How to get a dealer license in Alaska

A person who sells, leases, solicits or arranges the sale or lease of five or more motor vehicles in any 12 consecutive months, regardless of who owns the vehicles, is a dealer and must register with DMV (AS 08.66.350 and 08.66.010). DMV says a dealer license is required if you plan to sell five or more vehicles per year. Buyer's agents must also register.

• Used Motor Vehicles dealer: Dealers selling used cars, trucks and other motor vehicles. This is the main license covered here.
• New Motor Vehicles dealer: Dealers selling new vehicles. A dealer may sell a vehicle as new only with the manufacturer's certificate of origin and a current sales and service agreement with the manufacturer.
• New or Used Motorcycles dealer: Dealers selling motorcycles. A dealer who sells only motorcycles needs a $25,000 bond instead of $100,000.
• Buyer's agent: People who negotiate the purchase of a vehicle from a dealer on behalf of a buyer. They register as dealers, post the same bond and need a written contract with each buyer.

Surety bond. $100,000, or $25,000 for a dealer who sells only motorcycles (AS 08.66.060). Use DMV's Motor Vehicle Dealer's/Buyer's Agent Surety Bond form. An owner, officer or member signs as principal, and the bond is notarized and sealed. The business name, including any DBA, must match the application. The bond stays valid for renewals unless the surety cancels it.

Insurance. Liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage on an auto dealer's form (AS 08.66.085). DMV says this is usually a garage liability policy and asks for a certificate of insurance with the application and each renewal. The application also requires a statement that you will carry workers' compensation insurance as required under AS 23.30.

Place of business. The dealership must operate from a permanent office at an established business location, with a permanently affixed sign showing the business name. You submit a photo of the sign and one proof of location: a lease or rental agreement in the business name, a deed or mortgage statement, or a notarized letter of permission for a shared space. The location must comply with zoning and business requirements. We found no display lot requirement in AS 08.66 or DMV's requirements packet.

Background check. The application must state that no one holding a 5% or greater interest has been convicted, in the five years before applying, of a felony involving fraud, embezzlement or misappropriation of property (AS 08.66.030). Each owner, partner, officer or member signs the application and submits a recent head-and-shoulders photo.

Pre-license education. Alaska does not require a pre-license course for this license.

1. Get an Alaska business license that matches your business name exactly.
2. Set up a permanent office with a permanently affixed sign, and get proof of the location (lease, deed or notarized letter of permission).
3. Buy a $100,000 surety bond on DMV's dealer bond form ($25,000 if you sell only motorcycles), signed, notarized and sealed.
4. Get liability insurance on an auto dealer's form, usually a garage liability policy.
5. Complete the Application for Dealer License (Form DLR-001) and the Dealer Temporary Permit Acknowledgment Form. Every owner, partner, officer or member signs.
6. Mail or deliver the packet with owner photos, a photo of your sign and the $50 fee to DMV Dealer Services in Anchorage.
7. If you want dealer plates, add the Dealer Plate Application and the plate fee for your area.

Official forms:

• Requirements for Obtaining a Motor Vehicle Dealer License (interested dealer packet)
• Application for Dealer License (DLR-001)
• Motor Vehicle Dealer's/Buyer's Agent Surety Bond
• Application for Dealer Plate
• Application to Renew Dealer License

Alaska's dealer law and DMV's requirements packet do not mention a display lot. You still need an established business location with a permanent office, a permanently affixed sign, and proof such as a lease, deed or notarized letter of permission for a shared space.

Dealer-only auctions sell to licensed dealers, so you need an Alaska dealer license to buy there. AuctionACCESS (auctionaccess.com), which handles dealer registration for over 400 auction marketplaces, limits membership to licensed vehicle dealers and their authorized representatives.

Every two years. AS 08.66.050 says to renew before January 1 every two years, and DMV asks for the renewal packet before December 15. Send the dealer application marked Renewal, the temporary permit acknowledgment, a current business license, business location verification, a certificate of insurance, a dealer plate application if needed, and the $50 biennial fee. A new bond is needed only if the policy changed or you received a cancellation notice.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm the details with the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealer Services before you apply. Last verified October 20, 2026.

Planning the business side too? Read how to start a car dealership. Used cars you offer for sale need an FTC Buyers Guide in the window. Selling your own car instead? See how to sell a car in Alaska.