Who requires it
Indiana Secretary of State — Auto Dealer Services Division
License & permit · Indiana
Indiana Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond
An application for a license from the Indiana Secretary of State Auto Dealer Services Division must include evidence of a $25,000 surety bond in favor of the Secretary of State. The Division’s current bond form is State Form 53966 (revision R7/03-24). The bond secures payment of fines, penalties, costs, and fees assessed by the Secretary. Continuation certificates are accepted for existing bonds, and the dealer license is suspended during any lapse in coverage.
Common bond amount
$25,000
Fixed amount on the SOS Auto Dealer Services bond requirements page; use State Form 53966 (R7/03-24).
How you file
File State Form 53966; continuation certificates allowed
Renewal
Keep continuous; update via Dealer Portal; suspended during lapse
Who requires it
Applicants and licensees seeking or holding a license issued by the Indiana Secretary of State Auto Dealer Services Division. Confirm your dealer classification with the Division if you are unsure whether your credential falls under this bond requirement.
How much is required
The Division’s dealer bond requirements page establishes a fixed twenty-five thousand dollar ($25,000) amount for the bond that accompanies a license application. Older versions of State Form 53966 are not accepted; use the R7/03-24 revision.
How to get and file it
Have an Indiana-authorized surety execute State Form 53966 (R7/03-24) in favor of the Secretary of State. You must sign the bond before filing—unsigned bonds are a common rejection reason. Submit original licensing packages as the Division directs, and complete bond or insurance updates through the online Dealer Portal (mail and email updates are no longer accepted as of October 1, 2024). Keep coverage in force while licensed. The Division accepts continuation certificates for existing bonds. If the bond is cancelled or expires, submit a replacement as soon as possible; the Division states the dealer license will be suspended during any lapse. Keep the legal name aligned with the dealer account.
Cost note
Twenty-five thousand dollars is the required bond amount, not the premium you pay. See bond amount vs premium. Bond amount vs premium →
Requirement checklist
- Required amount
- $25,000 in favor of the Secretary of State
- Form
- State Form 53966, revision R7/03-24 (older revisions rejected)
- Signature
- You must sign the bond before submission
- Updates
- Bond and insurance updates through the Dealer Portal (as of Oct 1, 2024)
Official sources
Related resources
Frequently asked questions
Can I mail a bond update to the Division?
As of October 1, 2024, the Division requires bond and insurance updates through the Dealer Portal and no longer accepts those updates by U.S. mail or email.
What happens if my bond lapses?
The Division states your dealer license will be suspended during any lapse in bond coverage. File a replacement as soon as possible.
Surety basics (not repeated here)
Universal surety concepts explained once—linked here instead of repeated on every state or bond page.
Continue with a Indiana application
Indiana will be preselected. Choose your bond type in the application—we confirm the correct product against your agency form before anything is issued.
Last verified 2026-08-10. This guide is based on verified educational content and official sources.
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