South Carolina

Motor Vehicle Dealer and Wholesaler Bond

How much does a South Carolina motor vehicle dealer and wholesaler bond cost?

South Carolina motor vehicle dealer and wholesaler bond costs start at $150 for the state-required 1-year term.  Your exact premium will be provided after a quick application review based on which license you need. Apply now to get your free quote!

• Licensees applying for a Wholesale Auto Auction Bond need a $15,000 bond amount.
• Licensees applying for a Motorcycle Dealer or Motorcycle Wholesaler Bond need a $25,000 bond amount.
• Licensees applying for a Motor Vehicle Dealer, Travel Trailer Dealer, or Wholesaler Bond need a $50,000 bond amount.

How do I get a motor vehicle dealer bond in South Carolina?

You can apply for your South Carolina dealer bond online 24/7. You must provide the following information for Department of Motor Vehicles approval.

• dealership name
• business location
• dealer license number, if available

You'll receive your official auto dealer surety bond by email once your order has been processed.

How fast can I get a dealer or wholesaler bond?

Our industry-leading technology and responsive customer service team allow us to offer free quotes and deliver your official South Carolina vehicle dealer bond faster than any other surety provider. Orders placed by 4 PM CST Monday-Friday are typically processed with same-day emailed bond delivery.

What is a South Carolina motor vehicle dealer and wholesaler bond?

South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-15 requires any South Carolina auto dealer or wholesaler applying for licensure to file a surety bond. Form #DLA-1B is officially titled the “Motor Vehicle Dealer and Wholesaler Bond” and requires the licensed principal to follow the South Carolina Code of Laws when operating their business. The bond specifically protects motor vehicle owners aggrieved by dealer or salesperson fraud, misrepresentation, and other violations during motor vehicle sales and transfers.

Why is the South Carolina dealer and wholesaler bond required?

By filing this bond, South Carolina auto dealers agree to abide by the state laws that regulate vehicle sales. If they fail to do so, their issuing surety company will pay valid claims up to the full bond amount, which they must then reimburse. 

What is the South Carolina dealer bond amount?

Effective 1/1/24, the DMV requires the following surety bond amounts.

• $15,000 if you're licensed as a wholesale auto auction
• $25,000 if you're licensed as a motorcycle-only dealer or wholesaler
• $50,000 for all other vehicle dealers and wholesalers

When did the South Carolina dealer bond amount increase?

Effective January 1, 2024, motorcycle-only dealers and wholesalers must increase their bond amount to $25,000. All other vehicle dealers and wholesalers must increase their bond amount to $50,000 for each licensed dealership. Wholesale auto auction bond amounts will remain $15,000.

How do I update my South Carolina auto dealer bond amount?

The surety provider who issued the active surety bond you currently have on file with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles should contact you with instructions on how your surety bond increase will be handled. If you purchased your current South Carolina motor vehicle dealer and wholesaler bond from SuretyBonds.com, we'll email you detailed instructions regarding your surety bond increase.

If you have questions or need help increasing the South Carolina dealer bond you previously purchased from SuretyBonds.com, you can call 1(800)308-4358 or email [email protected].

If you don't increase your bond by January 1, 2024, your dealer license will expire, and you won't be authorized to sell vehicles or motorcycles in the state.

Who regulates licensing for vehicle dealers and wholesalers?

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles oversees dealer licensing requirements for the state. If you have questions about which bond amount you need, your license application, or the status of your dealer license, you can contact the SCDMV by calling 1 (803) 896-2611 or by filling out the contact form on their website.

How do I update or change my auto dealer bond form?

If the Department of Motor Vehicles requires you to make any changes to your documentation, contact your surety company. If you purchased your bond from SuretyBonds.com, email [email protected] to explain the needed change.

The most common changes for this bond are the dealership's name or address.

How do I renew my motor vehicle dealer or wholesaler bond?

You must renew your South Carolina auto dealer and wholesaler bond before its current term expires. Once you pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice, instructions will be provided to keep your bond active for your next license term. 

Effective January 1, 2024, the South Carolina DMV is changing the state's dealer license term from an annual license with a $50 fee to a 3-year license with a $150 fee.

How do you get a motor vehicle dealer or wholesaler license in South Carolina?

Applicants must complete the below steps to become a licensed dealer in South Carolina.

1. Complete your Application for a Dealer or Wholesaler License (Form DLA-1).
2. Provide all required fee payments.
3. Purchase your South Carolina surety bond in the surety bond amount required for your license type.
4. Submit your application and all supporting documents to the DMV by mail. 

Standard Mail

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles 
Attn: Dealer License & Audit Unit 
P.O. Box 1498 
Blythewood, SC 29016-0023

Overnight Mail

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Dealer License & Audit Unit 
10311 Wilson Blvd.
Building C
Blythewood, SC 29016-0023