Becoming a car dealer in the state of Georgia is a multistep process for dealers and brokers alike. Although brokers are not required to have a car lot, they are required to have an established place of business, like dealers are.

Georgia distinguishes between new- and used-car dealers for the purposes of licensing. The Georgia State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers is in charge of licensing used-car dealers, but not new-car dealers. Instead, new-car dealers are franchisees of the auto manufacturing companies and have dealer arrangements with them.

Interestingly, these new-car dealers may also sell used cars without a Georgia dealer license. However, said new-car dealers will need to obtain a local business license and a dealer registration number from the Motor Vehicle Division of the Georgia Department of Revenue.

For those wishing to become used-car dealers, the Secretary of State provides an entire application package online.

The steps to become a licensed used-car dealer in Georgia include:

• Complete a license application.

• Purchase a surety bond worth $20,000, available through your insurance agent.

• Purchase insurance for your business; liability-only is not acceptable.

• Obtain a place of business, making sure that the location meets all zoning requirements. Take photos of your place of business that feature the sign and building prominently in the picture.

• Establish a permanent phone at your place of business, making it easily verifiable; unlisted numbers are not acceptable.

• Attend a prelicensing seminar (approved providers are listed in the application packet).

• Acquire your Sales Tax ID Number from the Department of Revenue.

• Submit two fingerprint cards and a $24 processing fee, made payable to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations.

• Pay the $170 application fee, made payable to the Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Board.

Mail your completed application, with supporting certificates, photos, cards, and fees, to:

• Georgia State Board of Registration
  of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers & Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers

• Used Motor Vehicle Dealers Division

• P.O. BOX 13446

• Macon, GA 31208

If approved, you should have your license within three weeks. You can check online during those three weeks to see if your application has been approved.

Used-car dealer licenses are valid for two years, expiring on March 31 of even-numbered years. Depending on when your first license was issued, your initial licensing period might be for less than two years.

Further Dealer Licensing Information

The Georgia Secretary of State and other government agencies have posted more information for auto dealers online than almost any other state. Follow the links below to find detailed information, forms, advice for dealers, business information, and more.

• Used Car Dealer Licensing FAQs

• Dealer Information from the Motor Vehicle Division (extensive list, including newsletters)

• Dealer Licensing Forms

• Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers and Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers

• Used Car Dealer License Application Packet

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