How to Get a Dealer License in New Jersey (2026)
In New Jersey, dealers are licensed by New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Business Licensing Services Bureau. The bond is $10,000 (Used (or new/used) car dealer). Every fact below links to the official page it came from.
New Jersey dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Business Licensing Services Bureau |
|---|---|
| License name | Used Car Dealership License · New and Used Car Dealership Licensesource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Confirm with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Business Licensing Services Bureau |
| Surety bond | $10,000 (Used (or new/used) car dealer)source |
| Application / license fees | Dealer license fee (wall license): $100; Set of five dealer license plates/registrations: $257.50source |
| Pre-licensing education | The applicant (or an officer/controlling person) must attend a prelicensure interview where the Commission examines their knowledge of lawfully conducting the motor vehicle business; if knowledge is inadequate, the Commission may also require a training program.source |
| Place of business | Must have an established place of business with a permanently attached exterior sign (no banners), a separate area to display at least two vehicles, office furniture/file cabinet/fixed safe/climate control/phone, in conformance with zoning, and cannot share premises with another licensed dealer; business hours of at least 20 hours/week (9am-5pm, Mon-Sat) unless open 48+ hours/week.source |
| Wholesale-only license | The MVC's dealership page lists new and used, used, leasing, and boat dealership licenses; it does not list a wholesale-only license.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in New Jersey
- Pick the license. New Jersey issues: Used Car Dealership License, New and Used Car Dealership License.
- Set up the place of business. Must have an established place of business with a permanently attached exterior sign (no banners), a separate area to display at least two vehicles, office furniture/file cabinet/fixed safe/climate control/phone, in conformance with zoning, and cannot share premises with another licensed dealer; business hours of at least 20 hours/week (9am-5pm, Mon-Sat) unless open 48+ hours/week.
- Finish the required course. The applicant (or an officer/controlling person) must attend a prelicensure interview where the Commission examines their knowledge of lawfully conducting the motor vehicle business; if knowledge is inadequate, the Commission may also require a training program.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $10,000 (Used (or new/used) car dealer).
- Apply to New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Business Licensing Services Bureau. Published fees: Dealer license fee (wall license): $100; Set of five dealer license plates/registrations: $257.50.
Flipping without a license in New Jersey
We could not find an official sales-count threshold for New Jersey. Before selling more than your own personal vehicles, Confirm with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Business Licensing Services Bureau.
New Jersey data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in New Jersey?
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Business Licensing Services Bureau licenses motor vehicle dealers in New Jersey. License types include: Used Car Dealership License, New and Used Car Dealership License.
How much is the dealer bond in New Jersey?
The New Jersey dealer surety bond is $10,000 (Used (or new/used) car dealer). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in New Jersey?
Published state fees: Dealer license fee (wall license): $100; Set of five dealer license plates/registrations: $257.50. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Do I need to take a course to get a New Jersey dealer license?
The applicant (or an officer/controlling person) must attend a prelicensure interview where the Commission examines their knowledge of lawfully conducting the motor vehicle business; if knowledge is inadequate, the Commission may also require a training program.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in New Jersey?
The MVC's dealership page lists new and used, used, leasing, and boat dealership licenses; it does not list a wholesale-only license.
Price New Jersey cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live New Jersey listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), Business Licensing Services Bureau before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.