How to Get a Dealer License in District of Columbia (2026)
In District of Columbia, dealers are licensed by DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in coordination with DC DMV. The bond is $25,000 (Motor vehicle dealer bond). Every fact below links to the official page it came from.
District of Columbia dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in coordination with DC DMV |
|---|---|
| License name | Motor Vehicle Dealer (Basic Business License endorsement)source |
| Sales that trigger a license | Confirm with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in coordination with DC DMV |
| Surety bond | $25,000 (Motor vehicle dealer bond)source |
| Application / license fees | Confirm with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in coordination with DC DMV |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in coordination with DC DMV |
| Place of business | A Certificate of Occupancy for the business location is required as part of the DLCP dealer basic business license application, in addition to tax registration and a Clean Hands certification.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Confirm with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in coordination with DC DMV |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in District of Columbia
- Pick the license. District of Columbia issues: Motor Vehicle Dealer (Basic Business License endorsement).
- Set up the place of business. A Certificate of Occupancy for the business location is required as part of the DLCP dealer basic business license application, in addition to tax registration and a Clean Hands certification.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $25,000 (Motor vehicle dealer bond).
- Apply to DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in coordination with DC DMV. Fees are set by the agency; check its current fee schedule.
Flipping without a license in District of Columbia
We could not find an official sales-count threshold for District of Columbia. Before selling more than your own personal vehicles, Confirm with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in coordination with DC DMV.
District of Columbia data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in District of Columbia?
DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in coordination with DC DMV licenses motor vehicle dealers in District of Columbia. License types include: Motor Vehicle Dealer (Basic Business License endorsement).
How much is the dealer bond in District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia dealer surety bond is $25,000 (Motor vehicle dealer bond). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
Price District of Columbia cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live District of Columbia listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), in coordination with DC DMV before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.