Dealers · licensing · Minnesota
How to get a dealer license in Minnesota.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in Minnesota, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $50,000 · source |
| Pre-licensing education | See the official page |
| Place of business | Commercial building owned or leased (lease >= 1 year) with office space for records, staffed or phone-answered during business hours; posted business hours; indoor/outdoor display area; sign identifying dealership by name · source |
| License fee | $250 initial ($100 initial application fee + $150 annual fee) · source |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Set up your place of business: Commercial building owned or leased (lease >= 1 year) with office space for records, staffed or phone-answered during business hours; posted business hours; indoor/outdoor display area; sign identifying dealership by name.
- Buy a surety bond: $50,000.
- Submit the application with the fee: $250 initial ($100 initial application fee + $150 annual fee).
- 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?
A retail seller that creates and holds retail installment contracts counts as a sales finance company under Minn. Stat. 53C.01 and needs a Commerce Department license. Source.
This is a summary, not legal advice. The agency's own page governs. All states