To get a Georgia used car dealer license, you complete a Board-approved 4-hour pre-licensing seminar, set up your business and a compliant location, buy a $50,000 surety bond and garage liability insurance, file your notarized application, pass a fingerprint background check, and pass a location inspection. The license is issued by the Georgia State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers.
Who needs a Georgia dealer license?
If you buy and sell vehicles with the intent to make a profit, you generally need to be a licensed dealer. Georgia dealers are licensed by the State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers, which sits under the Secretary of State.
- Retail and wholesale dealers follow the same licensing process.
- The "five-car rule" is a myth. There is no safe number of cars you can flip without a license. Selling your own personally driven car that is titled in your name is different.
- Not covered by this Board: motorcycles and pull-behind trailers. Buying or selling repossessed vehicles does require a license.
- Business owners: an LLC, corporation or partnership must name one designee on the license. Sole proprietors are their own designee.
The 8 steps to get licensed in Georgia
Step 1: Take the pre-licensing seminar
Applicants must complete a Board-approved pre-licensing seminar. It is a one-day, in-person class of about four hours, with no test at the end. You receive a certificate of completion that you must submit with your application, and the certificate is valid for one year, so apply within a year of taking it. One provider, GIADA, lists the class at $159 and holds sessions in Atlanta and Macon. Online-only pre-license training is not accepted.
Step 2: Set up your business
- Choose a structure (LLC, corporation, partnership or sole proprietorship).
- Get a free federal EIN from the IRS.
- Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue for a sales tax number and certificate (Form ST-2).
- Register the business with the Secretary of State if it is an entity, and get a local business or occupational license from your city or county.
- Make sure your legal name, DBA and full address, including suite number, match on every document.
Step 3: Secure a compliant location
You need an established place of business with local zoning approval, a permanent sign, an office, a landline phone in the business name and, for retail dealers, an exclusive display lot. See our lot and office requirements guide for the full checklist.
Step 4: Buy your surety bond and garage insurance
The dealer surety bond is now $50,000 (it was $35,000 before the July 1, 2026 change), and you need garage liability insurance, not just regular auto insurance. Details are in our bond and insurance guide.
Step 5: File your application online
Applications are filed through the Secretary of State's online GOALS portal. The application must be complete, signed and notarized, and include the fee and supporting documents. Typical attachments include:
- Photo ID and required affidavits
- Original bond form with power of attorney
- Original certificate of insurance
- Photos of your sign, office and display lot
- Zoning certification signed by the local zoning authority
- Certificate of completion from the pre-licensing seminar
- Sales tax ID and certificate
Tip: Don't submit until the location is ready. Reported guidance says applications that sit incomplete can be withdrawn after about 60 days, and incomplete packets are a leading cause of delay.
Step 6: Pre-register for fingerprinting
Pre-register online for a fingerprint-based background check. You need your application on file first. Georgia residents are fingerprinted at an approved center. Out-of-state applicants use a fingerprint card from their home state. Any arrest or charge, regardless of outcome or age, must be disclosed with certified court documentation.
Step 7: Pass the inspection
A state inspector checks your office, equipment, sign and display lot, and may review your bond and insurance. After you are licensed, expect unannounced periodic inspections. Repeated documented failures can put your license at risk.
Step 8: Get approved, then get dealer plates
The Board reviews applications at scheduled meetings, so documents should be complete at least 15 days before a meeting. Once active, display your license, sales tax certificate, local business license and bond at your location. Do not sell until you are actively licensed. Then apply for dealer license plates through the Department of Revenue. See renewals and dealer plates.
What does a Georgia dealer license cost?
These are typical figures reported by training and bond providers. Fees change, so confirm current amounts with the Board before you pay.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing seminar | About $159 (varies by provider) |
| License application | Reported as $170 plus a $10 processing fee |
| Each additional lot | Reported as $170 per lot |
| $50,000 surety bond | Premium based on credit; reported from about $250 for a two-year term |
| Garage liability insurance | Varies by insurer |
| Fingerprinting | Set by the vendor |
| Georgia LLC filing (optional) | $110 ($100 filing + $10 service charge) |
| Zoned office space or lot rent | Varies widely by location |
How long does it take?
Timelines vary. Some applicants who are fully prepared finish in a few weeks, while others take several months, because the Board meets on a schedule and any missing document restarts the clock. There is no guaranteed approval date. The biggest time savers are taking the seminar early, having your bond and insurance in the exact licensed name, and submitting a complete packet.
Common mistakes that delay approval
- Names that don't match exactly across the bond, insurance, tax certificate and application.
- Using regular auto insurance instead of garage liability.
- Using a cell phone or shared line instead of a business landline.
- Sharing office space or lot space without a clearly separate, exclusive area.
- Using a temporary banner instead of a permanent sign.
- Submitting the application before the location is ready for inspection.
- Waiting more than a year after the seminar to apply.
- Relying on outdated bond amounts from old articles.
Official sources to confirm requirements
Rules and fees change. Always verify with the official sources below, or call the Licensing Boards Division at (404) 424-9966.
- 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
How much is the Georgia used car dealer bond?
The Georgia used motor vehicle dealer surety bond is $50,000, increased from $35,000 effective July 1, 2026. Your actual premium depends on your credit, and each licensed location needs its own bond.
Do I need a license to sell cars in Georgia?
Yes, if you sell vehicles with the intent to make a profit. There is no "five-car" exemption. Selling your own personally driven vehicle that is titled in your name is different.
How long is the Georgia pre-license class?
The required pre-licensing seminar is a one-day, in-person class of about four hours with no test. You receive a certificate of completion, which is valid for one year.
Can I get a Georgia dealer license without a car lot?
Retail dealers need an exclusive display lot. A dealer with a broker endorsement does not need a display lot, but still must have an established place of business and meet the other requirements.
Can I run a Georgia dealership from my home?
A dealership at a residence is generally only allowed if the business is in a completely separate structure that meets zoning and office requirements. Most new dealers rent a zoned office or lot instead.
Where do I apply for a Georgia dealer license?
Applications are filed online through the Georgia Secretary of State GOALS portal. The State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers reviews and issues the license.
How long does a Georgia dealer license last?
Licenses run on a two-year cycle, expiring September 30 of even-numbered years, and renewal requires six hours of continuing education.
Do retail and wholesale dealers need different licenses in Georgia?
No. Retail and wholesale used car dealers are licensed the same way by the State Board. Wholesale-only dealers still need to meet the location and other requirements.
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