How to Get a Dealer License in Colorado (2026)
In Colorado, dealers are licensed by Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division / Motor Vehicle Dealer Board. The bond is $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer / used motor vehicle dealer / wholesaler (standard)); $5,000 (Dealers who sell only small utility trailers under 2,000 lbs). 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.
Colorado dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division / Motor Vehicle Dealer Board |
|---|---|
| License name | Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License · Wholesaler's Licensesource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “The sale of three or more used motor vehicles or the offering for sale of more than three used motor vehicles at the same address or telephone number in any one calendar year is prima facie evidence”source |
| Surety bond | $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer / used motor vehicle dealer / wholesaler (standard)); $5,000 (Dealers who sell only small utility trailers under 2,000 lbs)source |
| Application / license fees | Confirm with Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division / Motor Vehicle Dealer Board |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division / Motor Vehicle Dealer Board |
| Place of business | Confirm with Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division / Motor Vehicle Dealer Board |
| Wholesale-only license | Colorado issues a separate Wholesaler's License, statutorily defined as a person who sells or negotiates the sale of new or used motor vehicles solely to motor vehicle dealers or used motor vehicle dealers; wholesalers are subject to the same $50,000 bond requirement and must maintain a place of business with an office for records.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Colorado
- Pick the license. Colorado issues: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License, Wholesaler's License. A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. Confirm with Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division / Motor Vehicle Dealer Board
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer / used motor vehicle dealer / wholesaler (standard)); $5,000 (Dealers who sell only small utility trailers under 2,000 lbs).
- Apply to Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division / Motor Vehicle Dealer Board. Fees are set by the agency; check its current fee schedule.
Flipping without a license in Colorado
Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “The sale of three or more used motor vehicles or the offering for sale of more than three used motor vehicles at the same address or telephone number in any one calendar year is prima facie evidence”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Colorado data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Colorado?
Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division / Motor Vehicle Dealer Board licenses motor vehicle dealers in Colorado. License types include: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License, Wholesaler's License.
How many cars can I sell in Colorado without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "The sale of three or more used motor vehicles or the offering for sale of more than three used motor vehicles at the same address or telephone number in any one calendar year is prima facie evidence" Confirm how it applies to you with Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division / Motor Vehicle Dealer Board.
How much is the dealer bond in Colorado?
The Colorado dealer surety bond is $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer / used motor vehicle dealer / wholesaler (standard)); $5,000 (Dealers who sell only small utility trailers under 2,000 lbs). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Colorado?
Colorado issues a separate Wholesaler's License, statutorily defined as a person who sells or negotiates the sale of new or used motor vehicles solely to motor vehicle dealers or used motor vehicle dealers; wholesalers are subject to the same $50,000 bond requirement and must maintain a place of business with an office for records.
Price Colorado cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Colorado listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Colorado Department of Revenue, Auto Industry Division / Motor Vehicle Dealer Board before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.