City of Los Angeles Parking Lot License Bond
$10,000 Bond – $100 Instant, No Credit Check
General Information
The City of Los Angeles Parking Lot License Bond — also called the LA parking lot bond, the Los Angeles auto park bond, the City of Los Angeles automobile parking lot permit bond or the Master Automobile Parking Lot bond — is a $10,000 (single parking lot) / $50,000 (blanket – all lots) surety bond required by City of Los Angeles (filed with the Office of Finance) for operating an automobile parking lot for a fee within the City of Los Angeles. It guarantees the operator will indemnify customers against theft of, or damage to, any vehicle accepted for parking or storage, as required by LAMC Sec. 103.202. The price is from $100 for the full continuous until cancelled (30-day written notice); covers each annual permit term, with no application and no credit check, and your bond is prepared and emailed directly to you, typically by the end of the next business day, ready for signature.
| Coverage | Bond Amount | Premium | Term | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Parking Lot | $10,000 | $100 | Continuous until cancelled (30-day written notice); covers each annual permit | Buy Now |
| Blanket – All Lots (Master Permit) | $50,000 | From $500 | Continuous until cancelled (30-day written notice); covers each annual permit | Apply Now |
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Who Needs This Bond?
Anyone who conducts, manages, or operates an automobile parking lot for a fee in the City of Los Angeles — defined as a lot holding more than eight motor vehicles for consideration. Operators of multiple lots obtain a Master Automobile Parking Lot permit and may file one $50,000 blanket bond covering all of their lots.
Who May Not Need This Bond
Not everyone has to post this bond — you may not need it at all. In plain terms:
The bond requirement applies only to lots operated for a fee. Under LAMC Sec. 103.202(a), three types of lots are exempt: (1) residential or office-building lots used free of charge by tenants, occupants, and their guests; (2) lots not operated for profit, used only for the owner's own employees or customers; and (3) retail, store, theater, or other business lots used free of charge by customers or patrons. In short, if you don't charge a fee, you likely don't need this bond.
Why California Requires This Bond
The City of Los Angeles requires a parking lot license bond before it will issue a permit to operate an automobile parking lot for a fee. The bond exists to protect the public — specifically, the customers who hand over their vehicles. Under Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 103.202, the bond guarantees that the operator will indemnify any person whose vehicle is accepted for parking or storage against loss from theft or other unlawful taking, and against damage to the vehicle for which the operator is legally liable. In short, it makes sure that if your car is stolen or damaged at a licensed lot, there is a financial guarantee standing behind the operator's responsibility.
If a customer suffers a covered loss and the operator doesn't make it right, the customer can make a claim against the bond, and the surety pays valid claims up to the bond amount. The bond is not exhausted by a single claim — it can be recovered upon from time to time by any person aggrieved until the whole amount is exhausted — and the operator must reimburse the surety for anything it pays. The bond protects the vehicle-owning public, not the operator. Note that this license bond covers vehicle theft and damage only; it does not guarantee payment of the city's separate Parking Occupancy Tax, which requires its own bond.
The $10,000 or $50,000 bond amount is the coverage guaranteed to City of Los Angeles (filed with the Office of Finance) — it is not a cost to you. What you pay is the premium, from $100.
How to Get Your City of Los Angeles Parking Lot License Bond
- Pick your bond amount. Choose $10,000 if you need the single parking lot bond; choose $50,000 if you need the blanket – all lots bond.
- Complete the form below. We need the name exactly as it should appear on the bond and your business address. No application and no credit check.
- Choose your delivery. Standard email delivery by the end of the next business day is included at no extra cost; faster options are available.
- Sign and file. Your bond arrives ready for signature — sign it and file it with City of Los Angeles (filed with the Office of Finance).
Bond Details at a Glance
- Bond Name: City of Los Angeles Parking Lot License Bond
- Also Known As: LA parking lot bond, Los Angeles auto park bond, City of Los Angeles automobile parking lot permit bond, Master Automobile Parking Lot bond
- Bond Amount: $10,000 (single parking lot) / $50,000 (blanket – all lots)
- Premium: from $100
- Term: Continuous until cancelled (30-day written notice); covers each annual permit
- Obligee: City of Los Angeles (filed with the Office of Finance), City of Los Angeles Office of Finance — confirm current parking-permit bond filing address before publishing
- Governing Law: Los Angeles Municipal Code Sec. 103.202 (Automobile Parking Lots)
- Exemptions: Available — see "Who May Not Need This Bond" above
- Underwriting: None — no credit check or application
- Delivery: Emailed directly to you, ready for signature
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the City of Los Angeles parking lot license bond?
A $10,000 bond for a single lot costs $100. The $50,000 blanket bond, which covers all lots under one operator, is underwritten with premiums starting at $500 depending on credit. The bond amount is the coverage guaranteed to the public, not a cost to you.
What's the difference between the $10,000 and $50,000 bond?
The $10,000 bond covers one parking lot. The $50,000 blanket bond covers all lots owned or operated by the same applicant under a Master Automobile Parking Lot permit. Operators with multiple lots typically choose the blanket bond.
Do I need a credit check?
Not for the $10,000 bond — it's issued instantly at a flat $100 with no credit check. The $50,000 blanket bond requires a short application and a soft credit check to set the premium.
How long does the bond last?
It's continuous. It stays in force and covers each annual permit until it's cancelled with 30 days' written notice. It doesn't expire on a set date like many license bonds.
Who does the bond protect?
It protects parking customers. If a vehicle is stolen or damaged at the lot and the operator is liable, the customer can claim against the bond. It's not insurance for the operator — the operator must repay the surety for any claim paid.
Do I need this bond if my lot is free?
Probably not. The requirement applies to lots operated for a fee. Free tenant, employee, or customer parking at residential buildings, offices, and stores is exempt under Sec. 103.202. If you don't charge, you likely don't need this bond.
Is this the same as the parking tax bond?
No. This license bond covers vehicle theft and damage. The Parking Occupancy Tax Collection Bond is a separate requirement that guarantees payment of city parking taxes and is calculated on gross receipts. They are two different bonds.
Where do I file the bond?
The bond is filed with and maintained at the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance as a prerequisite to your parking lot permit, which is issued by the Board of Police Commissioners.
Do I qualify for an exemption from this bond?
Possibly — not everyone has to post it. The bond requirement applies only to lots operated for a fee. Under LAMC Sec. 103.202(a), three types of lots are exempt: (1) residential or office-building lots used free of charge by tenants, occupants, and their guests; (2) lots not operated for profit, used only for the owner's own employees or customers; and (3) retail, store, theater, or other business lots used free of charge by customers or patrons. In short, if you don't charge a fee, you likely don't need this bond. If you qualify, you don't need to buy the bond at all; check with City of Los Angeles (filed with the Office of Finance) before purchasing.