How to get a used car dealer license in Georgia
A practical walkthrough of the Used Motor Vehicle Dealer application — fees, bond, timeline, and what to expect at each step. Verified against the official agency as of June 2026.
Getting a Used Motor Vehicle Dealer used-car dealer license in Georgia:
- Surety bond required
- $50,000
- Application fee
- $170 + $10 processing
- License term
- Two years — expires Sept 30 of even years
- Typical timeline
- 4 – 8 weeks
- Typical first-year cost
- $700 – $1,400
This guide is informational and does not replace official Georgia requirements. Always verify with the Georgia Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers before applying.
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Who can apply for a Used Motor Vehicle Dealer license
Georgia requires a Used Motor Vehicle Dealer license to buy and sell used vehicles in the business. It's issued by the State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers (under the Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division).
In Georgia this is also commonly called an auto dealer license, car dealer license, or motor vehicle dealer license — all the same Used Motor Vehicle Dealer authority to sell used vehicles.
- An established place of business in Georgia that meets the board's location requirements (office, lot, sign)
- Completion of the required pre-licensing seminar (offered by GIADA)
- A $50,000 used motor vehicle dealer surety bond (raised from $35,000 effective July 1, 2026)
- A criminal background check for the applicant/owners
- A registered Georgia business entity and sales-tax number
- A passing on-site inspection of the dealership location
Step-by-step process
- 1
Secure a compliant location
Get a Georgia location that meets the board's requirements — a permanent office, a display lot, and proper signage. Confirm local zoning allows vehicle sales before you commit.
- 2
Complete the pre-licensing seminar
Finish the required pre-licensing seminar (commonly through GIADA, the Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Association). You'll get a certificate to include with your application.
- 3
Get your $50,000 surety bond and register your business
Buy a $50,000 used motor vehicle dealer bond (you pay an annual premium, not the full amount), register your business entity, and obtain a Georgia sales-tax number.
- 4
Submit the application with fees and background check
File the application with the board, pay the $170 fee plus the $10 processing fee, and complete the required criminal background check for the applicant and owners.
- 5
Pass the location inspection
The board inspects your dealership location to confirm it meets the office, lot, and signage requirements. Have everything in place before the inspector arrives.
- 6
Receive your license and get dealer plates
Once approved, you're licensed as a Used Motor Vehicle Dealer. Apply for dealer (drive-out) tags through the Georgia Department of Revenue / county to operate.
Georgia dealer license cost — fees breakdown
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
Application fee Plus a $10 processing fee. Each extra lot is another $170. | $170 |
Processing fee | $10 |
Surety bond premium (annual) 1-3% of the $50,000 bond, by credit. | $500 – $1,500 |
Pre-licensing seminar (GIADA) Required course; fee set by the provider. | Varies |
Background check Required for applicant and owners. | Varies |
Biennial renewal fee Every two years at the Sept 30 (even years) deadline. | $150 |
Surety bond requirement
Georgia requires every used-vehicle dealer to post a $50,000 surety bond. The bond protects buyers from misconduct (odometer fraud, undisclosed liens, deceptive trade practices) and the state from unpaid taxes.
You don't pay the full bond amount up front — you pay an annual premium to a surety company, typically 1-3%of the bond's face value. Your actual premium depends on personal credit and business history.
Georgia requires a $50,000 used motor vehicle dealer surety bond before you can operate, raised from $35,000 effective July 1, 2026. You pay an annual premium (1-3% of face value, by credit), not the full bond. The bond protects consumers and must remain in force for your whole license period.
Renewal
Georgia used motor vehicle dealer licenses run for two years and expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $150. Renew before the deadline and keep your bond and location compliant — a lapse can require reapplying.
Common questions
Do I have to take a pre-licensing course in Georgia?+
Yes. Georgia requires a pre-licensing seminar (commonly offered by GIADA) before you can be licensed as a used motor vehicle dealer. You include the certificate of completion with your application.
When does a Georgia dealer license expire?+
Georgia used motor vehicle dealer licenses are biennial and expire on September 30 of even-numbered years, regardless of when you were first licensed. The renewal fee is $150 — renew before the deadline.
Can I sell cars from home in Georgia?+
No. Georgia requires an established place of business with an office, a display lot, and proper signage that passes a board inspection. A residence won't meet the location requirements unless it's separately zoned and set up for vehicle sales.
Who regulates used car dealers in Georgia?+
The State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers, under the Georgia Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division, licenses and regulates used motor vehicle dealers. You can reach the board at (404) 424-9966.
How long does it take to get licensed in Georgia?+
Most applicants are licensed in about 4 to 8 weeks once their location is ready, the seminar is done, and the bond is posted. Scheduling the on-site inspection is usually the longest single step.
How much does a Georgia dealer license cost?+
Plan for about $700 – $1,400 in the first year. That covers the $170 + $10 processing application fee and the $50,000 surety bond — you pay an annual premium of roughly 1-3% of the bond, not the full amount — plus business-formation, facility, and dealer-plate costs. See the full fees breakdown above.
How do I get dealer plates in Georgia?+
Dealer plates are separate from the license itself. Once your Used Motor Vehicle Dealer license is approved, you apply for dealer plates and pay a per-plate fee (listed in the fees breakdown above). You can't obtain dealer plates before the license is issued.
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