How To Get A Virginia Car Dealer License

virginia dealer license

If you wish to flip vehicles for a profit in Virginia, you will need to get a Virginia Dealer License.

There are different license types. Be sure to apply for the correct one.

Not sure if you need a dealer license? Check out this post on selling cars without a license.

Step #1: Complete a Virginia Dealer License Application

Inside the Virginia Dealer License Application you will find the basic application for your license and other requirements:

Have your business up to zoning codes in your local area
Have an offices space of at least 250 square feet
Your office space will need to include basic furniture, utilities, and internet connection
Make sure your business is open at least 20 hours per week and that 10 of those hours are between 9am. – 5pm. Monday- Friday. You will also need to make sure these hours are displayed prominently at your location
Have space to display a minimum of 10 cars you plan to sell

You might need any, or all, of the following forms to complete the above requirements:

If you are worried about a previous felony on your record, check out this post “Getting a Dealer License with a Felony”

Step #2: Complete Dealer-Operator Training Course

All independent dealers are required to complete a training course before being licensed.

Information and course locations.

Cost for the course is $325.

Step #3: Purchase Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond

A Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond is a type of surety bond that protects your customers. If you fail to follow rules and laws, someone can make a claim against your bond.

The bond amount is set at $50,000.

You will not need to pay the entire bond amount.

You will pay anywhere from 1-15% of the total bond amount ($500 – $7500).

See what you’d pay for a bond. Get a free quote.

Get free Virginia Dealer Bond quotes!

Step #4: Pay Licensing Fees

Dealer Certificate: $200
Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund Paid annually for the first 3-years of operation: $350
First 2 Dealer Plates: $60
Additional Dealer Plates (each): $26
Dealer-Operator/Salesperson’s Test: $50
Salesperson’s License (each): $25
Criminal History Background Check (each): $10

Total fees are $721.

Step #5: Submit Application

Submit your Virginia Dealer License application, fees, and original surety bond to the Virginia Motor Vehicle Board at the following address:

Motor Vehicle Dealer Board

2201 W. Broad Street Suite 104

Richmon, VA 23220

For questions about applying for a Virginia Dealer License, view Virginia’s Basic Licensing Steps or call 804-367-1100.

The Virginia Independent Automobile Association is also a great resource.

License and Expiration

You will receive a license renewal packet in the mail approximately 30 days before your expiration date. All forms must be signed and postmarked no later than the last day of the month in which the license expires.

A late renewal fee will be calculated at 50% of your dealer and salesperson’s license fees. Renewal applications received more than 30 days after the expiration date will be treated as a new or original application.

Every 36 months, independent dealer-operators are required to complete a re-certification online course or test. For more information, see Independent Dealer-Operator Recertification Program.

View our FREE EBOOK: “The Ultimate Guide To Car Dealer Licensing”