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Can I get a car dealer license without owning a storage lot?

I’ve always loved cars and want to start buying and selling them, but I do not own a dealership lot and don’t plan on buying one anytime soon. Can I still get a car dealer license without owning a lot?

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Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Getting a car dealer license without owning a lot can be done, but it varies by state and situation. To get your car dealer license, you are going to want to contact your zoning department, the Secretary of State’s Office, and the DMV.
The zoning department will let you know if you can sell vehicles from your preferred location and how many vehicles you can sell. The Secretary of State’s office will inform you which category you fall under when applying for your license and can send you the proper application. The DMV will perform an on-site inspection to verify you can sell vehicles from the preferred location.
Keep in mind, there is also a chance you may not need a license. If you are selling below a certain number of vehicles per year, your state may not require you to obtain a license, but the DMV will be able to provide state-specific details for this.
If you do require a car dealer license and completed the above steps, you must also complete the following:
  • Complete a dealership training course
  • Register the business name and complete the necessary paperwork for taxes
  • Apply for a surety bond
  • Complete and submit the auto dealer application
Hopefully, your application is approved and you can buy and sell in the near future! If you happen to find a deal you want to keep for yourself, don’t forget to purchase insurance. Consider taking the hassle out of finding the best deal and let
Jerry
compare quotes for you. The savings can be huge (and that means more money for you and your business).
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