How to Get a Dealer License in Missouri (2026)
In Missouri, dealers are licensed by Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau (Dealer Licensing Section). The bond is $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer (used and wholesale included)). 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.
Missouri dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau (Dealer Licensing Section) |
|---|---|
| License name | Used Motor Vehicle Dealer · Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealersource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 8 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “you must be licensed as a Motor Vehicle dealer if you sell eight or more vehicles in a calendar year”source |
| Surety bond | $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer (used and wholesale included))source |
| Application / license fees | Confirm with Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau (Dealer Licensing Section) |
| Pre-licensing education | First-time used motor vehicle dealer applicants must provide proof of attendance at a Department-approved Dealer Educational Seminar (wholesale, powersport, trailer, auction, franchise, boat, RV dealers and existing dealership owners are excluded).source |
| Place of business | A bona fide established place of business requires a permanently enclosed building actually used for the dealership, a working telephone, and a display area/lot (not a public street) sized to accommodate the vehicles sold; business hours must be at least 20 hours/week over at least four days between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.source |
| Wholesale-only license | A Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer license exists for dealers who sell only to other new franchise or used motor vehicle dealers or via dealer-only auctions and cannot make retail sales.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Missouri
- Pick the license. Missouri issues: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer, Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer. A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. A bona fide established place of business requires a permanently enclosed building actually used for the dealership, a working telephone, and a display area/lot (not a public street) sized to accommodate the vehicles sold; business hours must be at least 20 hours/week over at least four days between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Finish the required course. First-time used motor vehicle dealer applicants must provide proof of attendance at a Department-approved Dealer Educational Seminar (wholesale, powersport, trailer, auction, franchise, boat, RV dealers and existing dealership owners are excluded).
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer (used and wholesale included)).
- Apply to Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau (Dealer Licensing Section). Fees are set by the agency; check its current fee schedule.
Flipping without a license in Missouri
Official threshold: 8 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “you must be licensed as a Motor Vehicle dealer if you sell eight or more vehicles in a calendar year”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Missouri data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Missouri?
Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau (Dealer Licensing Section) licenses motor vehicle dealers in Missouri. License types include: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer, Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer.
How many cars can I sell in Missouri without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 8 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "you must be licensed as a Motor Vehicle dealer if you sell eight or more vehicles in a calendar year" Confirm how it applies to you with Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau (Dealer Licensing Section).
How much is the dealer bond in Missouri?
The Missouri dealer surety bond is $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer (used and wholesale included)). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
Do I need to take a course to get a Missouri dealer license?
First-time used motor vehicle dealer applicants must provide proof of attendance at a Department-approved Dealer Educational Seminar (wholesale, powersport, trailer, auction, franchise, boat, RV dealers and existing dealership owners are excluded).
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Missouri?
A Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer license exists for dealers who sell only to other new franchise or used motor vehicle dealers or via dealer-only auctions and cannot make retail sales.
Price Missouri cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Missouri listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Missouri Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Bureau (Dealer Licensing Section) before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.