Dealers · licensing · South Carolina
How to get a dealer license in South Carolina.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in South Carolina, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $50,000 (motorcycle dealers $25,000; wholesale auction $15,000) · source |
| Pre-licensing education | Required — 8-hour pre-licensing course for non-franchise dealer applicants · source |
| Place of business | Permanent structure with at least 96 sq ft floor space, occupied and publicly accessible (not residence/tent); permanent sign with 6-inch letters readable from nearest road; display area (2,000 sq ft meets requirement). · source |
| License fee | $150 license fee (+ $1 per plate corrected registration) · source |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Complete the pre-licensing education: 8-hour pre-licensing course for non-franchise dealer applicants.
- Set up your place of business: Permanent structure with at least 96 sq ft floor space, occupied and publicly accessible (not residence/tent); permanent sign with 6-inch letters readable from nearest road; display area (2,000 sq ft meets requirement).
- Buy a surety bond: $50,000 (motorcycle dealers $25,000; wholesale auction $15,000).
- Submit the application with the fee: $150 license fee (+ $1 per plate corrected registration).
- 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?
Dealers that want to charge more than 18% APR file a maximum rate schedule with the Department of Consumer Affairs each year. Source.
This is a summary, not legal advice. The agency's own page governs. All states