A Georgia dealer location needs local zoning approval, an office with furnishings and a file cabinet, a working landline in the business name, a permanent sign visible from the street, and (for retail dealers) an exclusive display lot. You submit photos with your application and pass a state inspection before licensing.
Zoning approval
Your building must meet local zoning rules for a used motor vehicle dealership. You submit a zoning verification or certification signed by the local zoning authority with your application. Get this before you sign a long lease, since a location that doesn't qualify can't be licensed.
Office requirements
- A dedicated office area with furnishings and a file cabinet or secure file storage.
- If you share a building with another business, you still need your own separate office area.
- A dealership at a residence must be in a completely separate structure.
- Customer seating is expected in a working office.
Phone requirements
You need a working landline listed in the business (trade) name. It cannot be shared with another business. Guidance from training providers and the Department of Revenue says cell phones don't qualify, and VOIP lines are generally not accepted. If a phone number appears on your sign, it must match your application.
Display lot
- Retail dealers need enough space for the type of vehicles they sell, reserved only for their inventory.
- The lot cannot be shared, mixed with other businesses or public parking, or used by another dealer. Only one dealer may operate per lot.
- A dealer with a broker endorsement does not need a display lot.
- Retail sales must happen only at the licensed location.
- A second lot needs a supplemental license, its own bond and an amended insurance certificate.
Sign requirements
You need a permanent sign visible from the street. A temporary banner doesn't count. Training providers report that the dealership name should have letters at least 6 inches tall. Check local sign rules too, since cities and counties may add their own limits.
Photos and inspections
- Submit photos of your sign, office or sales room, and display lot with your application. Leaving them out delays approval.
- A state inspector does a preliminary inspection before the license is issued.
- After licensing, unannounced periodic inspections can occur. Multiple documented failed attempts can put your license at risk.
Location checklist
| Item | Ready? |
|---|---|
| Zoning certification signed by local authority | ☐ |
| Office with furniture and file storage | ☐ |
| Business landline in the trade name | ☐ |
| Exclusive display lot (retail) | ☐ |
| Permanent street-visible sign | ☐ |
| Photos of sign, office and lot | ☐ |
| Local business or occupational license | ☐ |
These are summaries from public guidance. Confirm exact requirements with the State Board at (404) 424-9966 before leasing a location.
Official sources
- Georgia State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers (Secretary of State)
- Secretary of State: How-to guide for used motor vehicle dealers
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Dealer registration (dealer license plates)
- GIADA: Pre-license class
Frequently asked questions
What are the location requirements for a Georgia dealer license?
Zoning approval, an office with furniture and file storage, a working landline in the business name, a permanent street-visible sign, an exclusive display lot for retail dealers, and photos submitted with the application.
Can I use a cell phone for my Georgia dealership?
Generally no. Georgia requires a working landline listed in your business name. Cell phones do not qualify and VOIP lines are generally not accepted.
Can two dealers share one lot in Georgia?
No. The display lot must be reserved exclusively for your inventory, and only one dealer may operate per lot.
Do I need a display lot to be a Georgia dealer?
Retail dealers do. A dealer with a broker endorsement does not need a display lot.
Does a Georgia dealer sign have to be permanent?
Yes. You need a permanent sign visible from the street. A banner does not satisfy the requirement.
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