Dealers · licensing · District of Columbia
How to get a dealer license in the District of Columbia.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in the District of Columbia, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $25,000 (surety or cash, for 2-year license period) · source |
| Pre-licensing education | See the official page |
| Place of business | Certificate of Occupancy required (DLCP); DC DMV dealer registration requires copy of occupancy permit from DC DOB · source |
| License fee | $99 (2-year license) / $198 (4-year) · source |
DC also requires a separate dealer registration with the DC DMV.
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Set up your place of business: Certificate of Occupancy required (DLCP); DC DMV dealer registration requires copy of occupancy permit from DC DOB.
- Buy a surety bond: $25,000 (surety or cash, for 2-year license period).
- Submit the application with the fee: $99 (2-year license) / $198 (4-year).
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?
In-house financing can need its own license in some states. This summary has no note on one for the District of Columbia; ask the state's financial regulator before you write your first contract.
This is a summary, not legal advice. The agency's own page governs. All states