Dealers · licensing · North Carolina
How to get a dealer license in North Carolina.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in North Carolina, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealer Unit.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealer Unit · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $50,000 for one established salesroom + $25,000 each additional · source |
| Pre-licensing education | Required — 12 hours (Division-approved licensing course within 12 months before initial license) · source |
| Place of business | Established salesroom: >= 96 sq ft floor space in a permanent enclosed building; sign with block letters >= 3 in on contrasting background showing trade name; records kept there; dealer reachable by public at reasonable times; no tents/temporary stands · source |
| License fee | $115.50 per place of business · source |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealer Unit: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Complete the pre-licensing education: 12 hours (Division-approved licensing course within 12 months before initial license).
- Set up your place of business: Established salesroom: >= 96 sq ft floor space in a permanent enclosed building; sign with block letters >= 3 in on contrasting background showing trade name; records kept there; dealer reachable by public at reasonable times; no tents/temporary stands.
- Buy a surety bond: $50,000 for one established salesroom + $25,000 each additional.
- Submit the application with the fee: $115.50 per place of business.
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 North Carolina; 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