Dealers · licensing · New York
How to get a dealer license in New York.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in New York, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: New York State DMV.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | New York State DMV · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $20,000 (first-time or <=50 sales prior year); $100,000 if >50 sales · source |
| Pre-licensing education | See the official page |
| Place of business | Heat, electricity, phone, desk/chairs; exclusive mailing address; locking cabinet/safe; display space for at least 3 vehicles; physical barrier from other businesses; DMV-format sign (red background, white letters, >= 3'x2', 'REGISTERED ... MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER') visible from nearest street · source |
| License fee | See the official page |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, New York State DMV: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Set up your place of business: Heat, electricity, phone, desk/chairs; exclusive mailing address; locking cabinet/safe; display space for at least 3 vehicles; physical barrier from other businesses; DMV-format sign (red background, white letters, >= 3'x2', 'REGISTERED ... MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER') visible from nearest street.
- Buy a surety bond: $20,000 (first-time or <=50 sales prior year); $100,000 if >50 sales.
- Submit the application with the fees listed on the official page.
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 New York; 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