How to Get a Missouri Car Dealer License: Complete 2024 Guide

Obtaining a Missouri motor vehicle dealer license involves a multi-step process through the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR), Motor Vehicle Bureau. Here's the current roadmap:

License Types

• New Motor Vehicle Dealer (franchised)
• Used Motor Vehicle Dealer
• Wholesale Dealer (dealer-to-dealer only)
• Auction Dealer
• Motorcycle/Trailer/Boat (separate classes)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Establish Business Location

• Permanent, enclosed building (≥1,200 sq ft for new; ≥800 sq ft for used)
• Display lot (≥5 vehicle capacity)
• Permanent sign with dealership name (visible from road)
• Zoning compliance letter from city/county
• Landline phone, internet, restroom

2. Legal Entity & Tax Setup

• Register business with MO Secretary of State (LLC, Corp, etc.)
• Obtain Federal EIN (IRS)
• Register for MO Sales Tax ID (DOR)
• Workers' comp insurance (if employees)

3. Complete Application (Form DOR-4379 / MVS-80)

• Ownership disclosure (all >5% owners)
• Personal history: criminal, financial, civil judgments
• Fingerprints via IDEMIA (MO fingerprint vendor) – $41.75
• Passport-style photo
• Application fee: $200 (new/used); $100 (wholesale/auction)

4. Surety Bond

• New/Used dealer: $50,000 bond (increased from $25K/100K tiers in 2020)
• Wholesale/Auction: $25,000
• Must be from MO-authorized surety company

5. Dealer Training (New Applicants)

• 8-hour DOR-approved course (online or in-person)
• Covers: MO statutes, titling, odometer, advertising, consumer protection
• Providers: MADA (MO Auto Dealers Assoc), NIADA, online vendors
• Certificate submitted with application

6. Pass Dealer Licensing Exam

• Administered by DOR (Jefferson City or license offices)
• Covers: MO motor vehicle law, titling, registration, dealer regulations
• Study guide: DOR Dealer Manual

7. Submit & Wait

• Mail/in-person to: MO DOR, Motor Vehicle Bureau, Dealer Licensing, PO Box 2100, Jefferson City, MO 65105
• Processing: 4–6 weeks (background check, location inspection)
• Inspector visits lot before issuance

Post-License Requirements

• Renewal: Biennial (Dec 31 even years); $200 + continuing ed (4 hrs/year)
• Records: Maintain deal jackets 5 years; electronic OK
• Advertising: Must include dealer license number
• Consumer complaints: DOR investigates; license risk for violations

Cost Summary (First Year)

Verify current forms/fees at dor.mo.gov/motorv/dealer. Consider consulting a dealer licensing specialist.