How to Get a Dealer License in North Carolina (2026)
In North Carolina, dealers are licensed by North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, License and Theft Bureau (NCDOT). The bond is $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer/wholesaler bond (one salesroom)); $25,000 (Additional established salesroom/place of business). 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.
North Carolina dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, License and Theft Bureau (NCDOT) |
|---|---|
| License name | Motor Vehicle Dealer · Wholesalersource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “five or more motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive months, regardless of who owns the motor vehicles”source |
| Surety bond | $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer/wholesaler bond (one salesroom)); $25,000 (Additional established salesroom/place of business)source |
| Application / license fees | Motor vehicle dealer license fee: $115.50source |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, License and Theft Bureau (NCDOT) |
| Place of business | Confirm with North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, License and Theft Bureau (NCDOT) |
| Wholesale-only license | North Carolina statutorily defines and licenses 'Wholesaler' as a distinct dealer category (sells/distributes used vehicles to motor vehicle dealers), subject to the same bond schedule as other dealers.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in North Carolina
- Pick the license. North Carolina issues: Motor Vehicle Dealer, Wholesaler. A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. Confirm with North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, License and Theft Bureau (NCDOT)
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer/wholesaler bond (one salesroom)); $25,000 (Additional established salesroom/place of business).
- Apply to North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, License and Theft Bureau (NCDOT). Published fees: Motor vehicle dealer license fee: $115.50.
Flipping without a license in North Carolina
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “five or more motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive months, regardless of who owns the motor vehicles”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
North Carolina data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in North Carolina?
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, License and Theft Bureau (NCDOT) licenses motor vehicle dealers in North Carolina. License types include: Motor Vehicle Dealer, Wholesaler.
How many cars can I sell in North Carolina without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "five or more motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive months, regardless of who owns the motor vehicles" Confirm how it applies to you with North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, License and Theft Bureau (NCDOT).
How much is the dealer bond in North Carolina?
The North Carolina dealer surety bond is $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer/wholesaler bond (one salesroom)); $25,000 (Additional established salesroom/place of business). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in North Carolina?
Published state fees: Motor vehicle dealer license fee: $115.50. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in North Carolina?
North Carolina statutorily defines and licenses 'Wholesaler' as a distinct dealer category (sells/distributes used vehicles to motor vehicle dealers), subject to the same bond schedule as other dealers.
Price North Carolina cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live North Carolina listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, License and Theft Bureau (NCDOT) before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.