How to Get a Maryland Dealer License

Interested in selling vehicles in Maryland? Whether you plan to embark on a business with new or used cars, the first and most important step of the process of becoming an auto dealer is getting your license.

Anyone looking to sell more than 5 vehicles in a 12 month period is required to obtain an auto dealer license under Maryland’s state legislation. The process includes a number of requirements to comply with and getting a Maryland Auto Dealer bond is an essential part of them.

Find out exactly what your auto dealer bond will cost by filling out the application form below!

Before delving into the documents required for obtaining a Maryland dealer license, let’s have a look at the types of licensing options.

**NEW:** Download our FREE e-book guide containing comprehensive information on how to start your own dealership, from getting licensed and bonded to securing financing and cars for your lot!

Dealer License Types in Maryland

To begin with, you want to establish what type of license you will need, depending on your focus of business. Dealer licenses in Maryland are issued by the Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). According to the MVA, there are several different dealer licenses. Here’s a complete list of the licensing options in Maryland:

• New Vehicle Dealer License
• Used Vehicle Dealer  License
• Wholesale Dealer License
• Motorcycle Dealer License
• Emergency Vehicle Dealer License
• Trailer Dealer License
• Automotive Dismantler & Recycler
• Scrap Processor License

After you choose your specific type of dealership license, you can proceed to the next step: get an application packet from MVA’s Business Licensing and Consumer Services. Even though most dealer licensing application packages are relatively similar, there are still minor differences, so you want to make sure you received the right package for your specific license.

Let’s have a look at a brief summary of all the requirements you need to comply with in order to get a Maryland dealer license.

Maryland Dealer License Requirements

Once you have received your application packet from MVA, you’ll find all the needed paperwork in it. However, you still have to provide some additional documents to the forms present in the package. Here’s a list of the paperwork you’ll need to prepare:

• Fill out an Application for Vehicle Dealer License.
• Complete a Zoning Approval Form signed by a zoning official from the jurisdiction where the facility will be located.
• Get a Maryland Auto Dealer Surety Bond.
• Provide a Proof of Workers’ Compensation insurance or exemption from coverage requirements.
• Obtain a Maryland Criminal Background Check.
• Provide a Copy of a Trader’s License.
• Provide a Business Registration Letter from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT).
• Provide an Automotive Repair Facility Contract that certifies you will have a repair facility within 5 miles of each dealership location.
• Fill out A New Vehicle Certification Form to certify that you are not functioning as both a seller of new vehicles and a manufacturer or distributor at the same time (not required for used vehicles and wholesale dealers)
• Get a Franchise Approval Letter from the Manufacturer (not required for used vehicles and wholesale dealers).

In addition, a Letter of Good Standing, Use and Occupancy Permit, or Dealer Orientation Request may be needed, depending on your specific situation. It’s best that you check with the MVA about those requirements.

Getting Your Maryland Auto Dealer Bond

One of the most important stages of getting your auto dealer license in Maryland is posting an auto dealer bond. The Maryland auto dealer bond is a type of surety bond that guarantees you are going to act in accordance with the law. Ultimately, it protects the state of Maryland and its citizens from any fraudulent activities the dealers might engage in.

The surety bond amount stands for the maximum compensation that could be awarded in case of a proven claim against the dealership and it depends on the number of vehicles you sell or plan to sell. However, as a car dealer you are not required to pay the whole amount but just a fraction of it, also known as premium.

In order to calculate your final surety bond cost, you need to know that usually, the percentages for the standard bonding market are between 1% and 3%. So, for example, for a $50,000 Maryland auto dealer bond you’ll have to pay between $500 and $1,500.

You can get a free quote on your own bond, by filling out our surety bond application form. If you prefer talking to someone personally, call our surety experts at 877.514.5146