How To Get An Oregon Car Dealer License

how to get an oregon dealer license

Oregon residents have a high demand for vehicles, but in order to start your own car dealership you need to go through the process of being licensed and bonded. Here are the steps you need to take to start a car dealership in Oregon and get your Oregon Dealer License:

Short on time? Read our Motor Vehicle Dealer License FAQ

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

Step #1: Complete Dealer License Application

Standard Three Year Oregon Dealer Application (for new and/or used vehicles)
Special Three Year Oregon Dealer Application (for motorcycle, moped, snowmobile, and/or ATV only)

If you’d rather fill out a paper copy, you can obtain a hard copy form by calling the DMV Business Regulation Section at (503) 945-5052.

For required information, please view the Oregon Dealer License Required Information section.

Step #2: Purchase Liability Insurance

The liability insurance certification form provided in your application packet must be completed, signed, and stamped by your insurance company.

DMV will also accept an insurance company form supplied by the insurance company as long as it matches the DMV form.

Step #3: Purchase Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond

You must provide the state with an Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond before you can be issued a license. An Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond is a type of surety bond that protects your customers from fraud or misrepresentation during a business sale. Find out how the bond works.

The bond amounts are set by the state of Oregon:

New/Used vehicles: $50,000 bond
Snowmobile, moped, motorcycle, ATV: $10,000 bond

You will not need to pay the full bond amount to get bonded. You will only need to pay a portion of it. Those with good credit can get bonded for 1-3% of their total bond amount.

Free OR (10k) Dealer Bond Quotes

Free OR (50k) Dealer Bond Quotes

Planning on paying with a credit card? Read this first.

Step #4: Secure Education Certificate

Applicants wishing to open their own dealership must submit an education certificate from an approved provider. Original applicants need 8 hours of education. Renewal applicants need 4 hours.

Approved education providers:

If you are exempt from the supplying an education certificate, you must submit a DMV Certificate of Exemption (Form 735-370C).

Step #5: Pay Fees

Fees are itemized on the dealer application form on the first page. The Oregon DMV does not accept debit or credit cards. Only cash or check is accepted.

Step #6: Submit Paperwork

Mail your completed Oregon Dealer License Application packet, original OR Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond, proof of insurance, education certificate, and fees to the address below:

DMV Business License Unit
1905 Lana Ave NE
Salem OR 97314

All applications take 7-10 working days to process. For more information, you can call the Oregon DMV Business Regulation Section at (503) 945-5052 or visit their website at www.oregondmv.com

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