Dealers · licensing · West Virginia
How to get a dealer license in West Virginia.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in West Virginia, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $25,000 · source |
| Pre-licensing education | See the official page |
| Place of business | Pre-inspection of dealership location by DMV inspector; photos of dealership and sign with letters at least 4 inches; WV business license; garage agreement if applicable. · source |
| License fee | $250 application + $150 recovery fund payment · source |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Set up your place of business: Pre-inspection of dealership location by DMV inspector; photos of dealership and sign with letters at least 4 inches; WV business license; garage agreement if applicable.
- Buy a surety bond: $25,000.
- Submit the application with the fee: $250 application + $150 recovery fund payment.
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 West 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