How to Get a Dealer License in Indiana (2026)
In Indiana, dealers are licensed by Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Dealer Services Division. The bond is $25,000 (Used/New motor vehicle dealer license). 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.
Indiana dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Dealer Services Division |
|---|---|
| License name | Confirm with Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Dealer Services Division |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 12 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “You need a used motor vehicle dealer license if you sell, offer to sell, or advertise for sale at least: twelve (12) used motor vehicles (includes semitrailers, trailers, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, mini-trucks, and recreational vehicles) In a 12 month period.”source |
| Surety bond | $25,000 (Used/New motor vehicle dealer license)source |
| Application / license fees | Confirm with Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Dealer Services Division |
| Pre-licensing education | First-time used car dealer applicants must complete dealer training before licensing; previously licensed dealers are exempt.source |
| Place of business | The dealership cannot be a residence or temporary location, must be in Indiana, accessible by the public, and open at least 30 hours/week; the physical location must be at least 1,300 sq ft with display space for at least 10 vehicles, a conspicuous permanent sign matching the license name, and customer parking.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Confirm with Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Dealer Services Division |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Indiana
- Pick the license. Ask Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Dealer Services Division which license fits a used-car business.
- Set up the place of business. The dealership cannot be a residence or temporary location, must be in Indiana, accessible by the public, and open at least 30 hours/week; the physical location must be at least 1,300 sq ft with display space for at least 10 vehicles, a conspicuous permanent sign matching the license name, and customer parking.
- Finish the required course. First-time used car dealer applicants must complete dealer training before licensing; previously licensed dealers are exempt.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $25,000 (Used/New motor vehicle dealer license).
- Apply to Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Dealer Services Division. Fees are set by the agency; check its current fee schedule.
Flipping without a license in Indiana
Official threshold: 12 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “You need a used motor vehicle dealer license if you sell, offer to sell, or advertise for sale at least: twelve (12) used motor vehicles (includes semitrailers, trailers, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, mini-trucks, and recreational vehicles) In a 12 month period.”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Indiana data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Indiana?
Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Dealer Services Division licenses motor vehicle dealers in Indiana.
How many cars can I sell in Indiana without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 12 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "You need a used motor vehicle dealer license if you sell, offer to sell, or advertise for sale at least: twelve (12) used motor vehicles (includes semitrailers, trailers, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, mini-trucks, and recreational vehicles) In a 12 month period." Confirm how it applies to you with Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Dealer Services Division.
How much is the dealer bond in Indiana?
The Indiana dealer surety bond is $25,000 (Used/New motor vehicle dealer license). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
Do I need to take a course to get a Indiana dealer license?
First-time used car dealer applicants must complete dealer training before licensing; previously licensed dealers are exempt.
Price Indiana cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Indiana listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Indiana Secretary of State, Auto Dealer Services Division before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.