Maine Transient Seller Bond Overview
- Purpose: To hold transient merchants accountable for upholding permit and license regulations
- Who Needs It: Any person selling goods by means of personal or phone contact in Maine
- Regulating Body: The Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR)
- Bond Amount: $10,000
- Premium Price: $100 for a 1-year term
What Is a Maine Transient Seller of Consumer Merchandise Bond?
A Maine transient seller of consumer merchandise bond is a type of license bond. The Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) requires it for transient seller licensing.
The bond protects your consumers if you break state license regulations. If a customer wins a claim against you for a sale in Maine, they can collect from the bond.
Who Needs a Transient Seller of Consumer Merchandise Bond?
Maine law defines transient sellers as any party which:
- Sells goods to consumers by phone or personal contact, and
- Has no permanent place of business in Maine
This applies whether or not you are in Maine when you make the sale.
You are exempt from licensing if you:
- Sell at public fairs, expos, or bazaars
- Sell for a public service organization you belong to
- Sell only by mail (unless you offer “free” prizes that require a payment)
- Are a supervised lender under Maine law
Even if you employ multiple sales people, your company only needs one bond.
How Much Do Transient Seller Bonds Cost in Maine?
A $10,000 Maine transient seller bond costs just $100 for one year of coverage. You can buy it online in minutes with no credit check. These bonds expire on April 30th each year, so your premium may be prorated based on the purchase date.
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does a Maine Transient Merchandise Seller Bond Work?
The bond is a legal contract between three parties:
- Principal: You, the transient seller filing the bond
- Obligee: The State of Maine requiring the bond
- Surety: The company backing the bond
The bond can pay consumers who were damaged due to improper solicitations or illegal selling practices. It can also cover fines and penalties ordered by a court. If the surety pays a claim, you must pay the surety back.
How Do I Get My Bond?
SuretyBonds.com makes getting your Maine transient seller bond fast and easy:
- Buy: Purchase your $10,000 bond online.
- Receive: Get your official bond by email in minutes.
- File: Submit your bond with your state license application.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
Maine transient seller licenses expire every year on April 30. Your bond must stay active through your license’s renewal date.
To renew, pay your SuretyBonds.com renewal invoice before April 30. We’ll send out email and text reminders in advance.
How Do I Get a Maine Transient Seller License?
To get your transient seller of consumer merchandise license, send the Maine DPFR's Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) the following materials:
- A completed application
- The $30 license fee
- Your $10,000 surety bond
Each employee who sells for your company also needs a license. Employee licenses cost $10, plus $21 for a state police background check.
You can apply online through OPOR.
