How to get a dealer license in New Hampshire

You may not sell 5 or more vehicles at retail in any 12 consecutive months, or export 5 or more vehicles outside the United States in 12 months, without an established place of business and a dealer license (RSA 261:103-b). A retail vehicle dealer is a person who sells 5 or more vehicles at retail to the general public in 12 consecutive months (RSA 259:89-a).

• Retail vehicle dealer: Selling vehicles at retail to the general public from an established place of business in New Hampshire (RSA 259:89-a). This is the license for a used car lot.
• Auto wholesale dealer: Buying vehicles for resale only to other dealers, with fewer than 5 retail sales in any state in 12 months (RSA 259:5-a). The place of business may be an office or a residence.
• Motorcycle dealer: Dealers in motorcycles and mopeds (RSA 261:113).
• Utility dealer: Dealers in trailers, farm and construction equipment, and manufactured housing (Saf-C 2008).
• Automotive recycling dealer: Businesses that recycle vehicles for parts (Saf-C 2005).
• Repairer and transporter registrations: Repair businesses and vehicle transporters that need repair or transporter plates (Saf-C 2006 and Saf-C 2007).

Surety bond. RSA 261:98 requires a $25,000 bond. A separate bond is needed for each place of business, including each name and community where you do business (RSA 261:98; Saf-C 2003.02(h)). A certificate of deposit or an irrevocable letter of credit may be filed instead of a bond. A claim against the bond needs a final judgment, and the surety must give 60 days' notice before it cancels. An older section, RSA 261:100 (last changed in 1998), still lists lower amounts based on years in business, but the Department of Safety's dealer rules require the bond under RSA 261:98 (Saf-C 2003.02(h) and 2003.06(a)(3)).

Insurance. We found no liability or garage insurance requirement for a dealer license in RSA 261:103-a or the Saf-C 2000 dealer rules.

Place of business. A retail dealer needs an established place of business in New Hampshire (RSA 259:29-a; Saf-C 2003.03). It must be a permanent, enclosed commercial building that is open to the public and meets local zoning and building rules. The building must be at least 750 square feet or be primarily dedicated to selling vehicles. Post a sign with the business name in letters at least 10 inches high, unless local zoning prohibits it. Dealers who share a building must be separated by a permanent wall. Keep regular business hours, which the rules define as at least 35 hours a week (Saf-C 2001.15), and keep records for 3 years. The rules reviewed set no size for a display lot.

Background check. Each member, partner, officer, or director must give a certified copy of his or her criminal record with the application (Saf-C 2003.02(c)), and the applicant must state whether it has ever been subject to a civil judgment (Saf-C 2003.02(d)). RSA 261:103-a provides for a criminal history check. Under Saf-C 2002.05, a license can be denied for a conviction for extortion, forgery, a fraud-related crime, theft, or embezzlement in the past 10 years, for more than one past suspension, for any past revocation, or for unpaid fines.

Pre-license education. Required. Approved courses and details.

1. Find a permanent, enclosed commercial building in New Hampshire that meets Saf-C 2003.03 and local zoning, and put up a sign with 10-inch letters.
2. Get a $25,000 dealer bond, or a certificate of deposit or letter of credit, for each place of business (RSA 261:98).
3. Get a certified copy of the criminal record for each member, partner, officer, or director.
4. File the dealer application (RDMV 735) with your lease, bond, list of people allowed to buy temporary plates, civil judgment statement, and the $250 license fee.
5. Wait for your town or city to confirm zoning compliance, which takes at least 10 working days.
6. Pass the department's review and on-site check of your place of business.
7. Attend the DMV's dealer overview session when your license is issued (Saf-C 2003.07).
8. Pay for dealer registration plates: $400 for the first plate and $24 for each additional plate.

Official forms:

• Dealer license application (RDMV 735)

New Hampshire sets no display lot size for retail dealers, but they need a permanent, enclosed commercial building that is open to the public. An auto wholesale dealer, who sells only to other dealers, may use an office or a residence where the business is conducted, mail is received, and records are kept (RSA 259:29-a II).

Dealer-only auctions sell only to licensed dealers, so you need a dealer license to buy there. AuctionACCESS (auctionaccess.com) restricts membership to licensed, credentialed vehicle dealers and their authorized representatives.

Dealer licenses run on a 2-year cycle and expire March 31 of even-numbered years. Renew on the dealer application (RDMV 735) with the license fee and report any changes (Saf-C 2003.08). When you renew your dealer registration, also report your plate inventory and any lost or stolen plates (Saf-C 2003.11).

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm the details with the New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles 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 New Hampshire.