Dealer Licensing in Indiana
The Auto Dealer Services Division of the Indiana Secretary of State (SOS) issues car dealer licenses. You must obtain a dealer license if you sell or advertise at least 12 vehicles in 12 months.
To become an Indiana car dealer, you must meet the state’s application requirements AND dealership location requirements—we’ll go over the basics below!
Applying for an IN Dealer License
As part of the application process, you’ll need to turn in the following items:
- A completed:
- Application for Vehicle or Watercraft Dealer Business License online.
- Indiana Vehicle Merchandising Certificate/Bond (Form 53966), good for a $25,000 surety bond.
- Zoning Affidavit (Form 55936).
- A copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
- The national criminal background check(s) for all corporate officers, partners, and owners of the business.
- These will need to be done within 60 days prior to submitting your IN dealer application.
- Your federal identification number issued by the IRS.
- Proof that you purchased the following amounts of liability insurance:
- $100,000 for bodily injury to 1 person.
- $300,000 for bodily injury per accident.
- $50,000 for property damage.
- A Certificate of Existence AND/OR Certificate of Assumed Name, if you’ll operate as any of the following:
- Corporation.
- Limited liability company.
- Limited partnership.
- Limited liability partnership.
- Your Retail Merchant Certificate.
- Photos of your dealership’s:
- Business office.
- Display areas/buildings (interior and exterior).
- Sales/display lots.
- Permanent sign, which should identify your dealership.
- Hours of operation.
- If you’re applying to be a new vehicle dealer, your franchise agreement with the car manufacturer(s) supplying your business.
- Payment for the $30 application fee, plus all other applicable dealer fees.
Once you’ve double checked that you have all the required items above, send your completed application to:
Office of the Indiana Secretary of State
Auto Dealer Services Division
302 W. Washington St.
Room E-111
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Keep in mind, the dealership itself also needs to meet requirements set out by the state.
If you have difficulties or questions while putting together your Indiana dealer license application, don’t hesitate to call the Auto Dealer Services Division at (317) 234-7190 for help.
NOTE: The business name and address listed on all required documents MUST MATCH the business name and address you list on your car dealer application.
Dealership Requirements
Once you know and have all the requirements YOU need to become a car dealer in Indiana, it’s time to make sure your DEALERSHIP meets all the state’s requirements too.
Whether you’re a new or used dealer, your place of business must:
- Be at least 1,300 square feet.
- Be able to display at least 10 vehicles.
- Provide ample lighting during operational hours.
- Provide customers with parking areas with asphalt, concrete, rock, or another surface that won’t change with weather conditions.
- Have an office that is:
- Located at your place of business.
- A minimum of 100 square feet.
- Furnished with basic office furniture (a desk, chairs, filing cabinets, etc.)
- Equipped with utilities including electricity, heat, light, plumbing, and a business phone.
- Have a permanent, easily seen sign that states the dealer’s name and hours of operation.
- BE EITHER:
- Staffed and open for at least 30 hours per week.
OR - Staffed and open for at least 20 hours per week with the remaining 10 hours serviced by a mobile, pager, or telephone answering service.
- Staffed and open for at least 30 hours per week.
For additional guidance, call the IN Auto Dealer Services Division at (317) 234-7190.