How to Get a Motor Vehicle Dealer's License

Getting Familiar with Local Laws

To find out what you need to get your dealer's license, the first step is to reach out to state government authorities. Every state and municipality has different laws on what they require for auto dealers, and some vary a lot.

Most states have four main types of auto dealer licenses:

• Wholesale
• New vehicles
• Used vehicles
• Motorcycle/motorsport

Each license type has its own unique requirements on top of the aforementioned state requirements. You'll need to reach out to your state's Department of Transportation or Department of Licensing and get a complete list of what they require to issue an auto dealer's license, as well as any paperwork they may need to send you. Once you've got these materials on hand, you're ready to start preparing your application.

Filling Out a Dealer License Application

Your application for an auto dealer's license is a multi-part process that includes several key steps. The process elements common to almost all states and municipalities include:

• Passing a background check examining your financial history and criminal record. (It's not impossible to get a dealer's license if you have a felony, but you might need to take some extra steps.)
• Providing a detailed business plan for your dealership. (Not sure how to write one? Check out one of the many examples available online.)
• Proving you have a dealership space by providing a copy of your rental lease or property deed. The DMV may also require a site inspection.
• Filling out an application to create a DBA, LLC or corporation. Which one you want to file as is a matter of personal preference and depends on what kind of business you're running. You'll need to pay incorporation fees as well.
• Getting a business license for your municipality, which also requires the payment of fees.
• Providing proof that you have a valid auto dealer surety bond.

Not sure what getting a surety bond involves? Many people have heard the term before but don't know what it means — so we'll dive into a little extra detail.

Getting Your Auto Dealer Bond

So, what is an auto dealer bond and why is it important? We answer the first question in our post, What Is a Surety Bond? As for why it's important, one reason is that it's required by law to get a dealer's license—but it also helps protect your customers and inspire confidence in your business. A dealer surety bond guarantees that your dealership will behave ethically and not engage in any of the following:

• Failure to pay sales taxes
• Selling a vehicle without a valid title
• Misrepresenting anything about the vehicles you sell
• Any other business practice that's illegal or unethical

Part of the surety bond application process includes a credit check, but it's okay if you don't have perfect credit. Surety Bonds Direct works with numerous bond providers who can give you a great bond even with imperfect credit, and we also provide payment plans for many types of bonds.

Sending in Your Application

Once you've got everything assembled, it's time to submit your application to your state's DMV or DOL. If you're working with a lawyer or accountant, it's a good idea to have them look over your application papers first to make sure everything is in order. You'll also need some patience. Applications often take several months to process, so be prepared for a wait.

One final tip: Your state may require some of your documents to be notarized, so make sure you double-check. It might seem obvious, but it's the kind of consideration that's easy to overlook when you're assembling a thick packet of forms.