How to get a South Carolina Motor Vehicle Dealer or Wholesaler License

How do I get a motor vehicle dealer or wholesaler license in South Carolina?

Step 1: Complete your dealer or wholesaler license application.

When filling out your Application for a Dealer or Wholesaler License (Form DLA-1) you must provide your business structure, dealership address, and employee information. You'll also have to estimate how many vehicles you expect to sell during your first year in business.

Step 2: Provide all required application documents.

• Each individual who owns 10% or more of the dealership must complete an Affidavit of Eligibility (Form AD-808A).
• Each individual who owns 10% or more of the dealership must complete and provide evidence of their SC Dealer Licensing Background Screen National Criminal Report, which costs $43.01.
• The South Carolina Department of Revenue requires all retail dealer licensees obtain a retail license, which is not the same as a business license. If you have multiple business locations, you must have a separate retail license for each location.
• You must provide city/county compliant documentation with your application, which could be a business license, zoning permit, business registration, or letter from city or county authorities that states a compliance document is not needed.
• All retail dealers must request a courtesy pre-inspection of their business location. Once your application has been processed by the SCDMV, an agent will contact you to schedule your inspection. You must meet certain requirements to pass the inspection depending on your status as a dealer or wholesaler. During your inspection, the agent will determine if your business and procedures qualify you as a motor vehicle dealer.

Step 3: Purchase your South Carolina motor vehicle dealer and wholesaler surety bond.

You must purchase and file a surety bond in the correct required amount for your South Carolina motor vehicle dealer and wholesaler license application. Your license type will determine your bond amount.

• Motor vehicle dealers, wholesalers, and recreational vehicle dealers must purchase a $30,000 surety bond.
• Motorcycle dealers, and motorcycle wholesalers must purchase a $15,000 surety bond.

You can apply for your South Carolina motor vehicle dealer and wholesaler bond online 24/7, with annual premiums starting at $150.

Effective January 1, 2024, South Carolina motor vehicle dealer and wholesaler surety bond amounts will increase to $50,000 for all dealers except motorcycle only dealers, whose bond amounts will increase to $25,000. If you don't increase your bond amount by January 1, 2024, your license will expire.

Step 4: Pay the required application fees.

The first time application license fee is $50, and the renewal application license fee is also $50. Plate fees cost $20 each but are not required at the time of application submission.

Step 5: Mail your application packet to the South Carolina DMV.

The Application for a Dealer or Wholesaler License Form DLA-1 specifically requires you to mail all forms and documents to the South Carolina DMV.

Standard Mail

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Dealer Licensing & Audit Unit
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016-0023

Overnight Mail

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Dealer Licensing & Audit Unit
10311 Wilson Blvd.
Building C
Blythewood, SC 29016-0023

Your South Carolina motor vehicle dealer or wholesaler license will be valid for 12 months and must be displayed prominently in your dealership. Each license applies to 1 dealer at 1 business location and cannot be transferred to any other dealer or location.

Do I need to complete a pre-licensing course?

Non-franchised motor vehicle dealers do need to complete an 8-hour pre-licensing course before they can be granted a license. You must submit your original certificate of course completion with your application packet.

Franchised dealers, motorcycle dealers, recreational vehicle dealers, wholesalers, and wholesale auctions do not need to complete a pre-licensing course.

When do I need to renew my South Carolina motor vehicle dealer or wholesaler license?

Your license expires 12 months from the month it was issued. You must renew your license to continue dealer operations. To renew your dealer or wholesaler license, complete and submit the following documents to your local DMV field office.

• DMV Form DLA-1: Application for Dealer or Wholesaler License
• DMV Form DLA-1C: Certification of Vehicles Sold by Dealer (required if purchasing dealer plates)