How to Get a Dealer License in Delaware (2026)
In Delaware, dealers are licensed by Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. 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.
Delaware dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles |
|---|---|
| License name | Used vehicle dealer · Wholesale dealersource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “a person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship or any other legal entity who is in the business of buying, selling or exchanging during any 12-month period 5 or more vehicles”source |
| Surety bond | Confirm with Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles |
| Application / license fees | Motor vehicle dealer business license (annual, Division of Revenue): $100; Additional wholesale dealer license: $75source |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles |
| Place of business | Dealers must have an established place of business (owned, rented, or leased) with sales/office space and adequate display space for 5 or more vehicles, a listed business telephone, and a sign at least 24 x 36 inches bearing the dealership's approved name; wholesale dealers may instead operate from a private residence.source |
| Wholesale-only license | A separate wholesale dealer license exists; wholesale dealers may buy/sell only to other dealers or licensed auctions, may operate from a private residence, and may not sell to retail buyers.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Delaware
- Pick the license. Delaware issues: Used vehicle dealer, Wholesale dealer. A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. Dealers must have an established place of business (owned, rented, or leased) with sales/office space and adequate display space for 5 or more vehicles, a listed business telephone, and a sign at least 24 x 36 inches bearing the dealership's approved name; wholesale dealers may instead operate from a private residence.
- Buy the surety bond. Confirm with Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
- Apply to Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. Published fees: Motor vehicle dealer business license (annual, Division of Revenue): $100; Additional wholesale dealer license: $75.
Flipping without a license in Delaware
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “a person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship or any other legal entity who is in the business of buying, selling or exchanging during any 12-month period 5 or more vehicles”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Delaware data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Delaware?
Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles licenses motor vehicle dealers in Delaware. License types include: Used vehicle dealer, Wholesale dealer.
How many cars can I sell in Delaware without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "a person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship or any other legal entity who is in the business of buying, selling or exchanging during any 12-month period 5 or more vehicles" Confirm how it applies to you with Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.
How much does a dealer license cost in Delaware?
Published state fees: Motor vehicle dealer business license (annual, Division of Revenue): $100; Additional wholesale dealer license: $75. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Delaware?
A separate wholesale dealer license exists; wholesale dealers may buy/sell only to other dealers or licensed auctions, may operate from a private residence, and may not sell to retail buyers.
Price Delaware cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Delaware listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.