Dealers · licensing · Kentucky
How to get a dealer license in Kentucky.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in Kentucky, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | Depends on a net-worth test; the Commission may require a bond of at least $25,000 · source |
| Pre-licensing education | See the official page |
| Place of business | Permanent enclosed commercial building (not a residence); display lot/customer parking >= 2,000 sq ft, hard surface, not shared; office >= 100 sq ft on permanent foundation on/adjacent to lot; permanent sign with letters >= 9 in readable from nearest roadway · source |
| License fee | $175 application fee + $25 per owner (background check); $200 per dealer license type · source |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Set up your place of business: Permanent enclosed commercial building (not a residence); display lot/customer parking >= 2,000 sq ft, hard surface, not shared; office >= 100 sq ft on permanent foundation on/adjacent to lot; permanent sign with letters >= 9 in readable from nearest roadway.
- Buy a surety bond: Depends on a net-worth test; the Commission may require a bond of at least $25,000.
- Submit the application with the fee: $175 application fee + $25 per owner (background check); $200 per dealer license type.
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 Kentucky; 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