A dealer's license in Georgia is not the same as a driver's license
A dealer's license in Georgia allows you to buy and sell vehicles as a business. It is issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue, not the Department of Driver Services. You need this license if you plan to sell more than five vehicles in a 12-month period, whether you operate a lot, work from home, or sell cars part-time. Without it, selling vehicles beyond that threshold is illegal in Georgia.
The process takes several weeks and involves paperwork, a background check, and a physical inspection of your business location. You cannot get a dealer's license online — you must submit documents by mail or in person to the Georgia Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia requires a dealer's license if you sell more than five vehicles in a 12-month period, regardless of whether you operate a physical lot.
- You must submit an process to the Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division with proof of business location, liability insurance, and a completed Form MV-1 (Dealer process).
- The Department of Revenue conducts a background check and may inspect your business location before issuing the license.
- A dealer's license costs money and must be renewed annually; the exact fee depends on the type of dealership you operate.
- You can operate as a sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation, but the business entity must be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State.
What documents you need before you explore
Gather these items before you contact the Georgia Department of Revenue. You will need proof that your business location exists — either a lease, deed, or rental agreement showing the address where you will operate. The address must be a physical location; a mailbox or virtual office does not count.
You also need a current Certificate of Good Standing from the Georgia Secretary of State if you are operating as a corporation or LLC. If you are a sole proprietor, bring a copy of your Social Security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). All owners and managers must provide personal information, including their full legal names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers.
Finally, you need proof of liability insurance that covers your dealership operations. The policy must be from an insurer licensed to do business in Georgia. Contact your insurance agent to confirm the policy meets Georgia's requirements for motor vehicle dealers before you submit your process.
How to complete the dealer process
Request Form MV-1 (Dealer process) from the Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division. You can read it from the Department of Revenue website or call the Motor Vehicle Division to have one mailed to you. The form asks for your business name, address, ownership structure, and the names of all owners and managers.
Fill out the form completely and accurately. Any missing information or errors will delay your process. You must declare whether you have ever been convicted of a felony, had a license revoked, or been involved in fraud. The Department of Revenue conducts a background check on all applicants, so dishonesty on the form can result in denial.
Sign the form in front of a notary public. Georgia requires a notarized signature on dealer applications. Once notarized, mail the completed form along with your supporting documents to the Motor Vehicle Division at the address listed on the form, or deliver them in person if you prefer.
What happens after you submit your process
The Georgia Department of Revenue will review your process and conduct a background check on all owners and managers listed. This process typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, the Department may contact you to request additional information or clarification.
If your process is incomplete or missing documents, the Department will send you a notice asking you to submit the missing items within a specified timeframe. If you do not respond, your process may be denied. Once the Department has all required documents, it may schedule an inspection of your business location to verify that it exists and is suitable for vehicle sales.
If the Department approves your process, you will receive your dealer's license by mail. The license is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. You will receive a renewal notice before your license expires.
Annual renewal and ongoing requirements
Your dealer's license expires one year from the date it is issued. The Georgia Department of Revenue will send you a renewal notice before the expiration date. To renew, you must submit a renewal process, proof that your liability insurance is still current, and the renewal fee.
You must also maintain your business location and keep your liability insurance active at all times. If you move your dealership to a new address, you must notify the Department of Revenue and may need to request a license amendment. If your insurance lapses, your license can be suspended.
Georgia law requires you to keep records of every vehicle you buy and sell, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), purchase price, sale price, and the names and addresses of the buyers and sellers. The Department of Revenue can inspect these records at any time.
Different types of dealer licenses in Georgia
Georgia issues different types of dealer licenses depending on what you sell. A used motor vehicle dealer license covers cars, trucks, and vans. A motorcycle dealer license covers motorcycles only. A mobile home dealer license covers mobile homes. A recreational vehicle dealer license covers RVs, travel trailers, and similar vehicles. Each type has its own process form and fee structure.
If you plan to sell more than one type of vehicle, you may need more than one license. For example, if you sell both used cars and motorcycles, you would need both a used motor vehicle dealer license and a motorcycle dealer license. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division to confirm which licenses explore to your business.
What disqualifies you from getting a dealer's license
Georgia will deny your process if you have been convicted of certain felonies, including fraud, theft, or crimes involving dishonesty. A prior revocation of a dealer's license also disqualifies you. If you have outstanding tax debt to the state of Georgia, your process may be denied until the debt is resolved.
The Department of Revenue also considers whether you have had a motor vehicle dealer license suspended or revoked in another state. If you have, Georgia may deny your process or require additional documentation explaining the circumstances. Being honest about your history on the process is important — the Department will find out through its background check, and lying on the form gives them grounds to deny you permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a dealer's license if I only sell one or two cars a year?
No. Georgia allows you to sell up to five vehicles in a 12-month period without a dealer's license. Once you exceed five sales in a rolling 12-month period, you must have a license. Keep records of all sales to prove you are within the limit if the Department of Revenue asks.
Can I get a dealer's license if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the type of conviction and how long ago it occurred. Felonies involving fraud, theft, or dishonesty are automatic disqualifiers. Misdemeanors and older felonies may not prevent you from getting a license. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division directly to discuss your specific situation before you explore.
How much does a Georgia dealer's license cost?
The fee varies by license type and is set by the Georgia Department of Revenue. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division or check the Department of Revenue website for current fees. You will also need to budget for liability insurance, which varies depending on your business size and the types of vehicles you sell.
What if I move my dealership to a new location?
You must notify the Georgia Department of Revenue and request a license amendment. You may need to submit a new lease or deed for the new location and allow time for the Department to approve the change. Operating from an unapproved location can result in license suspension.
Can I operate a dealership from my home?
Georgia allows home-based dealerships, but your residential address must be your official business location on your license. Some local zoning laws may restrict business operations in residential areas, so check with your city or county before you explore. The Department of Revenue may inspect your home to verify the business location.