Deadline: September 30, 2026

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Whether you’re applying for your first Alabama motor vehicle dealer license or renewing before the September 30 deadline, you’ll need a $50,000 Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond, with rates starting as low as $500 for a one-year term. The Alabama Department of Revenue requires this surety bond as part of the licensing process.

Understanding your bonding requirements can help you avoid licensing delays and stay compliant with Alabama law.

Once you’re ready to apply, American Surety Bonds Agency makes the application process quick and simple — most of our clients complete it in just a few minutes.

Click Here to Obtain Your Bond!

Also Known As

The Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond goes by several names depending on where you look.

You may also see it called:

  • Alabama Auto Dealer Bond
  • Alabama Dealer Bond
  • Alabama Dealer License Bond
  • ALDOR Surety Bond

These all refer to the same $50,000 surety bond described on this page. Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond is simply the formal name used on the official bond form and by the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Requirements

Bond Name Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond
Bond Type License and Permit Bond
Bond Amount $50,000
Who Needs the Bond? New Motor Vehicle Dealers, Used Motor Vehicle Dealers, Motor Vehicle Rebuilders, Motor Vehicle Wholesalers, and Master Dealers licensed in Alabama
Obligee Commissioner of Revenue of the State of Alabama (Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division)
Bond Term Continuous — stays in force until cancelled with 60 days’ written notice
Renewal Deadline September 30 each year
This Cycle’s Deadline September 30, 2026
Official Bond Form View the official Alabama Motor Vehicle Surety Bond form

What Is an Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond?

The Alabama Department of Revenue requires this license and permit surety bond before a business can be licensed as a motor vehicle dealer in Alabama.

Specifically, the bond protects consumers and the state by guaranteeing that licensed dealers honor the terms of any vehicle sale or exchange and comply with Alabama motor vehicle law. If a dealer breaches a sale contract or violates a licensing requirement, anyone who suffers a loss as a result can file a claim against the bond, up to $50,000.

However, unlike traditional insurance, a surety bond does not protect the dealer. Instead, it guarantees the dealer meets its contractual and legal obligations, protecting the public and the State of Alabama if the dealer fails to do so.

Who Needs an Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond?

You must obtain an Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond if you are:

  • Applying for a first Alabama motor vehicle dealer license
  • Renewing an existing dealer, rebuilder, wholesaler, or master dealer license
  • Operating as a New, Used, Rebuilder, Wholesaler, or Master Dealer

Maintaining an active bond keeps your license in good standing with the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Why Is the Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Required?

The bond helps protect consumers and promote ethical business practices within the state’s motor vehicle industry.

As a result, requiring licensed dealers to maintain a surety bond, Alabama helps:

  • Protect purchasers from financial losses resulting from a dealer’s failure to comply with the conditions of a sale
  • Encourage licensed dealers to comply with Alabama’s motor vehicle laws and regulations
  • Promote honesty, accountability, and consumer confidence in the motor vehicle marketplace

Ultimately, by maintaining an active surety bond, licensed dealers demonstrate their commitment to complying with Alabama law and protecting the consumers they serve.

How Much Does the Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Cost?

Rates start as low as $500 for a one-year term. The exact cost of an Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond is a small percentage of the $50,000 bond amount and varies based on several underwriting factors.

For instance, several factors can influence your premium, including:

  • Personal credit history
  • Business experience
  • Home ownership
  • Net worth

At American Surety Bonds Agency, we work with a wide array of markets — from preferred clients to non-traditional clients and everyone in between — to help find the right rate for your Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond.

When Does the Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Renew?

The bond renews every year and expires on September 30. Dealers must maintain an active license by ensuring their bond remains in effect through each renewal period.

If you’re applying for the first time outside a renewal window, your initial bond term may run for less than a full year so it lines up with this cycle.

Because the licensing process requires this bond, letting it expire could delay your license renewal or affect your ability to continue operating as a licensed motor vehicle dealer in Alabama.

Although most bond renewals can be completed quickly, it’s a good idea to begin the process before the September 30 deadline. That way, you’ll have time to complete the application, respond to any underwriting requests, and submit the bond before your license renewal is due.

How to Get Your Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond

Obtaining your Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond through American Surety Bonds Agency is simple.

