If your Texas GDN license expires this year, your $25,000 motor vehicle dealer bond must be renewed and on file with TxDMV before your license renewal can be processed. Here is the timeline.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) typically opens the General Distinguishing Number (GDN) renewal window 90 days before your license expiration date. Your $25,000 Texas Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond must be active and continuous on the renewal date or your license will not be renewed and you cannot legally sell vehicles.
Key dates to know
- T-90 days: TxDMV opens online renewal in eLICENSING.
- T-45 days: Recommended bond renewal cutoff — gives the surety time to issue a continuation certificate and you time to upload it.
- T-0: License expiration. If your bond has lapsed, your license is administratively cancelled.
- T+30 days: Grace period for late renewal with $50 late fee. After this you may need to re-apply as a new dealer.
What dealers commonly miss
Bonds written through general agencies sometimes auto-renew, but the continuation certificate still has to be uploaded to TxDMV. Confirm both with your surety:
- That premium has been collected for the new term, and
- That a continuation certificate (not just a new bond form) has been issued in the correct TxDMV format.
Need a new bond or a different surety?
If you are shopping rates this renewal cycle, most Texas dealers with clean credit qualify for $250–$500 annually. Apply online for an instant quote.
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Disclosure.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Bond amounts, forms, regulator deadlines, and statutory requirements are governed by the applicable obligee and may change without notice. All bond applications are subject to underwriting review and approval by the issuing surety company; SuretyBondly makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee of approval, eligibility, premium, or issuance timing. Verify current requirements with the applicable state agency before making business decisions.