How to Get a Motor Vehicle Salesperson License in Colorado
This guide is for informational purposes only. SuretyBonds.com does not regulate or manage motor vehicle salesperson licenses in Colorado. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue for the latest official requirements.
How to Become a Vehicle Salesperson in Colorado
Getting a Colorado vehicle salesperson license can be a lengthy process because of the heavy regulation of the auto industry. But don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll lay out a clear, step-by-step process you can follow to become a vehicle salesperson in Colorado.
How Do I Get a Motor Vehicle Salesperson License in Colorado?
To apply for your salesperson license, you must be employed by a car dealer. They need to complete part of the application, so make sure you secure employment first. Use the salesperson application information checklist to double check that you complete each step correctly.
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
To start the licensing process, fill out the standard application form. The following steps will help you compile all of the additional documents needed.
Step 2: Take the Mastery Exam
The mastery exam is a 90 minute examination with 60 questions that you need to pass with at least an 85%. It is an open book exam and free to take online.
You also need to find an exam administrator to supervise. They can be a licensed Colorado dealer or a DOR-approved third party. The DOR will send an access code to your chosen administrator. After passing, complete the exam affidavit form with your administrator.
Step 3: Purchase a Surety Bond
Next, buy a $15,000 Colorado motor vehicle salesperson bond. The bond protects your customers from misconduct or fraudulent business practices and ensures that you comply with Colorado Revised Statutes 44-20-101.
You can get your vehicle salesperson bond instantly online today at SuretyBonds.com for a flat rate of $150.
Step 4: Complete Background Check
Before submitting your application, you must complete a background check. To do this, you’ll need verifiable fingerprints, which can be done at various Colorado locations.
After getting fingerprints taken, complete a fingerprint verification form and include a fingerprint appointment receipt OR two valid fingerprint cards. You’ll also need to include a scan of a valid ID.
Step 5: Submit Application
Next, pay the DOR’s vehicle salesperson license application fee. The fee amount changes every year on July 1.
Finally, gather your completed application and the following documents:
- Examination affidavit
- Copy of $15,000 surety bond
- Fingerprint verification
- Copy of legal ID
- Court documents, if applicable
To avoid delaying your application processing time, double check that you have all of the required documents and ensure that your printed application is on 8.5” x 11” paper, single-sided with no staples.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Car Salesperson in CO?
It can take up to 120 days for the Department of Revenue to fully process your Colorado vehicle salesperson application. You’ll be issued a temporary license during that waiting period.
If your application is denied, you will receive a notice of denial and must stop all operations immediately. You’ll have 60 days to appeal the decision.
Note: Applicants with licensing problems or disciplinary actions on their records from the past five years will not be granted a temporary license.
How to Renew Your Motor Vehicle Salesperson License
The Colorado motor vehicle salesperson license lasts for one year and expires at the end of the renewal month. For example, if you receive your license on July 7, 2026, it will expire on July 31, 2027.
The Colorado Automotive Industry Division (AID) will send a renewal packet to your dealer 30 days before your expiration date. If you don’t receive your packet by that date, contact the AID office immediately.
This packet will include the specific steps and documents required to renew your license. You do not need to re-take the mastery exam. Submit your renewal application packet to AID before the license expiration date to avoid late fees. If you are more than 30 days late, your original license will be terminated.
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Colorado Car Salesperson?
The upfront cost to get your salesperson license is around $353. The typical fees include your surety bond premium and the application fee.
With SuretyBonds.com, the surety bond premium is $150 for all applicants. The application fee was $203 in the 2025-26 licensing cycle but varies by year.
For renewals, you will need to renew your surety bond and pay the renewal fee, which was $157 in the most current cycle. Use the DOR’s page to check the updated application and renewal fee amounts.
More Vehicle Salesperson Licensing FAQs
How much does an average car salesman make in Colorado?
The average salary for a Colorado car salesperson is around $40,000 a year, with some salaries going as high as $105,000, according to ZipRecruiter.
What if I have a criminal record?
You must submit all information about criminal or felony charges in your lifetime and any misdemeanor charges from the past 10 years. You are allowed to explain any criminal charges, excluding the ones included in the statutes listed below, in a written correspondence.
All court documents must be attached to your application. You can not hold a license if you have been convicted of a felony within the last 3 years in accordance with Colorado Statutes Articles 3, 4, and 5 of Title 18.
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
