How to Get a Dealer License in South Carolina (2026)
In South Carolina, dealers are licensed by South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). The bond is $50,000 (Retail dealer/wholesaler). 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.
South Carolina dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) |
|---|---|
| License name | Dealer License (retail) · Dealer License (wholesale)source |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 6 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “effects or attempts to effect the sale of more than five motor vehicles in any one calendar year is considered a dealer or wholesaler”source |
| Surety bond | $50,000 (Retail dealer/wholesaler)source |
| Application / license fees | Confirm with South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) |
| Pre-licensing education | Applicants must complete an approved 8-hour Dealer Pre-Licensing Course; franchised dealers, non-franchised dealers owned by a franchise dealer, RV dealers, wholesalers, auto auctions, and motorcycle dealers are exempt.source |
| Place of business | Dealer/wholesaler must maintain a bona fide, permanent enclosed structure (not a residence, tent, or temporary quarters) of at least 96 square feet of floor space; retail dealer buildings must be easily accessible to the public.source |
| Wholesale-only license | South Carolina licenses wholesale dealers; licensed wholesalers cannot sell vehicles to individual retail customers and are not required to have a display lot or sign.source |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in South Carolina
- Pick the license. South Carolina issues: Dealer License (retail), Dealer License (wholesale). A wholesale-only license is available if you only sell to dealers.
- Set up the place of business. Dealer/wholesaler must maintain a bona fide, permanent enclosed structure (not a residence, tent, or temporary quarters) of at least 96 square feet of floor space; retail dealer buildings must be easily accessible to the public.
- Finish the required course. Applicants must complete an approved 8-hour Dealer Pre-Licensing Course; franchised dealers, non-franchised dealers owned by a franchise dealer, RV dealers, wholesalers, auto auctions, and motorcycle dealers are exempt.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $50,000 (Retail dealer/wholesaler).
- Apply to South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). Fees are set by the agency; check its current fee schedule.
Flipping without a license in South Carolina
Official threshold: 6 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “effects or attempts to effect the sale of more than five motor vehicles in any one calendar year is considered a dealer or wholesaler”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
South Carolina data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in South Carolina?
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) licenses motor vehicle dealers in South Carolina. License types include: Dealer License (retail), Dealer License (wholesale).
How many cars can I sell in South Carolina without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 6 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "effects or attempts to effect the sale of more than five motor vehicles in any one calendar year is considered a dealer or wholesaler" Confirm how it applies to you with South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV).
How much is the dealer bond in South Carolina?
The South Carolina dealer surety bond is $50,000 (Retail dealer/wholesaler). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
Do I need to take a course to get a South Carolina dealer license?
Applicants must complete an approved 8-hour Dealer Pre-Licensing Course; franchised dealers, non-franchised dealers owned by a franchise dealer, RV dealers, wholesalers, auto auctions, and motorcycle dealers are exempt.
Is there a wholesale-only dealer license in South Carolina?
South Carolina licenses wholesale dealers; licensed wholesalers cannot sell vehicles to individual retail customers and are not required to have a display lot or sign.
Price South Carolina cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live South Carolina listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.