As of August 2026: Form OL 25 is the standard motor vehicle dealer surety bond, required at $50,000 for most retail dealer license applicants under California Vehicle Code §11710.
The bond itself is still a physical instrument — obtained from a licensed surety company, naming your dealership correctly, the same as it always has been. Going digital didn't change the underlying insurance product; it changed how it gets submitted to DMV.
Where the bond document used to be physically attached to a mailed application packet, it's now uploaded as part of your digital application through DMV's Digital Experience Platform, via MyDMV account at dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-industry-services/occupational-licensing/login.
What trips people up: this is the single most commonly confused figure across dealer licensing content — a widespread misconception that the standard bond amount is $10,000. It is not, for most retail applicants; $10,000 applies to a narrower category (see OL 25B). Confirm which bond amount actually applies to your specific license type before purchasing a bond, since buying the wrong one wastes money and delays your application regardless of whether you're filing on paper or digitally.
What happens next: the bond stays in effect for the life of your license and protects consumers and the state if you fail to meet your obligations as a dealer — it's a licensing requirement, not optional insurance.
This article reflects our own professional experience managing this process for clients under both the paper and digital systems, combined with DMV's own current published guidance. It is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Confirm current bond requirements directly with DMV Occupational Licensing.
California Dealer Academy provides educational content for California auto dealers and does not offer legal, tax, or financial advice. DMV requirements, retention rules, and deadlines are subject to change — always confirm current requirements directly with DMV Occupational Licensing, and consult a qualified attorney or CPA for guidance specific to your dealership.
