Who requires it
Connecticut DMV — Dealers & Repairers Licensing Unit
License & permit · Connecticut
Connecticut Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond
Connecticut requires a surety bond before the Department of Motor Vehicles licenses motor vehicle dealers, repairers, recyclers, and longer-term leasing or rental companies. CGS § 14-52 sets $60,000 for new or used car dealers, $25,000 for repairers, and $15,000 for leasing or rental licenses under § 14-15 when vehicles are leased or rented for thirty days or more. Recycler applicants post $25,000 under § 14-67l. DMV Form K-158 is the official form and also lists low-speed vehicle dealers on the $25,000 line.
Common bond amount
$15,000 / $25,000 / $60,000
Dealers $60,000; repairer/recycler/low-speed $25,000; leasing/rental (30+ days) $15,000; commissioner may require more under § 14-52(c).
How you file
File DMV Form K-158 with the Dealers & Repairers Licensing Unit
Renewal
Maintain for the license term; file continuation or replacement as DMV requires
Who requires it
Applicants and licensees for Connecticut new car dealer, used car dealer, repairer, motor vehicle recycler, low-speed vehicle dealer, and qualifying leasing or rental credentials administered by the DMV Dealers & Repairers Licensing Unit. Confirm the exact license class on your K-7 application before ordering the bond.
How much is required
Section 14-52(b) fixes $60,000 for new or used car dealers, $25,000 for a repairer’s license, and $15,000 for leasing or rental under § 14-15 for periods of thirty days or more. Section 14-67l independently sets $25,000 for recycler applicants. Form K-158 implements those amounts and groups repairer, recycler, and low-speed dealers on the $25,000 checkbox. Under § 14-52(c), the commissioner may grant a repairer or used-car-dealer license only if a higher bond—above the statutory minimum—is posted when the financial-status review warrants it.
How to get and file it
Identify the DMV license type and matching K-158 amount. Have an authorized Connecticut surety complete Form K-158 in the exact business name and address shown on the DMV application, then file the original with the Dealers & Repairers Licensing Unit as part of the license package. Keep the bond in force for the license period. The bond covers acts and omissions during the license grant, and claims cannot exceed the bond amount. If DMV requires a new bond or continuation at renewal, file it before the license lapses; a gap can stop lawful operation under § 14-52.
Cost note
Sixty thousand, twenty-five thousand, or fifteen thousand dollars is the required bond amount, not the premium you pay. See bond amount vs premium. Bond amount vs premium →
Requirement checklist
- New or used car dealer
- $60,000 under CGS § 14-52(b)(2); K-158 M.V. dealer box
- Repairer / recycler / low-speed
- $25,000 (§ 14-52(b)(1) repairer; § 14-67l recycler; K-158 low-speed line)
- Leasing or rental (30+ days)
- $15,000 under §§ 14-52(b)(3) and 14-15
- Form
- DMV Form K-158; name on the bond must match DMV records
Official sources
Related resources
Frequently asked questions
Is the Connecticut dealer bond the same amount for new and used dealers?
Yes. CGS § 14-52(b)(2) sets one $60,000 amount for both new car dealer and used car dealer licenses. Repairers, recyclers, low-speed dealers, and leasing firms use different amounts on Form K-158.
Can DMV require more than the statutory minimum?
Yes, for repairer or used-car-dealer applicants. Section 14-52(c) lets the commissioner condition a license on a surety higher than the subsection (b) minimum after reviewing financial status and ability to protect customers.
Related Connecticut bond guides
Mortgage Lender Bond
$50,000–$500,000
Connecticut mortgage lenders, mortgage correspondent lenders, and mortgage brokers file one surety bond with the Banking Commissioner covering the main office, branch offices, and sponsored mortgage loan originators. CGS § 36a-492 sets lender and correspondent faces from $100,000 to $500,000, and broker faces from $50,000 to $150,000, using aggregate residential mortgage originations for the preceding four quarters ending June 30. Filings run electronically through NMLS.
Money Transmitter Bond
$300,000 / $500,000 / $1,000,000
Connecticut money transmitter applicants and licensees must file a surety bond with the Banking Commissioner under CGS § 36a-602. For firms that do not transmit virtual currency, the statute sets amounts of $300,000, $500,000, or $1,000,000 from average weekly Connecticut money transmissions during the twelve months ending June 30. Transmitters that will or may handle virtual currency receive an amount set by the commissioner to address market volatility. Approved investments may replace part or all of the bond.
Consumer Collection Agency Bond
$50,000 per office
Connecticut consumer collection agencies must post a surety bond before the Department of Banking grants or renews the license. CGS § 36a-802 sets $50,000 for the main office and another $50,000 for each branch office. Agencies engaged solely in debt buying are exempt from the bond. Filings are made electronically on NMLS under the Department’s electronic-bond order.
Surety basics (not repeated here)
Universal surety concepts explained once—linked here instead of repeated on every state or bond page.
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Last verified 2026-08-11. This guide is based on verified educational content and official sources.
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