How to Get a Dealer License in New Hampshire (2026)
In New Hampshire, dealers are licensed by New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Safety). The bond is $25,000 (Retail Vehicle Dealer); $25,000 (Auto Wholesale Dealer). 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.
New Hampshire dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Safety) |
|---|---|
| License name | Retail Vehicle Dealer License · Auto Wholesale Dealer Licensesource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “A Retail Dealer License is for any person engaged in the motor vehicle business who sells five (5) or more motor vehicles at retail to the general public in a 12-month period, with an established place of business within this state.”source |
| Surety bond | $25,000 (Retail Vehicle Dealer); $25,000 (Auto Wholesale Dealer)source |
| Application / license fees | Retail Vehicle Dealer license, due with application: $125; Retail dealer first plate (from Jan 1, 2026): $800source |
| Pre-licensing education | Applicants must complete the DMV title/dealer class before approval.source |
| Place of business | A permanent structure of at least 750 square feet (or primarily dedicated to selling), a sign with letters at least 10 inches visible from a public way, a permanent heating system, and regular business hours of 35 hours per week.source |
| Wholesale-only license | The Auto Wholesale Dealer License covers buying vehicles to sell only to other licensed dealers, with no retail sales to the public; it still needs an established place of business in New Hampshire.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in New Hampshire
- Pick the license. New Hampshire issues: Retail Vehicle Dealer License, Auto Wholesale Dealer License. A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. A permanent structure of at least 750 square feet (or primarily dedicated to selling), a sign with letters at least 10 inches visible from a public way, a permanent heating system, and regular business hours of 35 hours per week.
- Finish the required course. Applicants must complete the DMV title/dealer class before approval.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $25,000 (Retail Vehicle Dealer); $25,000 (Auto Wholesale Dealer).
- Apply to New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Safety). Published fees: Retail Vehicle Dealer license, due with application: $125; Retail dealer first plate (from Jan 1, 2026): $800.
Flipping without a license in New Hampshire
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “A Retail Dealer License is for any person engaged in the motor vehicle business who sells five (5) or more motor vehicles at retail to the general public in a 12-month period, with an established place of business within this state.”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
New Hampshire data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Safety) licenses motor vehicle dealers in New Hampshire. License types include: Retail Vehicle Dealer License, Auto Wholesale Dealer License.
How many cars can I sell in New Hampshire without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "A Retail Dealer License is for any person engaged in the motor vehicle business who sells five (5) or more motor vehicles at retail to the general public in a 12-month period, with an established place of business within this state." Confirm how it applies to you with New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Safety).
How much is the dealer bond in New Hampshire?
The New Hampshire dealer surety bond is $25,000 (Retail Vehicle Dealer); $25,000 (Auto Wholesale Dealer). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in New Hampshire?
Published state fees: Retail Vehicle Dealer license, due with application: $125; Retail dealer first plate (from Jan 1, 2026): $800. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Do I need to take a course to get a New Hampshire dealer license?
Applicants must complete the DMV title/dealer class before approval.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in New Hampshire?
The Auto Wholesale Dealer License covers buying vehicles to sell only to other licensed dealers, with no retail sales to the public; it still needs an established place of business in New Hampshire.
Price New Hampshire cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live New Hampshire listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (Department of Safety) before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.