Licensing Requirements

If you intend to sell new or used vehicles in North Dakota you need an auto dealer's license. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) eases the process by keeping the number of required applications to a minimum. All applications are tightly scrutinized, so be sure all the information you submit is accurate.

Type of Licenses

When applying you must indicate which type of license you are applying for. They include:

• New Motor Vehicles Dealer

• Used Motor Vehicles Dealer

• Motorcycle Dealer

• Trailer Dealer

• Mobile Home Dealer

Requirements

Before applying make sure your dealership-to-be meets the following requirements:

• Possesses a display lot that is at least 2,500 square feet.

• Has an office with heat, lighting and standard office accessories (such as a desk and file cabinet).

• Has all business records filed on the business property.

• Possesses a phone number that's publicly listed.

• Is open during normal working hours.

• Features a sign that is at least 32 square feet in size and displays the company's name in letters that are at least 10 inches high and can be read from the street.

• Carries garage liability insurance.

• All secondary lots are within five miles of the main office and feature the same above sign requirements.

How to Apply for a New and Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License

Note: Some of the documents linked below are in PDF format. You will need the free Adobe Reader to download and read PDF files.

• Submit a Motor Vehicle Bond form. This provides proof that you have secured a $25,000 surety bond for your dealership.

• Submit an Application for Dealer's License.

• Pay a $100 license fee, a $100 initial inspection fee, $25 for each additional dealer license plate (the license comes with one plate), and $5 for each utility plate and intransit plate.

How to Apply for a Motorcycle Dealer License

• Submit a Motor Vehicle Bond form. This provides proof that you have secured a $25,000 surety bond for your dealership.

• Submit an Application for Dealer's License.

• Pay a $25 license fee, a $100 initial inspection fee, and $10 for each additional dealer license plate (the license comes with one plate).

How to Apply for a Trailer Dealer License

• Submit a Motor Vehicle Bond form. This provides proof that you have secured a $25,000 surety bond for your dealership.

• Submit an Application for Dealer's License.

• Pay a $30 license fee, a $100 initial inspection fee, and $10 for each additional dealer license plate (the license comes with one plate).

How to Apply for a Mobile Home Dealer License

• Submit a Motor Vehicle Bond form. This provides proof that you have secured a $25,000 surety bond for your dealership.

• Submit an Application for Dealer's License.

• Pay a $35 license fee, a $100 initial inspection fee, and $10 for each additional dealer license plate (the license comes with one plate).

Motor vehicle dealer licenses expire on December 31 each year and may be renewed for the same fees as the original licenses.