Dealers · licensing · Pennsylvania
How to get a dealer license in Pennsylvania.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in Pennsylvania, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: Pennsylvania State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | Pennsylvania State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $20,000 (75 Pa.C.S. §1335, posted with PennDOT for dealer plates, Form MV-375); $30,000 if also an authorized agent issuing temporary plates/cards · source |
| Pre-licensing education | See the official page |
| Place of business | Owned/rented permanent enclosed building (office trailer on permanent foundation OK) separated from other businesses/residences; private office separate from display and service areas; display area for at least 5 vehicles with doors open, surfaced if outdoors; posted business hours; permanent sign with licensed name visible to public (49 Pa. Code §19.18). · source |
| License fee | See the official page |
In Pennsylvania the State Board licenses the dealer; PennDOT issues dealer plates and holds the bond.
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, Pennsylvania State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Set up your place of business: Owned/rented permanent enclosed building (office trailer on permanent foundation OK) separated from other businesses/residences; private office separate from display and service areas; display area for at least 5 vehicles with doors open, surfaced if outdoors; posted business hours; permanent sign with licensed name visible to public (49 Pa. Code §19.18).
- Buy a surety bond: $20,000 (75 Pa.C.S. §1335, posted with PennDOT for dealer plates, Form MV-375); $30,000 if also an authorized agent issuing temporary plates/cards.
- Submit the application with the fees listed on the official page.
- 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?
Selling vehicles on installment sale contracts requires an installment seller license from the Department of Banking and Securities (Motor Vehicle Sales Finance). Source.
This is a summary, not legal advice. The agency's own page governs. All states