Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-375 Bond Guide – Businesses and individuals seeking authorization from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to operate as a motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer, full/issuing agent, card agent, messenger service, or salvor must file a surety bond using Form MV-375. This official bond form, last updated as MV-375 (3-25), serves as a financial guarantee of compliance with state motor vehicle laws and regulations. It protects the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the public from monetary losses related to fees, sales taxes, and penalties arising from the authorized business activities.
This comprehensive guide explains everything USA-based applicants in Pennsylvania need to know about the Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-375 – Manufacturer / Full Agent / Card Agent / Messenger Services / Salvor Bond Form, including required bond amounts, eligibility, completion steps, and submission details. Always verify the latest requirements directly with PennDOT, as regulations can change.
What Is PennDOT Form MV-375?
Form MV-375 is the official surety bond document required by PennDOT’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles for specific regulated motor vehicle-related businesses and services. The bond obligates the principal (the applicant or business) and the surety company to ensure compliance with applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes) and related regulations.
The form covers one or more of the following designations:
- Manufacturer/Dealer (under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1335)
- Full/Issuing Agent (under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7503.1)
- Card Agent (under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7503.1)
- Messenger Service (under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7503.1)
- Salvor (under 75 Pa.C.S. § 7302)
The bond is continuous in nature. If cancelled or not renewed, the surety must provide at least 60 days’ prior written notice to both the principal and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The required bond amount must be maintained at all times. If it falls below the mandated level, the principal’s authorization becomes void.
You can download the current official Form MV-375 directly from PennDOT here: Download Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-375 PDF.
Who Needs to File Form MV-375?
Any individual or business entity applying for or renewing authorization in the following categories must submit a properly executed Form MV-375:
- Manufacturers and Dealers – Entities involved in manufacturing or dealing in motor vehicles that require special registration plates or related privileges.
- Full/Issuing Agents – Authorized agents permitted to issue temporary registration cards and plates and process a full range of title and registration transactions.
- Card Agents – Typically notaries or authorized individuals who can complete certain title applications and transfer existing registrations (but generally cannot issue new temporary plates).
- Messenger Services – Private businesses contracted with PennDOT to handle vehicle title, registration, and related transactions on behalf of customers, including online messenger options.
- Salvors – Businesses that acquire abandoned or salvage vehicles for dismantling, recycling, rebuilding, or parts sales.
Note that certain categories of dealers (such as farm equipment dealers, mobile home dealers and manufacturers, and modular housing manufacturers) may have exemptions from the standard manufacturer/dealer bond under specific statutory provisions. Applicants should confirm eligibility with PennDOT or legal counsel.
For more information on authorized agent and messenger services, visit the official PennDOT pages on Driver and Vehicle Services.
Required Bond Amounts for Form MV-375
The bond amount depends on the type of authorization and the number of locations. According to the official instructions on Form MV-375 (3-25):
- Manufacturer/Dealer: $20,000 for each place of business
- Full Agent: $30,000 for each place of business (maximum aggregate often limited for agent services companies)
- Card Agent: $3,000
- Messenger Service: $50,000, plus an additional $50,000 for each branch office
- Salvor: $10,000 for each place of business
The form allows applicants to select one or more categories. The total bond amount must cover all selected designations and locations. Branch offices must be listed (or attached on a separate sheet). The surety company must be authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
If a power of attorney is used to execute the bond, a copy must be attached to the form.
Purpose and Conditions of the Bond
The bond guarantees that the principal will comply with all laws and regulations governing the authorized business and will not cause monetary loss to the Commonwealth limited to fees, sales tax, and monetary penalties. It also protects members of the public who enter into transactions with the principal in their official capacity.
Key conditions include:
- The bond covers all transactions conducted under the authorization.
- Claims are subject to a 90-day holding period, with the Commonwealth receiving priority payment.
- The Commonwealth may assign its interest in the bond to claimants.
- The principal and surety authorize confession of judgment in favor of PennDOT or affected parties for unpaid amounts, plus costs and attorney fees.
This financial safeguard helps maintain integrity in Pennsylvania’s motor vehicle titling, registration, and salvage industries.
How to Complete and File Form MV-375?
Follow these steps carefully:
- Obtain the current Form MV-375 from the official PennDOT website or the download link provided above.
- Have a surety company authorized in Pennsylvania complete and execute the bond section. The bond company typically fills out most of the form.
- Provide accurate information for the principal, including business name, address, ID numbers (if assigned), and any branch offices.
- Indicate the applicable designation(s) by marking Yes/No for Manufacturer/Dealer, Full/Issuing Agent, Card Agent, Messenger Service, and/or Salvor.
- Ensure the bond amount matches the requirements for the selected categories and locations.
- Have authorized representatives of both the principal and surety sign and date the form. Include the surety company seal where required.
- Attach any required power of attorney or additional branch office lists.
- Submit the original completed bond as part of your overall application packet to PennDOT.
Mailing Address (as shown on the form):
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Regulated Client Services
PO Box 68283
Harrisburg, PA 17106-8283
Applicants for agent, messenger, dealer, or related authorizations generally must also complete a criminal record check (Form SP 4-164) through the Pennsylvania State Police and include the results with their application. Training requirements apply to many agent and messenger services. Consult the relevant PennDOT publications (such as Pub 457 for agent services) for the full packet of required documents.
Additional Requirements and Tips for Applicants
Beyond the bond, successful authorization typically involves:
- Submitting a complete application packet specific to the business type.
- Meeting facility, security, and operational standards (inspections may be required).
- Paying applicable fees.
- Maintaining the bond in full force at all times.
- Complying with ongoing training and reporting obligations for agents and messengers.
Surety bond premiums vary based on the bond amount, the applicant’s credit history, business experience, and the underwriting guidelines of the surety company. Premiums are generally a small percentage of the bond face amount and are paid annually or for multi-year terms.
Always use the most current version of Form MV-375. The version referenced in this article is MV-375 (3-25). Check the official Pennsylvania Driver and Vehicle Services website or the forms listing for updates.
Where to Get Help and Official Resources?
For the most accurate and up-to-date information:
- Download Form MV-375: Official MV-375 PDF
- Visit the main PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services site: pa.gov/agencies/dmv
- Review related publications such as the Agent Services Handbook and messenger requirements on the official site.
- Contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Regulated Client Services for specific questions about your application.
Because bond and licensing requirements involve legal and financial obligations, many applicants work with licensed surety agents experienced in Pennsylvania motor vehicle bonds and consult attorneys familiar with PennDOT regulations.
Conclusion
The Pennsylvania PennDOT Form MV-375 – Manufacturer / Full Agent / Card Agent / Messenger Services / Salvor Bond Form is a critical requirement for operating certain regulated motor vehicle businesses and services in the Commonwealth. By posting the appropriate surety bond, applicants demonstrate financial responsibility and commitment to compliance with state law.
Download the official form, work with an authorized Pennsylvania surety, complete all required application materials accurately, and submit them to the address listed on the form. Maintaining the bond at the required level is essential to keep your authorization active.