As of August 2026: Form OL 25B is the reduced $10,000 dealer bond, available to a narrower category of dealers than the standard $50,000 bond (OL 25) required of most retail applicants.
Like the standard OL 25, the bond itself is still a physical surety instrument obtained from a licensed bonding company. Eligibility for the reduced amount is determined by your license type and sales volume, not by how you file.
Submission to DMV now happens through the Digital Experience Platform, uploaded as part of your online application via MyDMV account at dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-industry-services/occupational-licensing/login, rather than mailed with a paper packet.
Who files it: dealers who qualify for the reduced bond category — generally understood to include motorcycle/ATV-only dealers and certain lower-volume wholesale-only operations. Confirm your specific eligibility directly with DMV before purchasing.
What trips people up: assuming eligibility for the $10,000 bond without confirming your specific license type and sales volume actually qualify. Purchasing the wrong bond amount is a costly mistake regardless of filing method, since surety bonds aren't always refundable if you need to switch.
What happens next: if eligible, this bond is submitted in place of the standard OL 25 bond as part of your digital application. Confirm eligibility with DMV Occupational Licensing before purchasing.
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 and eligibility 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.
