How to Become a Used Car Dealer in Georgia

Follow the eight steps below to get your dealer license from the Georgia State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers.

Step 1: Register the business

Contact the Department of Revenue to apply for a State Sales Tax Number. You’ll need to include this in your application. Also register your business entity and obtain your local business license at this phase.

Step 2: Establish a dealership location

As a used car dealer, you’ll need a permanent business location with a lot. Determine where you will run the business, and ensure that it meets zoning requirements as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 43-47-2(3). 

Once it’s ready, contact the Zoning Commissioner to request a zoning certification.

Step 3: Take the prelicensing seminar

Sign up for a Board-approved pre-licensing seminar. Below are the current approved pre-licensing and CE providers: 

• E-Learning Concepts, LLC
• Georgia Independent Automobile Dealers Assoc. (GIADA)
• Automobile Dealer Training Association
• Ron Widener Motor Vehicle Dealer Services

You can find their contact information and websites using the link above.

Step 4: Purchase bond and insurance

Next, you’ll need a surety bond and general liability insurance to protect you and your customers. Purchase a $35,000 Georgia auto dealer bond from a reputable surety agency like SuretyBonds.com. 

Also, find the best insurance policy for you that meets state liability requirements of a minimum of 50K/100K/25K, or a single limit of $125,000.

Step 5: Register for fingerprinting

Next, pre-register for fingerprinting at ga.state.identogo.com/ata. If you need a service code, contact the Board.

You must have an application on file before you can actually submit fingerprints, but pre-registering is mandatory.

Step 6: Submit application packet

Now, gather everything needed to complete the Georgia auto dealer license application. You’ll need the following materials: 

• Complete notarized application form
• Identification (see page 10 of application packet)
• Affidavits (included in application packet)
• Original surety bond form and power of attorney
• Original certificate of insurance
• Photographs of the dealership location (inside, outside, signage)
• Certificate of zoning compliance
• Proof of dealer education
• Legal and financial documents (sales tax ID,  
• $180 application fee payment 

Submit the application and all supporting documents. Make checks payable to the Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Board. 

Tip: Review the checklist on page 3 of the application packet to make sure everything is included before submitting.

Step 7: Submit fingerprints and pass background check

Once the Board verifies your application status with GAPS, you can complete your fingerprint scan at an IdentoGO Enrollment Center (or mail in a fingerprint card). The Board will review your background check results. 

Note: Fieldprint is no longer a provider for fingerprinting services. You must go through Idemia/IdentoGO instead.

Step 8: Pass final location inspection

Finally, the Board will set up a preliminary inspection of your dealership business location. Do not submit the application until your location is ready for inspection. 

After passing each of these steps and receiving your Used Motor Vehicle Dealers License, contact the Master Dealers Tag office at (404) 362-6500 to get your dealer tags.

How to Renew Your Dealer License

Georgia dealer licenses last for two years and expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. For example, if you get licensed in November 2026, you’ll need to renew by September 30, 2028. Just follow these basic steps to renew your license:

1. Complete 6 hours of continuing education.
2. Renew through the online licensing portal.
3. Pay the $150 renewal fee.

Make sure your surety bond and insurance policies are also renewed and up-to-date.

If you don’t renew by November 1 of even-numbered years, you’ll need to reinstate your license, which includes a $420 fee and submitting a whole new application.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Auto Dealer in Georgia?

The Board will review your application at a Board meeting. These occur at least six times each year. Apply at least 15 days prior to the next meeting to ensure you are added to the upcoming agenda. 

You can check your application status anytime through the Board’s License Verification page. If you see no updates after 15 days, contact the Board to make sure there are no deficiencies. Applications must be completed within 60 days or they will be withdrawn from the system.