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 agency | Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing |
|---|---|
| License name | Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License · Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensesource |
| Sales that trigger a 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”source |
| Surety bond | Confirm with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing |
| Application / license fees | Filing fee (dealer license application): $15; Annual license fee: $100source |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing |
| 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.source |
| Wholesale-only license | 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.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Arizona
- 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.
- 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.
- Buy the surety bond. Confirm with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) - Dealer Licensing
- 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.