Dealers · licensing · North Dakota
How to get a dealer license in North Dakota.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in North Dakota, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $25,000 (continuous; new obligation each annual license period) · source |
| Pre-licensing education | See the official page |
| Place of business | Permanent enclosed building of at least 250 sq ft adjacent to the primary display lot; building + lot at least 2,500 sq ft, properly zoned; heated/lit office; publicly listed phone; open normal business hours; sign at least 32 sq ft with 10-inch letters visible from street (NDCC 39-22-15). · source |
| License fee | $100/year license fee + $100 nonrefundable initial inspection fee (NDCC 39-22-14) · source |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, North Dakota Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Set up your place of business: Permanent enclosed building of at least 250 sq ft adjacent to the primary display lot; building + lot at least 2,500 sq ft, properly zoned; heated/lit office; publicly listed phone; open normal business hours; sign at least 32 sq ft with 10-inch letters visible from street (NDCC 39-22-15).
- Buy a surety bond: $25,000 (continuous; new obligation each annual license period).
- Submit the application with the fee: $100/year license fee + $100 nonrefundable initial inspection fee (NDCC 39-22-14).
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 Dakota; 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