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Dealers · licensing · Virginia

How to get a dealer license in Virginia.

What it takes to get a used car dealer license in Virginia, with a link to the official page for every fact.

Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board.

The requirements

Licensing agency Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board · source
Surety bond (used dealer) $50,000 (original license; corporate surety approved by AG) · source
Pre-licensing education Required — qualified Independent Dealer-Operator: two-day VIADA Independent Dealer-Operator course + pass qualification exam (hours not stated) · source
Place of business 250 sq ft permanently enclosed office for exclusive dealership use (not a residence); sign with letters at least 6 inches visible from front; display space for at least 10 vehicles; open at least 20 hrs/week (10 between 9-5 M-F); zoning certificate (MVDB-19). · source
License fee $270 dealer certificate + $350/yr Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund (first 3 years) · source

Steps

  1. Start with the licensing agency, Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board: read its dealer page and get the current application.
  2. Complete the pre-licensing education: qualified Independent Dealer-Operator: two-day VIADA Independent Dealer-Operator course + pass qualification exam (hours not stated).
  3. Set up your place of business: 250 sq ft permanently enclosed office for exclusive dealership use (not a residence); sign with letters at least 6 inches visible from front; display space for at least 10 vehicles; open at least 20 hrs/week (10 between 9-5 M-F); zoning certificate (MVDB-19).
  4. Buy a surety bond: $50,000 (original license; corporate surety approved by AG).
  5. Submit the application with the fee: $270 dealer certificate + $350/yr Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund (first 3 years).

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 Virginia; 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