How to Get a Dealer License in Ohio (2026)
In Ohio, dealers are licensed by Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles / Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board. The bond is $75,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer surety bond). Every fact below links to the official page it came from.
Ohio dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles / Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board |
|---|---|
| License name | Used Motor Vehicle Dealersource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Confirm with Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles / Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board |
| Surety bond | $75,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer surety bond)source |
| Application / license fees | Motor vehicle dealer license fee: $50source |
| Pre-licensing education | An owner, officer, partner, or director of a business entity applying for a used motor vehicle dealer license (where required under division (B)(1)) must successfully complete a used motor vehicle dealer training course (6 to 24 hours) before the license issues.source |
| Place of business | Must have an established place of business with a display lot of at least 3,500 sq ft (excluding driveways/office) with hard-surface ground cover, plus a permanent office of at least 180 contiguous sq ft with hard-surface walls, separated by a barrier from other businesses/residences.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Confirm with Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles / Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Ohio
- Pick the license. Ohio issues: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer.
- Set up the place of business. Must have an established place of business with a display lot of at least 3,500 sq ft (excluding driveways/office) with hard-surface ground cover, plus a permanent office of at least 180 contiguous sq ft with hard-surface walls, separated by a barrier from other businesses/residences.
- Finish the required course. An owner, officer, partner, or director of a business entity applying for a used motor vehicle dealer license (where required under division (B)(1)) must successfully complete a used motor vehicle dealer training course (6 to 24 hours) before the license issues.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $75,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer surety bond).
- Apply to Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles / Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board. Published fees: Motor vehicle dealer license fee: $50.
Flipping without a license in Ohio
We could not find an official sales-count threshold for Ohio. Before selling more than your own personal vehicles, Confirm with Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles / Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board.
Ohio data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Ohio?
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles / Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board licenses motor vehicle dealers in Ohio. License types include: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer.
How much is the dealer bond in Ohio?
The Ohio dealer surety bond is $75,000 (Used motor vehicle dealer surety bond). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in Ohio?
Published state fees: Motor vehicle dealer license fee: $50. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Do I need to take a course to get a Ohio dealer license?
An owner, officer, partner, or director of a business entity applying for a used motor vehicle dealer license (where required under division (B)(1)) must successfully complete a used motor vehicle dealer training course (6 to 24 hours) before the license issues.
Price Ohio cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Ohio listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles / Ohio Motor Vehicle Dealers Board before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.