Motor Vehicle Dealer’s License

About

License authorizing a person to engage in the business of selling motor vehicles at retail. Allows registered dealers to use dealer license plates.

Code Citation IC 322, 322A, 321.57-321.60, 761 IAC 425

Who Applies Any person engaged or presumed to be engaged in the business of selling, or offering vehicles for sale, at retail in Iowa.

When To Apply Application must be made and a license issued before display or sales of vehicles begin.

Initial Requirements Business must be properly zoned, have an office and land line telephone. A display area and repair facility are required and the business must maintain regular business hours. If selling new vehicles a franchise from the manufacturer is required. An Iowa DOT investigator must conduct an on-site inspection of the facilities. To schedule an inspection, call (515)237-3050. A $75,000 surety bond is required. Applicants for a used motor vehicle dealer license must complete an eight-hour education course. Class locations and dates can be found at www.iowaiada.com.

Duration A dealer license is valid until the end of even-numbered years and must be renewed.

Processing Time Thirty days for review and five days for processing.

Fee Structure License: $70 Extension Lot License: $20 License Registration Fee: $70 (This fee is required if you intend on using dealer plates) Dealer Plates: $40 each

Renewal Requirements A five hour certification course is required to renew.

Exam N/A

Additional Information Any person engaged or presumed to be engaged in the business of selling, or offering vehicles for sale, at retail in Iowa.