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Last updated: General Delaware auto dealer bond information — confirm current requirements with the licensing authority.
Specific Facility Requirements

Delaware Auto Dealer Bond— $25,000 — Title 21 Section 6302

Delaware keeps the surety bond straightforward at $25,000 for all dealer types, but adds facility-specific requirements: a 24"x36" permanent business sign, IdentoGO digital fingerprinting, and Form MV29 filed with Dealer Services. Same bond amount as neighboring New Jersey ($10,000) is lower, while Maryland's volume-based system can reach $300,000. Pennsylvania requires $20,000 just across the border. Ready to get started with any surety bond?

Prompt Submission
IdentoGO Required
Quick answer
Delaware auto dealers file a surety bond with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles as part of the dealer license under Title 21 Section 6302. The amount is $25,000. You pay a premium that is a small percentage of the bond amount, not the full amount (any cost here is an estimate; the surety sets the final price).
  • Who requires it: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (Title 21 Section 6302), as part of the dealer license.
  • Amount: $25,000.
  • Typical cost (estimate): about $250–$2,500 per year, depending on credit. The surety sets the final price.
  • Timing: We submit complete applications to the carrier promptly; most quotes within one business day.
Get a Delaware auto dealer bond quote
$25,000 Flat Bond
All dealer types
IdentoGO Fingerprints
Digital, not ink-and-roll
24"x36" Sign Required
Permanent, visible
Form MV29 Filing
Dealer Services office

Official Delaware Requirements

"In order to provide financial security for the enforcement of the license law, dealers must purchase and maintain a $25,000 motor vehicle dealer surety bond. The Division of Motor Vehicles shall determine whether the applicant is of good character and has complied with and will comply with the laws of this state."
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles • Delaware Code Title 21 Section 6302 & Section 6312

The 24"x36" Sign Rule and Other Delaware Facility Requirements

Delaware's facility inspection is not just a formality. The DMV specifically checks for a permanent business sign measuring at least 24 inches by 36 inches, proper commercial zoning, and an established place of business with a permanent structure. These must all be in place before your license is issued — not after. For a full walkthrough, see our guide to getting a surety bond. Here is what the inspection covers.

Signage Requirement

Permanent business sign measuring at least 24" x 36" (2 feet by 3 feet) displaying your approved dealership name. Must be visible from the road and mounted permanently — no temporary banners.

Inspected during DMV facility visit. Must be installed before application.

IdentoGO Fingerprinting

All owners and officers must submit digital fingerprints through IdentoGO (not traditional ink-and-roll). Processed by the State Bureau of Identification for criminal history check. Schedule online and bring government-issued ID.

Allow 2-4 weeks for SBI processing after your IdentoGO appointment.

Place of Business

Must be a permanent structure with proper commercial zoning. Residential addresses are not accepted. The location must have adequate space for vehicle display, customer access, and office operations.

Verify zoning compliance with your municipality before signing a lease.

Sign Up, Sign Installed? Get Your Delaware Bond Next

Prompt submission; premiums often about $250/year. Use our auto dealer bond calculator for a quick estimate.

Delaware DMV Form MV29: Complete Application Checklist

Everything you need for Form MV29 and the DMV Dealer Services review process. Delaware contractors who also sell vehicles will need a separate Delaware contractor license bond. To understand how bonds differ from insurance, see our comparison guide. Our surety bond cost guide explains how premiums are calculated.

Required Documents & Bonds

  • Download and complete Form MV29 (Delaware Dealer License Application)
  • $25,000 motor vehicle dealer surety bond (per Title 21 Section 6302)
  • Liability insurance as required by Title 21 Section 2118
  • Criminal history background check through IdentoGO digital fingerprinting for all owners and officers
  • Business sign on premises measuring at least 24" x 36" displaying approved dealership name
  • Established place of business with permanent structure and proper zoning
  • Delaware business license from the Division of Revenue
  • Certificate of Formation or trade name registration with Delaware Secretary of State
  • Pass Division of Motor Vehicles facility inspection
  • Contact Dealer Services at (302) 857-4665 or dmdealerlicensing@delaware.gov for questions

Bond Details

Obligee
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Application Form
Form MV29 (Delaware Dealer License Application)
Statute
Delaware Code Title 21 Chapter 63 -- Sale of Motor Vehicles
Bond Purpose
Provides financial security for enforcement of dealer licensing laws
Contact
(302) 857-4665 / dmdealerlicensing@delaware.gov

Delaware Dealer License Types: Same $25,000 Bond for All

Unlike states with tiered bonds, Delaware applies a flat $25,000 requirement regardless of dealer category. See our dealer bond cost breakdown for state-by-state comparisons.

