How to Get a Dealer License in Montana (2026)
In Montana, dealers are licensed by Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division. The bond is $50,000 (New/used dealer's, broker's, or wholesaler's license (general)); $15,000 (Motorcycle or quadricycle-only dealer); $5,000 (Motorboat/personal watercraft/snowmobile/off-highway vehicle-only dealer). Every fact below links to the official page it came from.
Montana dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division |
|---|---|
| License name | Used Dealer's License · Wholesaler's Licensesource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Confirm with Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division |
| Surety bond | $50,000 (New/used dealer's, broker's, or wholesaler's license (general)); $15,000 (Motorcycle or quadricycle-only dealer); $5,000 (Motorboat/personal watercraft/snowmobile/off-highway vehicle-only dealer)source |
| Application / license fees | New or used dealer's, broker's, or wholesaler's license application fee: $30source |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division |
| Place of business | Applicant must specify the geographic location of the lot(s) where vehicles are displayed and a permanent nonresidential building (shared with no more than three other wholesale/broker/auction/retail dealers at the same location) to store sales records; local zoning/land-use compliance must be documented, and a diagram plus photographs of the location, building, and sign are required.source |
| Wholesale-only license | A wholesaler's license authorizes the holder to sell used vehicles only to a new or used vehicle dealer, an auto auction, or another wholesaler.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Montana
- Pick the license. Montana issues: Used Dealer's License, Wholesaler's License. A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. Applicant must specify the geographic location of the lot(s) where vehicles are displayed and a permanent nonresidential building (shared with no more than three other wholesale/broker/auction/retail dealers at the same location) to store sales records; local zoning/land-use compliance must be documented, and a diagram plus photographs of the location, building, and sign are required.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $50,000 (New/used dealer's, broker's, or wholesaler's license (general)); $15,000 (Motorcycle or quadricycle-only dealer); $5,000 (Motorboat/personal watercraft/snowmobile/off-highway vehicle-only dealer).
- Apply to Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division. Published fees: New or used dealer's, broker's, or wholesaler's license application fee: $30.
Flipping without a license in Montana
We could not find an official sales-count threshold for Montana. Before selling more than your own personal vehicles, Confirm with Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division.
Montana data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Montana?
Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division licenses motor vehicle dealers in Montana. License types include: Used Dealer's License, Wholesaler's License.
How much is the dealer bond in Montana?
The Montana dealer surety bond is $50,000 (New/used dealer's, broker's, or wholesaler's license (general)); $15,000 (Motorcycle or quadricycle-only dealer); $5,000 (Motorboat/personal watercraft/snowmobile/off-highway vehicle-only dealer). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in Montana?
Published state fees: New or used dealer's, broker's, or wholesaler's license application fee: $30. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in Montana?
A wholesaler's license authorizes the holder to sell used vehicles only to a new or used vehicle dealer, an auto auction, or another wholesaler.
Price Montana cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Montana listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.