How to Get a Dealer License in Virginia (2026)
In Virginia, dealers are licensed by Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB). The bond is $50,000 (Independent dealer surety bond). 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.
Virginia dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) |
|---|---|
| License name | Independent Motor Vehicle Dealersource |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “Any person who offers to sell, sells, displays, or permits the display for sale, of five or more motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive months is presumed to be a motor vehicle dealer”source |
| Surety bond | $50,000 (Independent dealer surety bond)source |
| Application / license fees | Dealer Certificate fee: $270; Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund (annual, first 3 years): $350source |
| Pre-licensing education | Independent dealer-operator applicants must complete a two-day Independent Dealer-Operator training course (offered by the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association) and pass the MVDB qualification exam, then recertify every 24 months.source |
| Place of business | Dealership location must be owned or leased (not a residence), have a permanent sign with letters no less than 6 inches visible from the front of the office, 250 sq ft of permanently enclosed office space with desk, phone, internet, and email, a certificate of zoning, and space to display at least 10 vehicles.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Confirm with Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in Virginia
- Pick the license. Virginia issues: Independent Motor Vehicle Dealer.
- Set up the place of business. Dealership location must be owned or leased (not a residence), have a permanent sign with letters no less than 6 inches visible from the front of the office, 250 sq ft of permanently enclosed office space with desk, phone, internet, and email, a certificate of zoning, and space to display at least 10 vehicles.
- Finish the required course. Independent dealer-operator applicants must complete a two-day Independent Dealer-Operator training course (offered by the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association) and pass the MVDB qualification exam, then recertify every 24 months.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $50,000 (Independent dealer surety bond).
- Apply to Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB). Published fees: Dealer Certificate fee: $270; Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund (annual, first 3 years): $350.
Flipping without a license in Virginia
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “Any person who offers to sell, sells, displays, or permits the display for sale, of five or more motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive months is presumed to be a motor vehicle dealer”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
Virginia data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in Virginia?
Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) licenses motor vehicle dealers in Virginia. License types include: Independent Motor Vehicle Dealer.
How many cars can I sell in Virginia without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 5 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "Any person who offers to sell, sells, displays, or permits the display for sale, of five or more motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive months is presumed to be a motor vehicle dealer" Confirm how it applies to you with Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB).
How much is the dealer bond in Virginia?
The Virginia dealer surety bond is $50,000 (Independent dealer surety bond). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in Virginia?
Published state fees: Dealer Certificate fee: $270; Motor Vehicle Transaction Recovery Fund (annual, first 3 years): $350. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Do I need to take a course to get a Virginia dealer license?
Independent dealer-operator applicants must complete a two-day Independent Dealer-Operator training course (offered by the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association) and pass the MVDB qualification exam, then recertify every 24 months.
Price Virginia cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live Virginia listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board (MVDB) before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.