How to get a dealer license in Hawaii

HRS 437-2 requires a license to act as a dealer, and a license is valid only in the county where it was issued. HRS 437-1.1 defines a dealer as an auction or anyone not expressly excluded 'who sells three or more vehicles within a calendar year, or who is engaged in the business of selling, soliciting, offering, or attempting to negotiate sales, purchases, or exchanges of motor vehicles.' A person not in the business who acquires or disposes of vehicles for their own personal, family or business use, in good faith, is excluded.

• Used motor vehicle dealer: Dealers that sell only used vehicles, at wholesale or retail. This is the main license covered here.
• New motor vehicle dealer: Dealers that sell new vehicles, or new and used vehicles. They need a Dealer Sales and Service Agreement with a licensed manufacturer or distributor, licensed repair facilities or a warranty repair letter, and a $500,000 line of credit (or the amount in the agreement, if less), or a $50,000 or $200,000 bond if the Board accepts one.
• Motorcycle and motor scooter dealer: Dealers selling motorcycles and scooters over 49cc. They need a $50,000 line of credit, or a $10,000 bond if the Board accepts one.
• Motor vehicle dealer branch location: A licensed dealer's extra location. Each branch in each county needs its own application.
• Motor vehicle auction: Vehicle auctions. They need a permanent site, a $100,000 secured line of credit (or a $200,000 bond if the Board accepts one) and a customer trust account.
• Motor vehicle salesperson: Individuals who sell for a licensed dealer. A salesperson may work for only one dealer at a time.
• Motor vehicle consumer consultant: People who, for a fee, give consumers specialized information and expertise on buying or leasing a vehicle and do not sell for any dealer. They must register with the Board.
• Motor vehicle manufacturer and distributor: Companies that make vehicles or distribute them to Hawaii dealers.
• Motor vehicle broker: No longer available. The Board says it can no longer approve or issue new broker licenses.

Surety bond. Hawaii's main requirement for a used dealer is a $50,000 inventory or flooring line of credit from a federally insured lender or a source with a net worth of at least $50 million, with a UCC-1 filed at the Bureau of Conveyances. When a line of credit cannot reasonably be obtained, the Board may accept a bond instead (HAR 16-86-12): $25,000 for used dealers selling fewer than 60 units a month, $100,000 for 60 or more, $10,000 for motorcycle and scooter dealers, $50,000 for new dealers selling fewer than 10 new units a month and $200,000 for 10 or more. The bond must come from a surety authorized in Hawaii, or be secured by a cash deposit with the Board, and the bond form must be notarized by both the applicant and the surety.

Insurance. We found no dealer liability or garage insurance requirement in HRS chapter 437, HAR chapter 16-86 or the Board's application.

Place of business. HRS 437-11 requires a site used mainly for selling or displaying vehicles, with a permanent building suitable for displaying at least 3 vehicles with an average wheel base of at least 90 inches, and suitable sanitation facilities. The application asks for a showroom, or at least 3 display stalls; an office and restrooms; a written self-inspection report with a labeled site sketch; labeled photos; and a lease of at least 1 year that discloses vehicle sales use and shows the same name and address as the application. A trailer office must have its wheels removed and sit on blocks. On shared premises, the dealer's stalls and office must be marked with its name, and sharing office space is not allowed. Check zoning with the county planning department.

Background check. The application (MOVE-02) asks about license discipline, pending complaints or actions, and criminal convictions. If you report a conviction, you must send a signed statement, court records, probation or parole records if any, and a Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center criminal history record check dated within 6 months, plus a check from each other state where a conviction occurred. Applications with a 'yes' answer are reviewed at a Board meeting. We found no fingerprinting requirement.

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

1. Register your company and any trade name with the DCCA Business Registration Division.
2. Find a site that meets HRS 437-11, sign a lease of at least 1 year that discloses vehicle sales use, and confirm zoning with your county planning department.
3. Get a $50,000 inventory or flooring line of credit and file a UCC-1 at the Bureau of Conveyances, or, if one cannot reasonably be obtained, a $25,000 bond on form MOVE-13 notarized by you and the surety.
4. Have a public accountant or CPA prepare a financial statement no more than 1 year old (MOVE-25).
5. Prepare a self-inspection report, a labeled site sketch and labeled photos of the office, restrooms, display area and street frontage.
6. Complete application MOVE-02 using checklist MOVE-12, and add at least one salesperson application or license transfer unless you are a sole proprietor or partnership.
7. Mail or deliver the packet and fees ($221 to $588 for a used dealer) to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, DCCA PVL Licensing Branch, 335 Merchant St., Room 301, Honolulu.
8. Renew online by June 30 of every even-numbered year, or you must reapply as a new applicant.

Official forms:

• Motor Vehicle Dealer/Auction requirements, checklist and application for license (MOVE-12 and MOVE-02)
• Bond form (MOVE-13)
• Motor Vehicle Dealer's Financial Statement (MOVE-25)
• Requirements and application for a Motor Vehicle Dealer Branch Location or relocation
• Information, instructions and application for Motor Vehicle Salesperson

No. HRS 437-11 requires a site used mainly for selling or displaying vehicles, with a permanent building suitable for displaying at least 3 vehicles and sanitation facilities, and the Board lists no wholesale or office-only dealer license.

Dealer-only auctions sell only to licensed dealers, and Hawaii licenses auctions separately under HRS chapter 437. AuctionACCESS (auctionaccess.com) limits membership to licensed, credentialed vehicle dealers and their authorized representatives.

All licenses expire June 30 of each even-numbered year and must be renewed by then, online through MyPVL. Renewals for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028 were accepted from May 4 to June 30, 2026. A used dealer renewal costs $538 in Honolulu and $344 on the neighbor islands. There is no late renewal: a license not renewed on time is forfeited, and the dealer must reapply as a new applicant and, under HRS 437-23, pay a penalty of 25% of the original license fee.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm the details with the Hawaii Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Professional and Vocational Licensing Division 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 Hawaii.