misrepresentation by a driving school’s agents, owners or employees.
Bond Coverage Requirements for Michigan Driving Schools
There are three driver’s education business classifications in Michigan:
- Adult (A)
- Teen (T)
- Truck (TR)
Adult and teen driver’s ed providers need a $20,000 bond or a $40,000 bond if they have 1,000+ students enrolled per year.
Truck driver’s education providers need $50,000 bond coverage.
If you're a driver improvement course sponsor, please visit our Michigan Basic Driver Improvement Course Sponsor Bond Guide instead.
How Much Do Driving School Bonds Cost in Michigan?
Michigan driving school business bonds start at just 0.75% of the bond amount. For example, the $20,000 bond costs $150 for applicants with excellent credit. Apply to get your free quote in less than one business day.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a Michigan Driving School Bond Work?
As with all surety bonds, a driving school bond creates a legal contract between three parties.
| Bond Party | Description |
|---|---|
| 1) Principal | The driving school owner(s) filing the bond |
| 2) Obligee | The Michigan Department of State – Licensing Unit |
| 3) Surety | The issuing surety provider |
The bond holds you responsible for following the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act (MCL 256.629). The surety can pay out claims if there are court judgments against the driving education business. However, you must repay the surety.
How Do I Get My Bond?
SuretyBonds.com provides the fastest and easiest way to get a Michigan driving school bond. Just follow these quick steps:
- Apply: Submit an online quote request form.
- Quote: Receive your quote within one day.
- Sign: Complete the indemnity agreement.
- Buy: Purchase the bond online 24/7.
We’ll mail you the original, physical bond form. Be sure to file the bond with the Department of State’s Licensing Unit as instructed.
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
You can select from three-day, two-day and overnight FedEx shipping options at checkout (business days only).
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
You can often still get the surety bond you need even with a low credit score. However, you may pay a slightly higher premium rate based on the financial risk. The best way to find out is by submitting a quick quote request form.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
These bonds expire annually. To renew your driving school bond, simply pay your renewal invoice when prompted.
We’ll begin contacting you by phone and email 90 days before the expiration date.
How to Get a Driving School Certificate in Michigan
To apply for a Michigan driver’s education provider certificate, follow these steps:
- Get a surety bond in the correct amount.
- Submit the Provider Certification Application (DES-P01).
- Pay the applicable fees for your license type.
- Complete the Driver Education Live Scan Fingerprint Background Check Request Form.
Apply online through the e-Services portal, or mail everything to:
Michigan Department of State
Driver Education Unit
430 W. Allegan St., 3rd Floor
Lansing, MI 48918
