How to Get a Dealer License in Maine (2026)
In Maine, dealers are licensed by Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Department of the Secretary of State. The bond is $25,000 (0 to 50 sales); $50,000 (51 to 100 sales); $75,000 (101 to 150 sales). 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.
Maine dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Department of the Secretary of State |
|---|---|
| License name | Used Car Licensesource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 6 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “more than 5 vehicles in any 12-month period”source |
| Surety bond | $25,000 (0 to 50 sales); $50,000 (51 to 100 sales); $75,000 (101 to 150 sales)source |
| Application / license fees | Initial application fee: $150; Used Car License (annual): $150source |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Department of the Secretary of State |
| Place of business | Dealers must have a display area for vehicles, a repair department able to service two vehicles at once with sufficient tools/equipment and at least one mechanic, and a suitable office in which business can be conducted; the location is subject to inspection by a BMV detective.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Confirm with Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Department of the Secretary of State |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Maine
- Pick the license. Maine issues: Used Car License.
- Set up the place of business. Dealers must have a display area for vehicles, a repair department able to service two vehicles at once with sufficient tools/equipment and at least one mechanic, and a suitable office in which business can be conducted; the location is subject to inspection by a BMV detective.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $25,000 (0 to 50 sales); $50,000 (51 to 100 sales); $75,000 (101 to 150 sales).
- Apply to Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Department of the Secretary of State. Published fees: Initial application fee: $150; Used Car License (annual): $150.
Flipping without a license in Maine
Official threshold: 6 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “more than 5 vehicles in any 12-month period”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Maine data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Maine?
Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Department of the Secretary of State licenses motor vehicle dealers in Maine. License types include: Used Car License.
How many cars can I sell in Maine without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 6 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "more than 5 vehicles in any 12-month period" Confirm how it applies to you with Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Department of the Secretary of State.
How much is the dealer bond in Maine?
The Maine dealer surety bond is $25,000 (0 to 50 sales); $50,000 (51 to 100 sales); $75,000 (101 to 150 sales). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in Maine?
Published state fees: Initial application fee: $150; Used Car License (annual): $150. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Price Maine cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Maine listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Department of the Secretary of State before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.