Dealers · licensing · Rhode Island
How to get a dealer license in Rhode Island.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in Rhode Island, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealers' License Office.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealers' License Office · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $50,000 · source |
| Pre-licensing education | See the official page |
| Place of business | Lease (or deed) for building and outside area; 2,400 sq ft requirement referenced; four exterior photos of building and lot; sign of at least 24 sq ft with exact dealership name; name/location pre-approved by the office; Dealer's Hearing Board review. · source |
| License fee | $302.50 license fee · source |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealers' License Office: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Set up your place of business: Lease (or deed) for building and outside area; 2,400 sq ft requirement referenced; four exterior photos of building and lot; sign of at least 24 sq ft with exact dealership name; name/location pre-approved by the office; Dealer's Hearing Board review.
- Buy a surety bond: $50,000.
- Submit the application with the fee: $302.50 license fee.
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 Rhode Island; 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