  1. Click here to complete our secure online application.
  2. Our underwriting team will review your application and contact you if any additional information is needed.
  3. Review your approval and pay to finalize your bond.
  4. Receive your completed Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond to submit with your license application or renewal.

Why Choose American Surety Bonds Agency?

American Surety Bonds Agency has been helping businesses meet their surety bond requirements for decades. Whether you’re applying for your first license or renewing an existing one, our experienced team is here to help make the bonding process simple and efficient.

When you choose American Surety Bonds Agency, you’ll receive:

  • Experienced surety bond professionals
  • Competitive rates from leading surety companies
  • Fast underwriting and responsive customer service
  • Fast turnaround
  • A secure online application process
  • Assistance throughout the bonding process

Above all, we’re committed to helping businesses obtain the bonds they need with responsive service and experienced guidance every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does this bond renew? This bond renews every year and expires September 30. The current renewal deadline is September 30, 2026.
What is the bond amount? Alabama law requires a $50,000 surety bond for licensed motor vehicle dealers, per Code of Alabama 1975, §§40-12-390 through 40-12-400 and §§40-12-445 through 40-12-450.
How much does the bond cost? Rates start as low as $500 for a one-year term. The exact cost depends on several factors, including personal credit history, business experience, home ownership, and net worth. Contact American Surety Bonds Agency for your rate.
Who is required to obtain this bond? The Alabama Department of Revenue requires anyone applying for or renewing a New, Used, Rebuilder, Wholesaler, or Master motor vehicle dealer license to maintain a $50,000 surety bond.
Can I obtain this bond instantly online? No. This bond is not currently available through our Instant Issue program. Complete our secure online application, and our surety specialists will provide a rate and guide you through the bonding process.
What happens if my bond expires? If your bond expires or you cancel it, the Alabama Department of Revenue may suspend or revoke your dealer license until you file a replacement bond with the state. For that reason, maintaining continuous bond coverage is essential.
What does the bond protect? The bond protects consumers and the State of Alabama by guaranteeing that licensed dealers comply with applicable laws and regulations. It provides financial protection if a dealer fails to meet those obligations.

Obtain Your Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond Today

Don’t wait until your September 30 deadline.

American Surety Bonds Agency makes obtaining your Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond simple, competitive, and hassle-free.

Apply today and keep your license in good standing.

Click Here to Obtain Your Bond!

We offer a wide variety of Alabama commercial surety bonds for motor vehicle dealers, contractors, and many other licensed businesses and professionals.

Whether you need one bond or several, our experienced team is here to help.

Click Here to Explore All Alabama Surety Bonds

Need an Alabama Lost Title Bond?

If your Alabama vehicle title is lost, stolen, or damaged, the Alabama Department of Revenue requires a Lost Title Bond before it will issue a replacement certificate of title.

Get started with our Alabama Lost Title Bond Application, and a member of our team will help you get your replacement title bond in place quickly.

Click Here to start your Alabama Lost Title Bond Application

Need an ERISA Bond?

If you handle funds or property for your company’s employee benefit plan, federal law requires an ERISA fidelity bond.

Our ERISA Bond Application offers instant online issuance and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Click Here to start your ERISA Bond Application

Need a Bid Bond or Payment & Performance Bond?

American Surety Bonds Agency helps contractors obtain Bid Bonds and Payment & Performance Bonds for public and private construction projects.

Complete our Fast Track Contract Bond Application to get started, and a member of our contract bond team will contact you to discuss your project and bonding requirements.

Click Here to start the Fast Track Contract Bond Application

Ready to Get Started?

Complete our simple online application or speak with one of our surety specialists today.

American Surety Bonds Agency proudly serves businesses nationwide with fast approvals, competitive rates, and responsive service.

Let American Surety help!

American Surety can also assist you with any of your other bonding needs, as we are licensed in all 50 states.  Call us today at (404) 486-2355 or our toll-free number (877) 201-8976 or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!

Have Questions?

American Surety Bonds Agency, LLC
138 Hammond Drive, Suite B
Atlanta, GA 30328
Sam Newberry – Managing Member
P: 404-486-2356 M: 404-550-3565
snewberry@suretybondsagency.com
suretybondsagency.com