New Vehicle Dealer

$25,000

Franchised new car sales

Used Vehicle Dealer

$25,000

Pre-owned vehicle sales

Wholesale Dealer

$25,000

Dealer-to-dealer transactions

Motorcycle Dealer

$25,000

Motorcycle & powersports sales

Bond, Fingerprints, Sign, Then Form MV29: The Delaware Sequence

Start IdentoGO early — fingerprint processing often takes longer than the bond

1

Get Your Bond & Fingerprints

Apply online for your $25,000 bond -- quoted within one business day. Schedule IdentoGO digital fingerprinting for all owners and officers through the State Bureau of Identification. Allow 2-4 weeks for SBI processing.

2

Prepare Your Location

Secure a business location with proper zoning. Install your dealership sign (minimum 24" x 36"). Obtain liability insurance per Title 21 Section 2118 and a Delaware business license from the Division of Revenue.

3

Submit Form MV29

Download and complete Form MV29 from dmv.de.gov. Submit with your bond, insurance, background check results, and business documents. Pass the DMV facility inspection to receive your license.

Delaware Dealer Bond Questions: Form MV29, IdentoGO, and Signage Rules

Specific to Delaware's Title 21 Chapter 63 dealer licensing process. Compare Delaware's $25,000 with nearby Virginia's $50,000 MVDB bond.

How much does a Delaware auto dealer bond cost?

Delaware auto dealer bonds ($25,000) cost $250-$2,500 annually depending on credit. Excellent credit (750+) qualifies for $250-$500 (1-2%). Good credit (680-749) costs $625-$1,250 (2.5-5%). Fair credit (620-679) ranges $1,250-$1,750 (5-7%). Delaware's $25,000 bond is among the more affordable nationally, keeping premiums accessible for most applicants.

What is Delaware Form MV29?

Form MV29 is the official Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles dealer license application. You download it from dmv.de.gov, complete it with your business information, and submit it along with your $25,000 surety bond, insurance proof, background check results, and other required documents. The DMV Dealer Services team reviews applications -- contact them at (302) 857-4665 or dmdealerlicensing@delaware.gov.

What is the IdentoGO fingerprinting requirement for Delaware dealers?

All owners and officers of the dealership must undergo a criminal history background check through the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) by submitting fingerprints and personal information digitally through IdentoGO. This electronic fingerprinting service is used instead of traditional ink-and-roll fingerprints. Schedule your appointment through the IdentoGO website and bring valid government-issued ID.

What are the sign requirements for Delaware dealers?

Delaware requires a business sign on the premises measuring at least 24 inches by 36 inches (2' x 3') that displays the dealership's approved name. The sign must be visible and permanently mounted at the business location. This is inspected during the DMV facility inspection and must be in place before your license is issued.

What does Title 21 Chapter 63 require for Delaware dealers?

Delaware Code Title 21 Chapter 63 (Sale of Motor Vehicles) establishes all dealer licensing requirements. Section 6302 mandates the license requirement and $25,000 bond. Section 6312 requires the DMV to verify that applicants are of good character and will comply with Delaware and other states' laws. The chapter covers dealer obligations, consumer protections, and penalties for violations.

What insurance do Delaware dealers need?

Delaware requires adequate liability insurance as specified in Title 21 Section 2118 (Delaware's Financial Responsibility law). This covers vehicles in your inventory and dealership operations. The insurance requirement is separate from and in addition to the $25,000 surety bond. Proof of both must be submitted with your Form MV29 application.

Can I get a Delaware dealer bond with bad credit?

Yes, we offer Delaware dealer bonds for all credit situations. The $25,000 bond amount is one of the lower requirements nationally, which means even applicants with lower credit can get affordable premiums. We work with multiple carriers that specialize in higher-risk applicants, and approval is often possible with credit scores as low as 500.

How do I renew my Delaware auto dealer bond?

Delaware dealer bonds renew annually. We send renewal reminders 60 days before expiration with updated pricing based on your current credit. Most renewals process within 1 business day. Your bond must remain active for the entire license period -- letting it lapse can result in license suspension by the Delaware DMV.

Who needs a Delaware auto dealer bond?

Licensed Delaware motor vehicle dealers. It is required by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (Title 21 Section 6302), as part of the dealer license. The bond amount is $25,000.

How do I get a Delaware auto dealer bond?

Request a quote with the form on this page. A licensed agent submits your application to a Treasury-listed surety carrier; once the carrier issues your bond, file it as the requiring agency directs.

What happens after I apply?

We submit complete applications to the carrier promptly; most quotes come back within one business day. The carrier decides approval and the final premium, and you pay only when your bond is issued.

Eric Drummond, Licensed Surety Producer
Reviewed by
Eric Drummond, Licensed Surety Producer

All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.

Get Your Delaware $25,000 Bond While You Prep Your Location

Bond submitted promptly. IdentoGO takes weeks. Start the bond now so it is not your bottleneck when Form MV29 is ready.

Prompt Submission
Form MV29 Ready
All Credit Reviewed
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