Ohio Auto Dealer License Guide

Your business location must meet these requirements:

• Easily accessible and identifiable as a dealership
• The display lot must be at least 3,500 square feet
• New Motor Vehicle Dealers must have space under the roof for displaying at least one vehicle
• New Motor Vehicle Dealers must have space under the roof for servicing and repairing at least one vehicle
• Permanent office of at least 180 square feet
• A sign must be visible showing the name on your application. The letters need to 123 be at least 6” in height.
• You must submit photographs showing the lot, the office (inside and outside) and the sign. Photographs may be submitted by mail or emailed to: [email protected]
• Your location must meet local zoning regulations; check the requirements with your local zoning regulator and have your location approved.

You are required to pass a physical inspection of your retail location. Don’t forget to send in the pictures of your business location prior to the inspection.

Note: After your license is issued, the dealership will be subject to random inspections.

All partners, the president, owner and any partners owning more than a 10% share of the business need to be electronically fingerprinted. The results must be sent electronically as a direct copy to BMV Dealer Licensing from a WebCheck location

• Vendor number, obtained through your county Auditor’s Office
• Federal Tax ID Number or Employer Identification Number (FEIN), obtained through the IRS

Submit your completed application form with all required documentation and fees.

Fees:

• Permit: $50.00
• Master plate: $50.25
• Title Defect Rescission Fund: $150
• $10.25 per additional plate
• Postage for plates: $4.50 (only one postage fee applies even if multiple plates are requested)

Additional fees may apply. Contact the Dealer Licensing Section for more information.

Mail your completed application to:

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attention: Dealer Licensing Section
P.O. Box 16521
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521