Dealers · licensing · Tennessee
How to get a dealer license in Tennessee.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in Tennessee, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $50,000 corporate surety bond (two-year term) · source |
| Pre-licensing education | See the official page |
| Place of business | Permanent facility (no residence/temporary), building at least 288 sq ft with restroom; exclusive display lot for 15 vehicles (gravel or better) plus 3 customer spaces; permanent sign with 8-inch letters visible from road; zoning approval; service agreement if no on-site repair. · source |
| License fee | $600 initial application · source |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Set up your place of business: Permanent facility (no residence/temporary), building at least 288 sq ft with restroom; exclusive display lot for 15 vehicles (gravel or better) plus 3 customer spaces; permanent sign with 8-inch letters visible from road; zoning approval; service agreement if no on-site repair.
- Buy a surety bond: $50,000 corporate surety bond (two-year term).
- Submit the application with the fee: $600 initial application.
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 Tennessee; 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