How to Get a Dealer License in Minnesota (2026)
In Minnesota, dealers are licensed by Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). The bond is $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer (general)). 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.
Minnesota dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) |
|---|---|
| License name | Confirm with Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 6 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “the sale, purchase, or lease of not more than five motor vehicles in a 12-month period”source |
| Surety bond | $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer (general))source |
| Application / license fees | Dealer license (all types except DSB): $250; Dealer license renewal (all types except DSB): $150source |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) |
| Place of business | Applicants receive a 90-day temporary license during which a DVS dealer inspector inspects the place of business to ensure compliance with statutory established-place-of-business requirements before full licensure.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Minnesota licenses a separate motor vehicle wholesaler, who may sell, solicit, or advertise the sale of motor vehicles at wholesale for resale, but may sell new vehicles only to duly licensed dealers.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Minnesota
- Pick the license. Ask Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) 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. Applicants receive a 90-day temporary license during which a DVS dealer inspector inspects the place of business to ensure compliance with statutory established-place-of-business requirements before full licensure.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer (general)).
- Apply to Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). Published fees: Dealer license (all types except DSB): $250; Dealer license renewal (all types except DSB): $150.
Flipping without a license in Minnesota
Official threshold: 6 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “the sale, purchase, or lease of not more than five motor vehicles in a 12-month period”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Minnesota data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Minnesota?
Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) licenses motor vehicle dealers in Minnesota.
How many cars can I sell in Minnesota without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 6 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "the sale, purchase, or lease of not more than five motor vehicles in a 12-month period" Confirm how it applies to you with Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
How much is the dealer bond in Minnesota?
The Minnesota dealer surety bond is $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer (general)). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in Minnesota?
Published state fees: Dealer license (all types except DSB): $250; Dealer license renewal (all types except DSB): $150. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Minnesota?
Minnesota licenses a separate motor vehicle wholesaler, who may sell, solicit, or advertise the sale of motor vehicles at wholesale for resale, but may sell new vehicles only to duly licensed dealers.
Price Minnesota cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Minnesota listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.