If you sell used cars in Georgia, your surety bond just went up. As of July 1, 2026, the state raised the used auto dealer bond from $35,000 to $50,000. Here is exactly what changed, the deadlines you cannot miss, and how to get your new bond fast.
- New bond amount
- $50,000 (was $35,000)
- Effective date
- July 1, 2026
- Who it affects
- All Georgia used auto dealers
- Renewals open
- July 1, 2026
- License and bond expire
- September 30, 2026
- File the $50,000 bond by
- October 1, 2026
- Term
- 2 years (expires Sept 30 of even years)
- Cost (2-year term)
- From $137 at the Preferred rate. Instant issue.
- Set by
- Georgia Secretary of State
What changed
Georgia used auto dealers used to carry a $35,000 surety bond. The state has now raised that amount to $50,000. The change took effect on July 1, 2026, and it applies to every used auto dealer in Georgia.
The bond is set and regulated by the Georgia Secretary of State. Going forward, a $35,000 bond will be rejected. You must have the full $50,000 bond on file.
Why the state raised it
The bigger bond gives car buyers and the state more protection. If a dealer breaks state law, commits fraud, or mishandles a vehicle title, harmed parties can now recover more money through the bond. In short, the state wanted a larger safety net for consumers.
The dates and deadlines you cannot miss
Here is the timeline, plain and simple:
- July 1, 2026 — the $50,000 requirement takes effect and renewals open.
- September 30, 2026 — current dealer licenses and bonds expire.
- October 1, 2026 — you must have purchased and filed your new $50,000 bond by this date to stay licensed.
Georgia used auto dealer bonds always expire on September 30 of even-numbered years, so the next one after this is September 30, 2026.
What you need to do
Every used auto dealer must move up to a $50,000 bond at renewal. If your current bond is still active, you do not tear it up today, but you do need the new $50,000 bond in place and filed with the Secretary of State by October 1, 2026.
If you are a brand new dealer, you must buy a $50,000 bond from the start. A $35,000 bond will not be accepted.
How much does the $50,000 bond cost?
Good news: it is cheap for the coverage, and it is a two-year term, so you pay once and you are set. Your exact price depends on your credit:
- Preferred Plus (best credit): as low as $137 for the full two years.
- Preferred: around $200 for two years.
- Standard: around $471 for two years.
Most dealers with solid credit land at the Preferred rate or better. And Junno offers instant issue, so we can quote, issue, and file your $50,000 bond the same day.
Apply now and get instant issue
Do not wait until the last week. Renewals are open now. Fill out our quick application and we can often issue your $50,000 bond instantly and file it well before the October 1 deadline. Prefer to talk? Call us anytime at (762) 499-0237.
Junno Surety can issue and file your $50,000 Georgia dealer bond instantly for qualified dealers. Apply now → or call (762) 499-0237.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to do anything if my current bond is still active?
Yes. At renewal you must file a new $50,000 bond with the Georgia Secretary of State by October 1, 2026. Your old $35,000 bond will not meet the new requirement.
Will a $35,000 bond still be accepted?
No. After the July 1, 2026 change, the Secretary of State will reject a $35,000 bond. You need the full $50,000.
How much does the $50,000 bond cost?
You pay a small percent of the bond amount, based on your credit, for a two-year term. Junno gives fast, free quotes.
When does my Georgia dealer bond expire?
Georgia used auto dealer bonds expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. The current term expires September 30, 2026.
Can Junno issue the bond the same day?
Often yes. We are a licensed Georgia agency and can quote, issue, and file your $50,000 bond quickly so you meet the October 1 deadline.