How to Get a Dealer License in Maryland (2026)
In Maryland, dealers are licensed by Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The bond is $15,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 1 to 250 vehicles); $25,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 251 to 500 vehicles); $35,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 501 to 1,000 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.
Maryland dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) |
|---|---|
| License name | Confirm with Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “offers to sell three or more of these vehicles, the ownership of which was acquired for resale purposes”source |
| Surety bond | $15,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 1 to 250 vehicles); $25,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 251 to 500 vehicles); $35,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 501 to 1,000 vehicles)source |
| Application / license fees | Confirm with Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) |
| Place of business | Confirm with Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) |
| Wholesale-only license | A licensed wholesale dealer may buy vehicles from another dealer, at an auto auction, or from a retail seller, and may sell or exchange vehicles with another dealer or at an auto auction, but may not sell to a retail buyer or deal in new vehicles.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Maryland
- Pick the license. Ask Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) which license fits a used-car business. A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. Confirm with Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $15,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 1 to 250 vehicles); $25,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 251 to 500 vehicles); $35,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 501 to 1,000 vehicles).
- Apply to Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Fees are set by the agency; check its current fee schedule.
Flipping without a license in Maryland
Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “offers to sell three or more of these vehicles, the ownership of which was acquired for resale purposes”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Maryland data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Maryland?
Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) licenses motor vehicle dealers in Maryland.
How many cars can I sell in Maryland without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 3 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "offers to sell three or more of these vehicles, the ownership of which was acquired for resale purposes" Confirm how it applies to you with Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
How much is the dealer bond in Maryland?
The Maryland dealer surety bond is $15,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 1 to 250 vehicles); $25,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 251 to 500 vehicles); $35,000 (Used vehicle dealer, 501 to 1,000 vehicles). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Maryland?
A licensed wholesale dealer may buy vehicles from another dealer, at an auto auction, or from a retail seller, and may sell or exchange vehicles with another dealer or at an auto auction, but may not sell to a retail buyer or deal in new vehicles.
Price Maryland cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Maryland listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.