How to Get a Dealer License in Rhode Island (2026)
In Rhode Island, dealers are licensed by Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Dealers' License & Regulation Office). The bond is $50,000 (Motor vehicle 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.
Rhode Island dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Dealers' License & Regulation Office) |
|---|---|
| License name | Confirm with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Dealers' License & Regulation Office) |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “"Dealer" means any person, firm or corporation who sells or acts as a broker with respect to the sale of more than four (4) vehicles in any one calendar year shall be considered a motor vehicle dealer.”source |
| Surety bond | $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer)source |
| Application / license fees | New dealership license fee: $302.50source |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Dealers' License & Regulation Office) |
| Place of business | Dealer must house the business in one building on the premises with at least 2,400 sq ft of enclosed, heated floor space for office and vehicle repair/service, plus a minimum 2,400 sq ft display lot, used exclusively for dealing in motor vehicles.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Confirm with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Dealers' License & Regulation Office) |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Rhode Island
- Pick the license. Ask Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Dealers' License & Regulation Office) which license fits a used-car business.
- Set up the place of business. Dealer must house the business in one building on the premises with at least 2,400 sq ft of enclosed, heated floor space for office and vehicle repair/service, plus a minimum 2,400 sq ft display lot, used exclusively for dealing in motor vehicles.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer).
- Apply to Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Dealers' License & Regulation Office). Published fees: New dealership license fee: $302.50.
Flipping without a license in Rhode Island
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “"Dealer" means any person, firm or corporation who sells or acts as a broker with respect to the sale of more than four (4) vehicles in any one calendar year shall be considered a motor vehicle dealer.”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Rhode Island data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Dealers' License & Regulation Office) licenses motor vehicle dealers in Rhode Island.
How many cars can I sell in Rhode Island without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: ""Dealer" means any person, firm or corporation who sells or acts as a broker with respect to the sale of more than four (4) vehicles in any one calendar year shall be considered a motor vehicle dealer." Confirm how it applies to you with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Dealers' License & Regulation Office).
How much is the dealer bond in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island dealer surety bond is $50,000 (Motor vehicle dealer). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in Rhode Island?
Published state fees: New dealership license fee: $302.50. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Price Rhode Island cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Rhode Island listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Dealers' License & Regulation Office) before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.