Dealer-related Information

Training Classes

To help guide motor vehicle dealer applicants through the process of becoming a licensed dealer, the Texas Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division regularly offers free educational seminars directed at potential dealers. These seminars are held on a rotating basis in various locations throughout the state.

Each seminar covers the advertising, selling, and financing of all types of motor vehicles in Texas. Potential legal pitfalls, Lemon Law issues, and other problems are covered with an eye toward helping dealers avoid problems with both consumers and the regulating authorities. Others interested in the motor vehicle sales industry also attend, so participants may be rubbing shoulders with auctioneers, taxing authorities, and law enforcement agents.

Seminars are held about eight times a year and are announced by flyers sent to all registered dealers in the area served by the class location, but it is not necessary to receive a flyer in order to attend. You must call to register, and some classes may fill up early.

More information on these dealer-oriented classes can be obtained by calling the Texas Department of Transportation's Motor Vehicle Division at (800) 687-7846 during regular business hours.

Industry Associations

Useful private organizations for car dealers in Texas include the Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Assocation, specializing primarily in used car dealers, and the Texas Automobile Dealers Association, which mainly serves the franchised new car dealer community.

New Manual for Dealers

The Texas Department of Transportation has just issued, for the first time, a car dealer manual. This is not yet available online, but you may fill out a request form to receive a copy.

Dealer Licensing Contact Information

To contact the Motor Vehicle Division's licensing department, you may write to the following address:

• Texas Department of Transportation

• Motor Vehicle Division

• Licensing Section

• P.O. Box 2293

• Austin, TX 78768-2293

• Phone: (877) 366-8887 or (512) 416-4800

• Fax: (512) 416-4893