How to Get a Dealer License in Kentucky (2026)
In Kentucky, dealers are licensed by Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission. The bond is $100,000 (bond or assets, up to this amount at the Commission's discretion). Every fact below links to the official page it came from.
Kentucky dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission |
|---|---|
| License name | Used Motor Vehicle Dealer (includes wholesale) · Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer (by itself)source |
| Sales that trigger a license | Confirm with Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission |
| Surety bond | $100,000 (bond or assets, up to this amount at the Commission's discretion)source |
| Application / license fees | Dealer license (each type, e.g. Used Motor Vehicle Dealer): $100; Application processing fee: $40source |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission |
| Place of business | Requires a permanent, enclosed commercial building (not a residence) with a display lot/customer parking area of at least 2,000 square feet with a hard surface, plus an office of at least 100 square feet with utilities, on or immediately adjacent to the lot; a permanent business sign with lettering at least 9 inches high is required unless the applicant is wholesale-only.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Kentucky offers a standalone 'Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer' license (and used dealer licenses already include wholesale authority); wholesale-only dealers are exempt from the business-sign requirement.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Kentucky
- Pick the license. Kentucky issues: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer (includes wholesale), Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer (by itself). A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. Requires a permanent, enclosed commercial building (not a residence) with a display lot/customer parking area of at least 2,000 square feet with a hard surface, plus an office of at least 100 square feet with utilities, on or immediately adjacent to the lot; a permanent business sign with lettering at least 9 inches high is required unless the applicant is wholesale-only.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $100,000 (bond or assets, up to this amount at the Commission's discretion).
- Apply to Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission. Published fees: Dealer license (each type, e.g. Used Motor Vehicle Dealer): $100; Application processing fee: $40.
Flipping without a license in Kentucky
We could not find an official sales-count threshold for Kentucky. Before selling more than your own personal vehicles, Confirm with Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission.
Kentucky data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Kentucky?
Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission licenses motor vehicle dealers in Kentucky. License types include: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer (includes wholesale), Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer (by itself).
How much is the dealer bond in Kentucky?
The Kentucky dealer surety bond is $100,000 (bond or assets, up to this amount at the Commission's discretion). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in Kentucky?
Published state fees: Dealer license (each type, e.g. Used Motor Vehicle Dealer): $100; Application processing fee: $40. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Kentucky?
Kentucky offers a standalone 'Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer' license (and used dealer licenses already include wholesale authority); wholesale-only dealers are exempt from the business-sign requirement.
Price Kentucky cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Kentucky listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Kentucky Motor Vehicle Commission before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.