Surety bonds • Ohio
Ohio Auto Dealer Bond: $25,000 Title Defect Bond and Cost
Ohio requires used motor vehicle dealers to post a surety bond of at least $25,000 with the Ohio Attorney General’s office and to have a net worth of at least $75,000. The bond replenishes the state fund that compensates retail buyers for title defects. Published prices start around $150 a year.
This guide covers who needs the bond, the waiver for experienced dealers, the net worth rule, and costs. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency, and a licensed agent can help with your bond and dealer insurance.
Request an Ohio dealer bond quote
Tell us whether you are a new or existing dealer, and a licensed agent will follow up. Submitting the form does not bind coverage.
If the form does not load, call 888-387-3687, Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 5:00, or email info@blakeinsurancegroup.com.
Prefer to quote online yourself?
Get a surety bond quote online, without waiting for a call back. Many license and permit bonds can be issued the same day.
Get a surety bond quote through Propeller →License, permit, contract, and commercial bonds through our Propeller portal.
Sponsored. Each link opens the partner’s website in a new tab, where its terms and privacy policy apply. Blake Insurance Group may be compensated if you buy.
Who needs the bond
Under Ohio Admin. Code 4501:1-3-11, used motor vehicle dealers licensed under Chapter 4517 must post a surety bond of at least $25,000 with the Attorney General’s office. The bond is used to replenish funds paid to retail purchasers of motor vehicles under ORC § 4505.181, Ohio’s title defect protections.
The bond waiver
The bond is waived for a used dealer, or its sole proprietor, officer, trustee, partner, or member, who currently holds or held within the past year a new motor vehicle dealer, used motor vehicle dealer, or leasing dealer license, unless that license was suspended, revoked, or found in violation of § 4505.181 (Ohio Admin. Code 4501:1-3-11).
Net worth requirement
Separately from the bond, a used dealer applicant must have a net worth of at least $75,000, which the registrar can verify on request (Ohio Admin. Code 4501:1-3-11).
How much an Ohio dealer bond costs
| Term | Published price |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $150 |
| 2 years | $263 |
| 3 years | $375 |
Prices published by Jet Surety; rates depend on credit and years in business. Remanufactured vehicle dealers need a separate, larger bond.
Bond vs. dealer insurance
The bond protects buyers, not the dealership. Dealers usually also carry garage liability, dealer’s open lot, and commercial auto insurance. See our surety bond vs. insurance guide.
Ohio auto dealer bond FAQs
How much is an Ohio dealer bond?
At least $25,000. Published prices start around $150 a year.
Where is the Ohio dealer bond filed?
With the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
Can the Ohio dealer bond be waived?
Yes, for dealers who hold, or held within the past year, a new, used, or leasing dealer license in good standing.
Related guides
- Ohio surety bonds
- New York auto dealer bond
- Florida auto dealer bond
- Commercial auto insurance
- Surety bonds
- Surety bond cost
- Surety bond cost calculator
- Buy a surety bond online
- License and permit bonds
- South Dakota auto dealer bond
- West Virginia auto dealer bond
- New Mexico auto dealer bond
- Nebraska auto dealer bond
- Kansas auto dealer bond
- Iowa auto dealer bond
- Oklahoma auto dealer bond
- South Carolina auto dealer bond
- Alabama auto dealer bond
- Tennessee auto dealer bond
- Washington auto dealer bond
- Michigan auto dealer bond
- Pennsylvania auto dealer bond
- New Jersey auto dealer bond
- Illinois auto dealer bond
- Georgia auto dealer bond
- Virginia auto dealer bond
- North Carolina auto dealer bond
Important information
Compensation. The link in the partner quote box near the top of this page is sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16944666. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, the surety, your credit, the bond type, and underwriting.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
Your next step
Tell us about your dealership, and a licensed agent will help with your Ohio dealer bond, or start a bond quote online with our partner.
