Dealer Licensing in Kansas
In Kansas, you need to apply for a car dealer license with the Department of Revenue (DOR) if you sell OR intend to sell at least 5 vehicles in 1 calendar year. On this page, we’ll go over the basic requirements to obtaining a KS dealer license.
KS Car Dealer License Requirements
To apply for your Kansas dealer license, the Department of Revenue requires you to provide:
- A completed:
- Application for a Motor Vehicle Dealer License (Form D-17a) signed by the county treasurer in your business’ county.
- Vehicle Dealer Bond (Form D-20) in the amount of $50,000.
- You’ll need to complete this form with the company providing the surety bond.
- Certificates proving your business has:
- Zoning approval from your business’ city/county zoning officials.
- Sales tax registration.
- Tax clearance.
- See Dealer License Portal below.
- Proper insurance coverage.
- If you’re doing business as a:
- Sole proprietor OR partnership: 3 credit references with complete addresses to determine financial fitness.
- Corporation OR limited liability corporation (LLC): A copy of the Articles of Corporation filed with the KS Secretary of State (SOS) and proof of registration.
- If you’re applying for a new car dealer license, a New Vehicle Dealer Franchise Certification (Form D-100).
- Photos of your dealership, including the storefront and required signage.
- Payment for the applicable fee(s), as indicated on the dealer application.
The DOR’s Dealer Licensing and Salesperson Handbook thoroughly explains the requirements to obtain a Kansas dealer license. Set aside some time to read through the handbook—it’ll likely save you some stress in the future.
If you have any questions while putting together your dealer license application, feel free to call the KS DOR’s Dealer Licensing number at (785) 296-3621.
Mandatory Dealership Requirements
The state requires your Kansas car dealership to be an established place of business, meaning it must have:
- Adequate facilities where you can conduct business.
- A place to file and store business-related records.
- A location to receive mail (at the dealership).
- A telephone with a number listed in your business’s name.
- A sign that declares your car dealership’s name.
For additional business location requirements, contact Dealer Licensing at (785) 296-3621.
Dealer License Portal
The KS DOR provides a dealer licensing web portal designed to help you with a variety of car dealer and dealership matters.
You’ll need to create an account to obtain your tax clearance certificate (part of the initial application), and maintain that account to complete a variety of day-to-day tasks, including:
- Ordering plates.
- Updating bond information.
- Licensing your salespeople.
- Filing monthly sales reports.
- Printing temporary permits.
- Filing electronic liens.
Conveniently, the dealer portal provides a number of helpful video tutorials for you to peruse. If you need additional help using the portal, call the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Dealer Licensing number at (785) 296-3621.