California Auto Dealer Bond— $50,000 Under Vehicle Code 11710

Form OL 25 is the standard $50,000 surety bond form required for most California auto dealers under Vehicle Code Section 11710. A surety bond is a three-party agreement that protects consumers — learn the basics in our guide to what a surety bond is (buysuretybonds.com/what-is-a-surety-bond/). The form is filed with the DMV as part of your dealer license application. An autobroker endorsement is a separate addition to an existing dealer license (new, used, or wholesale) that allows the dealer to broker retail sales transactions on behalf of buyers under Vehicle Code Section 166. The autobroker endorsement does not change the bond amount -- your bond follows the underlying license type. The key operational difference is that autobrokers must maintain a log of each brokered transaction and deposit buyer funds into a trust account.

California requires all first-time dealer applicants to complete a DMV-approved 6-hour pre-licensing education course before submitting their license application. The course covers California vehicle laws, DMV regulations, title and registration procedures, advertising rules, consumer protection requirements, and dealer responsibilities. Multiple DMV-approved providers offer the course online (self-paced or live webinar) and in person. After completing the course, you receive a Certificate of Completion that must be submitted with your DMV application. The DMV maintains a current list of approved education providers on their website. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the full licensing process, see our guide at buysuretybonds.com/how-to-get-a-surety-bond/.

California requires a minimum of $1,000,000 combined single limit (CSL) garage liability insurance for licensed dealers -- significantly higher than most states. For comparison, Texas requires only $300,000 CSL (see buysuretybonds.com/auto-dealer-bonds/texas/) and Hawaii requires $300,000 CSL. The higher threshold reflects California's high litigation environment, large vehicle market, and the state's emphasis on consumer protection. Garage liability covers bodily injury and property damage arising from dealership operations, including customer test drives, lot operations, and vehicle demonstrations — this is separate from your surety bond (learn the difference at buysuretybonds.com/bond-vs-insurance/). Many California landlords and lenders require even higher limits ($2M aggregate) as a condition of their lease or financing agreements.

After you submit your dealer license application, a DMV Occupational Licensing inspector will schedule an on-site visit to your dealership location. The inspector verifies: (1) the office is a permanent, non-temporary structure actually occupied for business (trailer coaches are acceptable if not part of inventory), (2) a permanent, durable sign displays your exact business name as shown on the application and bond, visible from the nearest public street, (3) the vehicle display area is at the same address and large enough to accommodate vehicles you are licensed to sell, (4) the location has proper city or county zoning for motor vehicle sales, and (5) your record-keeping systems are in place. The inspector also performs background verification on all principals. Your license will not be issued until the location passes inspection.

No. California does not allow home-based retail auto dealerships. The DMV requires an established place of business with proper city or county zoning for motor vehicle sales. Your office must be a permanent structure (not temporary or mobile), you need a display area at the same address large enough for your inventory, and a permanent sign visible from the public street. Residential zones are never zoned for vehicle sales. Zoning requirements vary significantly by city and county across California -- some areas require a conditional use permit even in commercially zoned areas. Before signing a lease, verify with your local planning or zoning department that the specific address is approved for motor vehicle dealer operations. This rule differs from states like Florida (buysuretybonds.com/auto-dealer-bonds/florida/) and Ohio (buysuretybonds.com/auto-dealer-bonds/ohio/) which have their own facility requirements.

Under Vehicle Code Section 11715 and 13 CCR Section 201.00, California dealer plates (special plates) may be used on vehicles owned or lawfully possessed by the dealership for authorized purposes: transporting inventory to/from auctions, reconditioning shops, or other licensed locations; employee use within the course and scope of employment; and prospective buyer test drives for up to seven consecutive days (requires a written 7-Day Test-Drive Letter). Dealer plates may NOT be used on service trucks, parts-delivery vans, tow vehicles, or any vehicle already registered in the dealer's name. Misuse of dealer plates is a violation under VC 11713(j) and can result in fines, license suspension, or bond claims against your $50,000 surety bond. California also requires dealers to issue Temporary License Plates (TLPs) under AB 516 on every vehicle sold that leaves without permanent plates. Visit our learning center (buysuretybonds.com/learn/) for more on bond claims and compliance.

No. Under Vehicle Code Section 11710, dealers who deal exclusively in motorcycles or all-terrain vehicles need only a $10,000 surety bond instead of the standard $50,000. Similarly, under VC 11710.1, wholesale-only dealers who sell fewer than 25 vehicles per year also qualify for the reduced $10,000 bond. If you sell even one non-motorcycle/ATV vehicle, or if a wholesale dealer exceeds 25 sales per year, the full $50,000 bond is required. The reduced bond is filed on the same Form OL 25. Use our auto dealer bond calculator (buysuretybonds.com/tools/calculator/auto-dealer-bond/) to estimate your premium at either bond level.