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How to Get a Dealer License in Arizona (2026)

In Arizona, dealers are licensed by Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing. 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.

Arizona dealer license facts

Licensing agencyArizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing
License nameUsed Motor Vehicle Dealer License · Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensesource
Sales that trigger a licenseOfficial threshold: 7 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “engaged in the business of selling, seven or more used motor vehicles in a continuous twelve month period”source
Surety bondConfirm with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing
Application / license feesFiling fee (dealer license application): $15; Annual license fee: $100source
Pre-licensing educationConfirm with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing
Place of businessFor a used motor vehicle dealer, the established place of business need not be a permanent building and may be a vacant lot, but it cannot be a residence, tent, or temporary stand.source
Wholesale-only licenseArizona issues a separate Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer license, defined as a person who sells used motor vehicles only to licensed motor vehicle dealers; wholesale dealers must also erect a permanent sign at their principal place of business.source
Last checked2026-09-24

Steps to get licensed in Arizona

  1. Pick the license. Arizona issues: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License, Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer License. A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
  2. Set up the place of business. For a used motor vehicle dealer, the established place of business need not be a permanent building and may be a vacant lot, but it cannot be a residence, tent, or temporary stand.
  3. Buy the surety bond. Confirm with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing
  4. Apply to Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing. Published fees: Filing fee (dealer license application): $15; Annual license fee: $100.

Flipping without a license in Arizona

Official threshold: 7 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “engaged in the business of selling, seven or more used motor vehicles in a continuous twelve month period”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.

Arizona data on CarFlipIQ

FAQ

Who issues dealer licenses in Arizona?

Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing licenses motor vehicle dealers in Arizona. License types include: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License, Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer License.

How many cars can I sell in Arizona without a dealer license?

Official threshold: 7 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "engaged in the business of selling, seven or more used motor vehicles in a continuous twelve month period" Confirm how it applies to you with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing.

How much does a dealer license cost in Arizona?

Published state fees: Filing fee (dealer license application): $15; Annual license fee: $100. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.

Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Arizona?

Arizona issues a separate Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer license, defined as a person who sells used motor vehicles only to licensed motor vehicle dealers; wholesale dealers must also erect a permanent sign at their principal place of business.

Price Arizona cars before you buy them

Check any vehicle against live Arizona listings, then decide what to bid.

Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.