New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Overview
- Purpose: To protect vehicle buyers from financial harm by a dealership
- Who Needs It: All auto wholesale, motorcycle and retail vehicle dealers in New Hampshire
- Regulating Body: The New Hampshire Department of Safety
- Bond Amount: $25,000
- Minimum Price: $187.50 for a one-year term; credit-based
What Is a New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond?
New Hampshire motor vehicle dealer bonds protect buyers from fraud and financial harm by a dealership. The bond is a financial guarantee that ensures motor vehicle dealers (MVD) will follow state statutes.
Who Needs a Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond?
The New Hampshire Department of Safety — DMV requires certain motor vehicle dealers to have a $25,000 surety bond to ensure financial responsibility.
There are several dealer types in New Hampshire — only some require a $25,000 surety bond. Refer to the table below to see which licenses have a surety bond requirement.
| License Type | Surety Bond Required? |
|---|---|
| Auto Recycling Dealer | Yes, $25,000 |
| Auto Wholesale Dealer | Yes, $25,000 |
| Motorcycle Dealer | Yes, $25,000 |
| Retail Vehicle Dealer | Yes, $25,000 |
| Repair Dealer | No |
| Transporter Dealer | No |
| Utility Dealer | No |
How Much Do Dealer Bonds Cost in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire MVD bonds require a quick credit check to determine your exact rate. Most applicants pay the starting premium of $187.50 for a one-year term. Or, you can select a multi-year term to save up to 25%. Get a quote today!
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a New Hampshire Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Work?
By filing a MVD bond, you enter a three-party legal agreement.
| Bond Party | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Principal | You, the motor vehicle dealer |
| 2. Obligee | The New Hampshire Department of Safety |
| 3. Surety | The issuing surety provider |
As the principal, you agree to conduct business according to state laws. If you break these terms, the surety will pay for valid claims and you must reimburse the surety.
How Do I Get a MVD Bond in New Hampshire?
Follow these five steps to get your New Hampshire motor vehicle dealer bond:
- Apply online
- Get your free quote within one business day
- Pay for your bond
- Select shipment method at checkout
- File your bond with the Department of Safety
You’ll get your quote within one business day of applying. Depending on your shipment selection, you’ll receive your bond form in the mail within one to three business days.
How Do I File My Bond?
File your bond with the Department of Safety by mailing it to the following address:
New Hampshire Department of Safety
Division of Motor Vehicles
23 Hazen Dr.
Concord, NH 03305
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
We approve 99% of applicants by working with many surety markets. If you’re worried about qualifying, read about our Bad Credit Bonding Options.
How Do I Renew My MVD Bond?
New Hampshire MVD dealer bonds expire annually, unless you select a multi-year term. To renew your bond just follow the instructions provided in the renewal reminders.
We start sending periodic email and text reminders 90 days before the expiration date. You can pay the renewal invoice online with the provided link, or by calling 1(800)308-4358.
How Do I Update My Bond Information?
If you need to update information on your bond, contact our Customer Care team:
- [email protected]
- 1(800)308-4358
We’ll issue a bond rider for simple fixes like name and address. Larger updates may require a new bond form.
How to Get a Motor Vehicle Dealer License in New Hampshire
Auto wholesale, motorcycle and retail vehicle dealers have the same steps to get licensed in New Hampshire. Just specify your dealership when you apply.
Follow these eight steps to get an auto wholesale, motorcycle or retail license:
- Ensure which dealer license you need at the DMV website
- Complete a retailer dealer license and registration application
- File a $25,000 surety bond
- Provide your lease
- Get a criminal background check for each owner
- Submit an original service agreement (except for wholesale dealers)
- Pay the $125 dealer license fee
- Complete the title/dealer class upon approval
- Pay for plates (see costs below)
Refer to the DMV website for more detailed information on each auto dealer license.]
Additional Requirements for Recycling Dealers
While the steps are similar, auto recycling dealer licensees have a few more requirements. Applicants must instead complete the automotive recycling dealer registration and get town or city approval.
Otherwise, follow the same licensing process as the other MVD license listed above.
How Much Do Dealer Plates Cost?
Each license has different fee requirements for dealer plates:
- Auto Wholesale Dealer: $800 for first plate, $48 for each additional plate
- Motorcycle Dealer: $48 for first plate, $12 for each additional plate
- Retail Vehicle Dealer: $800 for first plate, $48 for each additional plate
- Auto Recycling Dealer: $120 for first 7,000lbs, $2.88/100lbs for vehicles over 7,000lbs
