New Hampshire Auto Dealer License Guide

Auto dealer licenses are handled by the Department of Safety Division of Motor Vehicles. License applications must be submitted to your local DMV division.

Determine Which Type of License You Need:

  • Retail Vehicle: If you sell 5 or more cars per year to the general public
  • Transporter: If you transport vehicles for clients
  • Automotive Recycling: If you sell/remodel used cars
  • Repairer: If you repair vehicles
  • Utility: If you sell/exchange trailers, tractors, construction and farm equipment, modular buildings, manufactured housing
  • Wholesale: If you sell motor vehicles to licensed dealerships
auto-dealer-license
How to get your Auto Dealer License

Complete Guide for All 50 States

1

Submit a Criminal History Background Check

The state of New Hampshire requires all dealership owners to submit a state criminal history background check. This should be attached to your Dealer License Application and your surety bond.

Fee: $25.00

Note: Out of state applicants must submit both a New Hampshire background check and a background check from their home state.

2

Obtain a Permanent Business Location

Your business location must meet the following requirements:

  • A permanent structure of 750 sq ft or larger, primarily dedicated to the business of selling vehicles
  • A sign with your dealership name, visible from the nearest roadway. Sign letters must be 10 inches in height.
  • A single business location with a Registration Certificate
  • A permanent heating system
  • Electrical outlets conforming to New Hampshire state code
  • Have publicly posted regular business hours. The dealership must be open no fewer than 37.5 hrs/week.

Note: Dirt floors are permitted only at dealerships for heavy equipment and farming equipment.

3

Obtain Your Auto Dealer Bond

The cost of an auto dealer bond is a small percentage of the total bond amount. The bond cost varies depending on your financial strength, e.g. personal credit. You can also take a look at our most frequently asked surety bond questions.

  • Fill out our online application form to obtain a free bond quote for your auto dealer license. It takes 5 minutes and you will be able to lock your rate for the next 90 days (in case you want to purchase the bond).

Auto dealers in New Hampshire are required to obtain a surety bond in order to become licensed.

Bond Amount Required: $25,000.

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4

Establish an Agreement With a Service Facility

All dealerships in New Hampshire must have a service agreement with a nearby garage or repair facility. Applicants must complete the Original Service Agreement.

5

Submit Your Dealer License Application

Fill out the Application for Retail Dealer License and Registration and send it along with all required fees and supporting documentation.

Fee: $125

Send your completed application to:  

Department of Safety

New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles

33 Hazen Drive

Concord, NH 03305

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