Dealer Surety Bond in Puerto Rico: $10,000–$100,000 Requirement
Puerto Rico requires all licensed dealers to maintain a $10,000–$100,000 surety bond. Here is exactly what you need, what it costs, and what happens when a claim is filed.
Bond Requirement at a Glance
Amount varies by state and dealer license category. Contact your state DMV for the exact requirement.
Who Needs a Surety Bond in Puerto Rico
Most states require a surety bond as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a dealer license.
- New vehicle dealer
- Used vehicle dealer
- Wholesale dealer
- Motorcycle dealer
How to Get a Bond in Puerto Rico
Where to get it: Any state-licensed surety company
Use the state DMV-approved bond form. File with your dealer license application.
Annual Premium Cost
0.5%–3% of bond face value per year
Premium is based on your personal credit score. Good credit = lower annual cost.
How Claims Work
Injured buyer files with state DMV or directly with the surety company.
Valid claims are paid up to the bond face value. Dealer must reimburse the surety for any paid claims.
Penalties for Operating Without a Bond
Puerto Rico-Specific Note
Puerto Rico-Specific Facts for Dealer Surety Bond
Puerto Rico Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Puerto Rico, the title transfer fee is $50 and registration costs Varies by vehicle weight and type; administered through CESCO offices. Vehicle sales are subject to 11.5% IVU (Impuesto de Venta y Uso) on vehicle purchases — one of the highest rates among US jurisdictions; administered by the Departamento de Hacienda. Notarization is required for vehicle bill of sale documents in Puerto Rico. Emission testing is required in Puerto Rico — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Notarial intervention required — PR notaries (notarios públicos) are licensed attorneys; a notario público abogado must authenticate vehicle transfer deeds, unlike mainland US notary publics
- Official bill of sale form: DTOP-DIS-260 (Acta de Traspaso de Vehículo de Motor), issued by the Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas (DTOP)
- Vehicle transfers are processed at CESCO (Centro de Servicios al Conductor) offices across the island
- Federal odometer disclosure (49 CFR Part 580) applies to all Puerto Rico vehicle sales, same as US states
- IVU sales tax of 11.5% applies to the sale price; exemptions may apply to certain commercial transactions
- Governing law: Ley de Vehículos y Tránsito de Puerto Rico (Law No. 22 of January 7, 2000, as amended)
- Official documents are bilingual (Spanish and English); the DTOP-DIS-260 form is issued in Spanish — confirm you understand all terms before signing
- USCG documentation applies to vessels in PR territorial waters under the same federal rules as US states
- Title transfer must be completed at a CESCO office; online transfer not available for private party sales
Official Puerto Rico bill of sale form
The official Puerto Rico bill of sale form is DTOP-DIS-260 (Acta de Traspaso de Vehículo de Motor (Motor Vehicle Transfer Deed)). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Puerto Rico requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
Puerto Rico bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,148 bill of sale documents for Puerto Rico transactions, with 31 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Puerto Rico Vehicle Guides
- Trade-In Tax Credit in Puerto Rico
- Vehicle Import Rules in Puerto Rico
- Vehicle Impound Recovery in Puerto Rico
- Service Contract vs Warranty in Puerto Rico
- Vehicle Shipping Tax in Puerto Rico
- Window Sticker (Monroney) in Puerto Rico
Each guide is written specifically for Puerto Rico laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a dealer surety bond in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico requires a $10,000–$100,000 surety bond for licensed dealers. Amount varies by state and dealer license category. Contact your state DMV for the exact requirement.
Who requires a dealer surety bond in Puerto Rico?
State DMV or Motor Vehicle Division requires the bond. Most states require a surety bond as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a dealer license.
How much does a dealer surety bond cost annually in Puerto Rico?
Expect to pay 0.5%–3% of bond face value per year. Premium is based on your personal credit score. Good credit = lower annual cost.
What happens if a Puerto Rico dealer doesn't have a surety bond?
Dealer license denial, suspension, or revocation. Possible criminal charges for operating without a bond.
How does a surety bond claim work in Puerto Rico?
Injured buyer files with state DMV or directly with the surety company. Valid claims are paid up to the bond face value. Dealer must reimburse the surety for any paid claims.
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Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV Dealer Licensing Division. Verify current bond amounts with your state DMV before purchasing.