How to get a dealer license in Nevada

NRS 482.020 defines a dealer as anyone who, for compensation, sells, exchanges, buys, offers or displays for sale, or negotiates the sale of a vehicle, or is in the business of buying or selling vehicles for resale. It excludes 'a person who sells not more than three personally owned vehicles in any 12-month period.' The DMV says you may not sell more than 3 personally-owned vehicles per year without a dealer's license. Under NRS 482.322 a dealer needs a city or county business license and a DMV license, and violations are a misdemeanor for a first offense, a gross misdemeanor for a second and a category D felony after that.

• New vehicle dealer: Dealers authorized by a manufacturer to sell its new vehicles. Each manufacturer or distributor completes a Dealer Franchise Certification (OBL 253).
• Broker: People who, for a fee, arrange, negotiate or assist in buying a vehicle that is not registered to or owned by the broker. Brokers need a $100,000 bond and an office in a permanent building but no display space. The license fee is $125 and renewal is $50.
• Motorcycle and trailer dealers: Dealers who sell motorcycles, horse trailers without living quarters or trailers of 3,501 pounds or more file a $50,000 bond. Dealers in utility or boat trailers of 3,500 pounds or less file a $10,000 bond.
• Long-term and short-term lessors: Businesses that lease vehicles for more than 31 days (long-term) or for 31 days or less (short-term). They apply with the same OBL 335 packet.
• Consignment auction (live or internet): Businesses that auction vehicles on consignment, in person or online. It is a dealer activity on the OBL 237 application, and internet auctions file a certification affidavit (OBL 331).
• Peer-to-peer car sharing program: Platforms that connect vehicle owners with drivers who pay to share their vehicles. They need a $100,000 bond and are exempt from the sign, photo and local business license requirements.
• Rebuilder, manufacturer and distributor: Businesses that rebuild vehicles, manufacture vehicles, or sell new vehicles to dealers. They apply with the same OBL 335 packet.
• Off-highway vehicle dealer: Dealers of off-highway vehicles, licensed with packet OBL 329.

Surety bond. A continuous $100,000 corporate surety bond (form OBL 210), or a deposit in lieu of bond, for dealers of vehicles other than motorcycles and trailers (NRS 482.345, 482.346). Motorcycle dealers, and dealers in horse trailers without living quarters or trailers of 3,501 pounds or more, file $50,000. Dealers in utility or boat trailers of 3,500 pounds or less file $10,000. Brokers file $100,000 (NRS 482.3333). After 5 years of satisfactory business, the DMV may agree to reduce the bond by up to 50% (form OBL 248).

Insurance. A certificate of automobile liability insurance (NRS 482.325). The DMV's insurance sheet (OBL 273) accepts a garage liability policy that includes automobile liability, or a commercial auto policy, covering any auto, or all owned or scheduled autos plus hired and non-owned autos. Limits must be at least a $95,000 combined single limit per accident, or $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident and $20,000 property damage. The insured name must match the DBA name on the application.

Place of business. NRS 482.323 requires a used vehicle dealer to keep an established place of business in Nevada with space to display one or more vehicles and clearly marked boundaries. It must also have a permanent enclosed building large enough for an office and to keep records safe. A new vehicle dealer needs a permanent enclosed building with space to display one or more vehicles. The DMV packet requires a permanently affixed sign with the business name in letters 8 inches high, formed by lines at least 1 inch wide, clearly legible from the center of the nearest street. You also need a city or county business license, two color photos of the business showing the sign, and a DMV site inspection. The DMV says selling a vehicle on an empty lot is illegal in most cases.

Background check. Each principal completes a Personal History Questionnaire (OBL 242), submits one set of fingerprints taken by an authorized Nevada DMV representative or a law enforcement agency, and signs a DPS civil applicant waiver (OBL 256). The fingerprints go to the Central Repository for Nevada Records of Criminal History for submission to the FBI (NRS 482.325). The DMV investigates every applicant (NRS 482.322).

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

1. File your business with the Nevada Secretary of State, record any fictitious firm name, and get a federal EIN.
2. Set up an established place of business with an enclosed building, a marked display area and a permanent sign with 8-inch letters.
3. Get a city or county business license for the location.
4. Get a $100,000 surety bond on form OBL 210, or make a deposit in lieu of bond, and an auto liability insurance certificate that meets OBL 273.
5. Have each principal complete the Personal History Questionnaire (OBL 242), get fingerprinted and sign the DPS waiver (OBL 256).
6. Submit the Application for Business License (OBL 237), signed before a notary or DMV representative, with two color photos and the fees.
7. Pass the DMV site inspection of your location.

Official forms:

• Business License Application Packet (dealers, distributors, lessors, manufacturers and rebuilders), OBL 335
• Application for Business License and Garage Registration (OBL 237)
• Personal History Questionnaire (OBL 242)
• DPS Civil Applicant Waiver (OBL 256)
• Vehicle Industry Business License Bond (OBL 210)
• Vehicle Insurance Requirements (OBL 273)
• Dealer Franchise Certification (new vehicle dealers), OBL 253
• City/County Business License Requirements (OBL 265)
• Child Support Information (OBL 268)
• Bond Reduction Request (OBL 248)
• Broker information sheet (OBL 267)

Not as a dealer. Every Nevada dealer needs an enclosed building and space to display at least one vehicle. A broker, who arranges purchases of vehicles it does not own, needs only an office in a permanent building (NRS 482.323).

NRS 482.400 describes a wholesale vehicle auctioneer as a dealer who auctions consigned vehicles to licensed vehicle dealers or automobile wreckers and does not buy, sell or own them, so a dealer license is needed to buy there. AuctionACCESS (auctionaccess.com), which provides credentials for over 400 auction marketplaces and online channels across North America, limits membership to licensed vehicle dealers and their authorized representatives.

Licenses expire December 31 each year. Before December 31, file the DMV renewal application with the $50 annual fee (NRS 482.325). A license that expires can be reinstated with the renewal application, the renewal fee and a $25 late fee.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm the details with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, Occupational and Business Licensing 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 Nevada.