Dealer Licensing in Arizona

Apply for a car dealer license with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The application process is fairly extensive, requiring various completed forms, bond purchases, and criminal background checks.

Types of Dealer Licenses in Arizona

Arizona makes available—and requires, depending on your situation—several motor vehicle dealer licenses:

  • New Car Dealer.
  • Used Car Dealer.
    • A person—other than a new car dealer—who sells or negotiates the sale, buys, exchanges, or auctions 7 vehicles or more in 12 months.
  • Public Consignment Auction Dealer.
  • Wholesale Dealer.
  • Wholesale Auction Dealer.
  • Broker.
  • Manufacturer.
  • Distributer.
  • Auto Recycler.

You'll mark which license you're applying for on the application; both the application and ADOT provide explanations of each license type.

Also, ADOT recommends contacting the following departments if you have any questions about which license you need:

  • Car Dealer Licensing: (602) 712-7571.
  • Arizona Independent Automotive Dealers Association (AIADA): (602) 246-1498.
    • AIADA provides information related to required license-specific compliance classes.

Applying for an AZ Car Dealer License

To apply for your AZ dealer license, you will need to follow the ADOT Motor Vehicle Dealer License Application Process and Account Set Up.  The new electronic system will walk you through the required steps to apply for a dealer license. You will be required to:

  • Complete a Motor Vehicle Dealer Application (Form 46-0408).
    • The application comes with detailed instructions on completing the application. Make sure you review and follow the instructions carefully to ensure acceptance of your application.
  • Provide your fingerprint cards (Form FD-258) in an envelope sealed by the fingerprint technician.
  • Provide any other applicable required documents.
    • You can use the checklist included with the application to help.
  • Pay the $15 filing fee and $30 background check fee (per applicant).
    • You'll receive an invoice for all other applicable fees to be paid later.

Refer to the state's Dealer Services and Licensing for a more detailed process overview and further information about licensing, additional dealer forms, and more.

Apply for a Business License

Most likely, you'll also need to apply for a business license.

Refer to the Arizona Department of Revenue (DOR) licensing guide about obtaining a business license to operate your business, including information about taxes.

Dealer Licensing Fees

When submitting your application, you'll need to pay the following:

  • $15 filing fee.
  • $30 background check fee per applicant.

After your application has been filed, you will be billed for later payments of any applicable fee among the following:

  • License: $100.
  • Provisional license: $10.
  • Branch office: $50.
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