How to Get a Dealer License in West Virginia (2026)
In West Virginia, dealers are licensed by West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), Dealer Services. The bond is $25,000 (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.
West Virginia dealer license facts
| Licensing agency | West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), Dealer Services |
|---|---|
| License name | Used Motor Vehicle Dealer (Duc) · New & Used Motor Vehicle Dealer (D)source |
| Sales that trigger a license | Official threshold: 10 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “the business in this state of selling 10 or more used motor vehicles, and projecting to sell 10 or more used motor vehicles, in any fiscal year”source |
| Surety bond | $25,000 (Dealer surety bond)source |
| Application / license fees | Duc (Used) dealer license application fee: $250; Duc (Used) dealer license renewal fee: $100; Dealer Recovery Fund payment (new and renewal): $150source |
| Pre-licensing education | Confirm with West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), Dealer Services |
| Place of business | Used dealer's established place of business must be a permanent location (not a temporary stand), used for selling used motor vehicles, with adequate service/repair facilities or arrangement, easily accessible to the public, displaying at least one permanent sign stating the business conducted, and a photo of the dealership and sign (letters at least 4 inches high) submitted with the application.source |
| Wholesale-only license | Confirm with West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), Dealer Services |
| Last checked | 2026-09-24 |
Steps to get licensed in West Virginia
- Pick the license. West Virginia issues: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer (Duc), New & Used Motor Vehicle Dealer (D).
- Set up the place of business. Used dealer's established place of business must be a permanent location (not a temporary stand), used for selling used motor vehicles, with adequate service/repair facilities or arrangement, easily accessible to the public, displaying at least one permanent sign stating the business conducted, and a photo of the dealership and sign (letters at least 4 inches high) submitted with the application.
- Buy the surety bond. Required amount: $25,000 (Dealer surety bond).
- Apply to West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), Dealer Services. Published fees: Duc (Used) dealer license application fee: $250; Duc (Used) dealer license renewal fee: $100; Dealer Recovery Fund payment (new and renewal): $150.
Flipping without a license in West Virginia
Official threshold: 10 or more sales in a year. Official wording: “the business in this state of selling 10 or more used motor vehicles, and projecting to sell 10 or more used motor vehicles, in any fiscal year”source Selling past that line without a license is curbstoning.
West Virginia data on CarFlipIQ
FAQ
Who issues dealer licenses in West Virginia?
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), Dealer Services licenses motor vehicle dealers in West Virginia. License types include: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer (Duc), New & Used Motor Vehicle Dealer (D).
How many cars can I sell in West Virginia without a dealer license?
Official threshold: 10 or more sales in a year. Official wording: "the business in this state of selling 10 or more used motor vehicles, and projecting to sell 10 or more used motor vehicles, in any fiscal year" Confirm how it applies to you with West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), Dealer Services.
How much is the dealer bond in West Virginia?
The West Virginia dealer surety bond is $25,000 (Dealer surety bond). You pay a surety company a yearly premium, not the full bond amount.
How much does a dealer license cost in West Virginia?
Published state fees: Duc (Used) dealer license application fee: $250; Duc (Used) dealer license renewal fee: $100; Dealer Recovery Fund payment (new and renewal): $150. Add the bond premium, insurance, and the cost of your place of business.
Price West Virginia cars before you buy them
Check any vehicle against live West Virginia listings, then decide what to bid.
Not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV), Dealer Services before you apply. Last checked 2026-09-24.