How to Get a Dealer License in Arkansas (2026)
In Arkansas, dealers are licensed by Arkansas Department of Public Safety / Division of Arkansas State Police, Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Section. The bond is $25,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer (single location)); $100,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer (multiple locations, blanket bond)). State law sets a sales count that makes you a dealer; the exact wording is below. Every fact below links to the official page it came from.
Arkansas dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Arkansas Department of Public Safety / Division of Arkansas State Police, Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Section |
|---|---|
| License name | Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License · Wholesaler (endorsement, not a distinct license type)source |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “The sale or attempted sale of five (5) or more used motor vehicles in any one (1) calendar year”source |
| Surety bond | $25,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer (single location)); $100,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer (multiple locations, blanket bond))source |
| Application / license fees | License certificate fee (per year, per dealer): $250source |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Arkansas Department of Public Safety / Division of Arkansas State Police, Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Section |
| Place of business | Applicant must have a bona fide established place of business used primarily for the sale of used motor vehicles, a business-listed telephone number, a sign identifying the establishment as a used motor vehicle dealership legible from the street/road/highway, and a locked filing cabinet or repository for business records. The department inspects the facility within 30 days before issuing or renewing the license.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Arkansas defines a 'Wholesaler' as any person who primarily sells used motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers, but a used motor vehicle dealer who incidentally sells to other dealers is not treated as a wholesaler; wholesalers otherwise fall under the same used motor vehicle dealer licensing statute rather than a separate license category.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Arkansas
- Pick the license. Arkansas issues: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License, Wholesaler (endorsement, not a distinct license type). A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. Applicant must have a bona fide established place of business used primarily for the sale of used motor vehicles, a business-listed telephone number, a sign identifying the establishment as a used motor vehicle dealership legible from the street/road/highway, and a locked filing cabinet or repository for business records. The department inspects the facility within 30 days before issuing or renewing the license.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $25,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer (single location)); $100,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer (multiple locations, blanket bond)).
- Apply to Arkansas Department of Public Safety / Division of Arkansas State Police, Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Section. Published fees: License certificate fee (per year, per dealer): $250.
Flipping without a license in Arkansas
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “The sale or attempted sale of five (5) or more used motor vehicles in any one (1) calendar year”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Arkansas data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Arkansas?
Arkansas Department of Public Safety / Division of Arkansas State Police, Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Section licenses motor vehicle dealers in Arkansas. License types include: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License, Wholesaler (endorsement, not a distinct license type).
How many cars can I sell in Arkansas without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "The sale or attempted sale of five (5) or more used motor vehicles in any one (1) calendar year" Confirm how it applies to you with Arkansas Department of Public Safety / Division of Arkansas State Police, Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Section.
How much is the dealer bond in Arkansas?
The Arkansas dealer surety bond is $25,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer (single location)); $100,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer (multiple locations, blanket bond)). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in Arkansas?
Published state fees: License certificate fee (per year, per dealer): $250. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Arkansas?
Arkansas defines a 'Wholesaler' as any person who primarily sells used motor vehicles to motor vehicle dealers, but a used motor vehicle dealer who incidentally sells to other dealers is not treated as a wholesaler; wholesalers otherwise fall under the same used motor vehicle dealer licensing statute rather than a separate license category.
Price Arkansas cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Arkansas listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Arkansas Department of Public Safety / Division of Arkansas State Police, Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Section before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.