Minnesota Auto Dealer Bond— $50,000 DVS Form PS2446
Minnesota requires DVS Form PS2446 for your $50,000 dealer surety bond — one of seven specific DVS forms needed for licensing under Minn. Stat. §168.27. We provide the completed PS2446 within one business day. Anyone selling more than 5 vehicles in 12 months must be licensed. At $50,000, Minnesota's bond is lower than neighboring Iowa's $75,000 requirement but matches Nebraska's $50,000 MVILB requirement. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide to getting a surety bond. Whether it is a dealer bond or any other type, we have you covered.
Get Your Auto Dealer Bond Quote
Same-day DMV approval available • All dealer types
Pay only after your bond is issued • No obligation • 2 minutes
Official Minnesota Requirements
"A person may not engage in the business of selling or offering for sale new or used motor vehicles unless licensed to do so by the registrar, and each applicant shall file a surety bond in the amount of $50,000."Minnesota Legislature • Minn. Stat. \u00A7168.27
Minnesota's 5-Vehicle Rule — Gross Misdemeanor
Under Minn. Stat. §168.27, anyone who directly sells or leases more than 5 motor vehicles within any 12-month period must hold a dealer license. Selling without a license is classified as a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota — not a simple infraction. If you are approaching this threshold, apply for your dealer license and bond before your sixth sale.
The Seven DVS Forms You Need for Licensing
Minnesota's DVS requires a specific set of numbered forms submitted as a complete package. We provide the PS2446 bond form — you handle the rest. Learn how your bond cost is calculated. Use our auto dealer bond calculator for an instant estimate.
Complete DVS Dealer Licensing Checklist
Everything required by Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, including all numbered forms and the mandatory $50,000 surety bond. Neighboring Wisconsin requires $25,000-$50,000 depending on dealer type. If you also do contracting, you may need a Minnesota contractor license bond. Learn how bonds differ from insurance.
Required Forms & Documents
- Complete Dealer License Application (DVS form)
- $50,000 dealer surety bond — Form PS2446 (or $5,000 for motorized bicycle/boat/snowmobile trailer dealers)
- Commercial Location Checklist (Form PS2410)
- Zoning Verification from local authority (Form PS2421)
- Certification of Compliance with MN Workers' Compensation Law (Form PS2420)
- Demonstration/In-Transit Plate Application (Form PS2405)
- Franchise Agreement (Form PS2404) — new vehicle dealers only
- Verification of Property Lease (Form PS2407) or proof of building ownership
- Proof of garage liability insurance
- Minnesota sales tax ID from the Department of Revenue
- Application fee of $100 + annual license fee of $150 ($250 total)
Bond Details
We Handle Form PS2446 — You Handle the Rest
Apply now and receive your completed, notarized DVS Form PS2446 within one business day. Ready to include in your DVS application package. See our dealer bond cost breakdown for details.
Minnesota Dealer License Types Under §168.27
Bond amounts vary by dealer category
New Vehicle Dealer
$50,000 Bond
Requires franchise agreement (PS2404)
Used Vehicle Dealer
$50,000 Bond
May sell, lease, broker, or auction
Wholesale Dealer
$50,000 Bond
Dealer-to-dealer sales only
Motorized Bicycle/Boat/Snowmobile Trailer
$5,000 Bond
Reduced bond amount
Assembling Your DVS Application Package
Four steps from bond to license through Driver and Vehicle Services
Get Form PS2446
Apply online for your $50,000 surety bond. We provide the completed DVS Form PS2446 within 1 business day.
Secure a Location
Obtain a commercial location with proper zoning (Form PS2421) and complete the commercial location checklist (PS2410).
Gather All Forms
Complete all required DVS forms: application, workers' comp cert (PS2420), lease verification (PS2407), and plate application (PS2405).
Submit to DVS
Mail the complete application package with $250 fee ($100 application + $150 license) to the DVS Dealer Unit in St. Paul.
Minnesota DVS Bond & Form PS2446 Questions
Answers about the 5-vehicle rule, DVS forms, and licensing costs. North Dakota requires only $25,000.
How much does a Minnesota auto dealer bond cost?
Minnesota auto dealer bonds ($50,000) cost $500-$5,000 annually depending on credit. With excellent credit (750+), expect $500-$1,000 (1-2%). Good credit (680-749) costs $1,000-$2,000 (2-4%). Fair credit (620-679) ranges $2,000-$3,500 (4-7%). Lower credit may require up to $5,000 (10%).
What is DVS Form PS2446?
Form PS2446 is the official Minnesota "Motor Vehicle Dealer License Surety Bond" form issued by the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). This is the specific bond form that must be completed, signed by the surety company's agent, notarized, and submitted with your dealer license application. We provide the completed PS2446 form as part of your bond issuance.
What forms are required for a Minnesota dealer license?
Minnesota requires several DVS-specific forms: the Dealer License Application, Surety Bond (PS2446), Commercial Location Checklist (PS2410), Zoning Verification (PS2421), Workers' Comp Certification (PS2420), Plate Application (PS2405), Franchise Agreement (PS2404, if applicable), and Lease Verification (PS2407) or proof of ownership. All forms must be submitted together as a complete package to DVS.
Do I need a dealer license to sell vehicles in Minnesota?
Yes, if you sell or lease more than 5 motor vehicles within any 12-month period, Minnesota Statute §168.27 requires you to hold a dealer license. This applies to both new and used vehicles. Operating without a license is a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota and can result in fines and criminal penalties.
What are the different dealer license types in Minnesota?
Minnesota issues licenses for new motor vehicle dealers (requires manufacturer franchise), used motor vehicle dealers, motorized bicycle dealers, and scrap metal processors. Used vehicle dealers may sell, lease, broker, wholesale, or auction used motor vehicles. All standard motor vehicle dealers require a $50,000 bond, while motorized bicycle, boat, and snowmobile trailer dealers require only a $5,000 bond.
How much does a Minnesota dealer license cost?
The total initial cost is $250: a $100 application fee plus a $150 annual license fee, as specified in Minn. Stat. §168.27, Subd. 11(h). Additional costs include the surety bond premium ($500-$5,000), insurance, and demonstration/in-transit plate fees. Annual renewals require the $150 license fee plus your bond renewal premium. If your dealership also does body work or mechanical repairs, you may need a Minnesota contractor license bond — check our contractor license bonds page for details.
Can I get a Minnesota dealer bond with bad credit?
Yes, we secure Minnesota dealer bonds for applicants with all credit levels, including scores below 600. We work with multiple surety carriers that specialize in higher-risk applicants. Rates will be higher for lower credit scores, but approval is often possible. Our underwriters evaluate the complete picture, not just credit scores.
How do I contact the Minnesota DVS Dealer Unit?
The Minnesota DVS Dealer Unit can be reached at (651) 201-7800 or by email at DVS.DealerUnit@state.mn.us. They handle all questions about the dealer licensing process, application status, and compliance requirements. Their office processes applications and issues licenses for all dealer types in Minnesota.
Upper Midwest Dealer Bond Comparison
How Minnesota's $50,000 requirement stacks up regionally
Minnesota DVS Official Resources
Get Your PS2446 Bond Form — Ready for DVS
Completed form included • DVS Dealer Unit ready • (651) 201-7800
Get Your Auto Dealer Bond Quote
Same-day DMV approval available • All dealer types
Pay only after your bond is issued • No obligation • 2 minutes