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Dealers · licensing · Colorado

How to get a dealer license in Colorado.

What it takes to get a used car dealer license in Colorado, with a link to the official page for every fact.

Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division.

The requirements

Licensing agency Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division · source
Surety bond (used dealer) $50,000 ($5,000 small-utility-trailer-only dealers) · source
Pre-licensing education Required — Board-approved pre-licensing education certificate + mastery exam (waived if dealer license held within last 3 yrs) · source
Place of business Permanent enclosed office; space to display 1+ vehicles; exclusive dealer use; owned/leased; open 3+ days/wk, 4 continuous hrs/day; permanent sign with licensed name · source
License fee $900 original dealer license (FY 2026-27) · source

Steps

  1. Start with the licensing agency, Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division: read its dealer page and get the current application.
  2. Complete the pre-licensing education: Board-approved pre-licensing education certificate + mastery exam (waived if dealer license held within last 3 yrs).
  3. Set up your place of business: Permanent enclosed office; space to display 1+ vehicles; exclusive dealer use; owned/leased; open 3+ days/wk, 4 continuous hrs/day; permanent sign with licensed name.
  4. Buy a surety bond: $50,000 ($5,000 small-utility-trailer-only dealers).
  5. Submit the application with the fee: $900 original dealer license (FY 2026-27).
  6. If you will finance your own deals, check the separate finance license below before your first contract.

Built from the facts above. Insurance, background checks and zoning rules may also apply; the agency's page has the full list.

Planning to finance your own deals?

Sellers that extend consumer credit file a retail sales notification with the Colorado Attorney General under the UCCC, even if the contracts are sold or assigned. Source.

This is a summary, not legal advice. The agency's own page governs. All states