The Boston-specific process for a Class II used-vehicle dealer license — where to apply, the local fee, and what Boston adds on top of the statewide requirements. Verified as of June 2026.
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In Boston, the Class II used-vehicle dealer license is handled by the Boston Police Department's Licensing Unit — not City Hall and not the RMV. The statewide rules (the $25,000 bond, zoning, eligibility) all still apply; Boston layers its own application, review, and approval on top.
Plan for the review to take time. Boston reviews each application and its documentation for completeness before approval, and that can run up to about two months — so start well before you want to open.
This page covers the Boston specifics. The shared statewide requirements — the $25,000surety bond, zoning and facility rules, eligibility, and the forms you'll use after licensing — are in the Massachusetts dealer license guide. Read that first if you're starting from scratch.
Before you apply, lock in a Boston location zoned for motor-vehicle sales, secure the $25,000 Massachusetts dealer surety bond, and register your business. These statewide prerequisites are covered in the Massachusetts dealer license guide — Boston won't process an application without them.
Use the Boston Police Department's motor vehicle dealer application packet. You'll provide your business and ownership information, the lease or deed for the location, a plot plan, proof of the bond, and the supporting documents the packet lists.
Mail or deliver the completed application and documentation to the Boston Police Headquarters Licensing Unit at One Schroeder Plaza, with the $200 license fee. Questions go to the Licensing Unit at (617) 343-4425.
The Licensing Unit reviews the application and documentation for completeness; expect up to about two months. Once approved, you can register as a dealer with the RMV and obtain dealer plates.
Through the Boston Police Department's Licensing Unit at Boston Police Headquarters, One Schroeder Plaza, Boston, MA 02120. You can reach the Licensing Unit at (617) 343-4425. Boston handles dealer licensing through the police department rather than a separate license commission.
The municipal license fee in Boston is $200 — the maximum a Massachusetts city or town can charge. On top of that you'll pay for the $25,000 surety bond (typically $250–$750/year in premium) and the usual business-formation and facility costs.
Plan for up to about two months from the time you submit a complete application. The Licensing Unit reviews your application and documentation for completeness, and missing items are the biggest cause of delay.
Yes. A Class II license covers dealers selling used (second-hand) vehicles, which is what most independent Boston lots need. Class I is for new-vehicle franchised dealers and Class III is for junk/salvage dealers. The statewide Class II requirements are in the Massachusetts dealer license guide.
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