Connecticut requires a $60,000 motor vehicle dealer bond before you can get a dealer license. It is filed with the Connecticut DMV. Most dealers set it up online.
What Is the Connecticut Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond?
The Connecticut motor vehicle dealer bond stands behind your dealership. If a buyer loses money from fraud or a title problem, they can file a claim. The surety covers it, and you pay that money back.
Bond amounts in Connecticut:
New and used dealers: $60,000.
Repairers and recyclers: $25,000.
Leasing and rental: $15,000.
Connecticut raised the dealer bond to $60,000 in 2025.
Who Needs This Bond in Connecticut?
New and used car dealers in Connecticut must carry the bond to get a dealer license.
Wholesale dealers need it too.
At renewal, you keep the bond active.
How to Get Bonded — Step by Step
Gather your Connecticut dealer paperwork.
Buy your motor vehicle dealer bond online here — same-day issuance for many.
File it to the Connecticut DMV.
Once cleared, get your license and sell cars.
Renewal & Continuous Bond Coverage
Connecticut dealer licenses come up for renewal every two years. Your bond must stay in force the whole time. Start before it expires so you do not lose your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Connecticut raise the dealer bond?
Yes. It went up to $60,000 in 2025.
Does the Connecticut bond protect me?
No. The bond protects your customers and the state, not you. If a claim is paid, you pay the surety back. The bond is not your own insurance.
How fast can I get bonded in Connecticut?
We shop several sureties for you, often within a day. Many bonds are issued the same day for good credit.
How much does the bond cost?
You pay a yearly premium — a small percent of the bond amount. Your rate depends mostly on your credit.
How a Surety Bond Works
A dealer bond is a type of surety bond. The picture below shows the three parties and what happens if someone files a claim.
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Underwriting Disclosure.
All surety bond applications are subject to underwriting review and approval by the issuing surety company. Quoted premiums are estimates only; final pricing is determined by individual underwriting factors, which may include personal and business credit history, financial statements, industry experience, and claims history. Many bonds qualify for instant online approval, while others may require additional documentation, financial review, or indemnitor signatures prior to issuance. SuretyBondly makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee of approval, eligibility, premium amount, bond form, or issuance timing. Bond amounts, forms, and requirements are governed by the applicable obligee and statutory authority and may change without notice. Information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.