Dealers · licensing · Iowa
How to get a dealer license in Iowa.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in Iowa, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $75,000 · source |
| Pre-licensing education | Required — 8 hours pre-licensing class (IIADA) for used dealer applicants · source |
| Place of business | Office with business phone staffed 32+ hrs Mon-Fri; repair facility min. 14x24 ft; display space 18x30 ft (indoor or all-weather outdoor); zoning compliance letter · source |
| License fee | See the official page |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, Iowa Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Complete the pre-licensing education: 8 hours pre-licensing class (IIADA) for used dealer applicants.
- Set up your place of business: Office with business phone staffed 32+ hrs Mon-Fri; repair facility min. 14x24 ft; display space 18x30 ft (indoor or all-weather outdoor); zoning compliance letter.
- Buy a surety bond: $75,000.
- Submit the application with the fees listed on the official page.
- 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?
Dealers that make consumer credit sales file a notification with the Iowa Attorney General and pay an annual fee; buy-here-pay-here dealers also pay a volume fee. Source.
This is a summary, not legal advice. The agency's own page governs. All states