West Virginia Auto Dealer Bond$25,000 — Form MV-126-DS-P

West Virginia auto dealer bonds ($25,000) cost $250-$2,500 annually depending on credit. Excellent credit (750+) typically qualifies for $250-$500 (1-2%). Good credit (680-749) runs $500-$1,250 (2-5%). Fair credit ranges $1,250-$1,875 (5-7.5%). WV's $25,000 bond amount is among the most affordable in the nation, keeping premiums lower for all credit levels.

Form MV-126-DS-P is the official West Virginia DMV surety bond form required for dealer licensing under WV Code Article 17A-6. The bond is in the penal sum of $25,000 payable to the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles. If a dealer makes fraudulent representations causing financial loss, the surety is obligated to pay up to $25,000. This form is available from the WV DMV website or by contacting the Dealer Section at (304) 926-0705.

Three dealer types are exempt from the $25,000 surety bond in West Virginia: repo-financial institution dealers, manufacturer dealers, and transporter dealers. All other dealer types — including new, used, motorcycle, house trailer, recreational vehicle, and wrecker/dismantler/rebuilder dealers — must file the $25,000 bond on Form MV-126-DS-P.

The initial application fee is $250, with $125 refunded if the application is denied. Annual renewal fees vary significantly by dealer type: new and used motor vehicle dealers pay $100/year (includes one Class D plate), house trailer dealers pay $25/year (includes four Class D-T/R plates), motorcycle dealers pay just $10/year (includes two Class F plates), and wrecker/dismantler/rebuilder dealers pay $15/year.

West Virginia requires Dealer Vehicle Liability and Property Damage Insurance with minimum coverage of 20/40/10 (that's $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage) documented on Form DMV-126-DS-J. This is required unless you're operating solely as a license service. The insurance requirement is separate from and in addition to the $25,000 surety bond.

West Virginia has specific signage requirements: you must display a dealership sign with letters no less than 4 inches in height. Photos of both the dealership facility and sign must be submitted with your license application. This is verified during the application process. The sign must be visible from the road and display your business name as registered with the WV DMV.

Yes. West Virginia's $25,000 bond amount is one of the lowest in the country, making approval more accessible even with challenged credit. Approval is possible even with credit challenges. Even with credit scores below 600, approval is typically possible at reasonable rates. The lower bond amount means your annual premium remains affordable.

The West Virginia DMV Dealer Licensing Section can be reached by phone at (304) 926-0705 or by email at DMVDealers@wv.gov. You can also visit their Motor Vehicle Dealer Resource Page at transportation.wv.gov for forms, requirements, and current processing information. For bond-related questions, we can help you at any time with same-day issuance.