Alaska Used Vehicle Dealer License Requirements – 2025 Overview

1. Who licenses dealers in Alaska?

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles licenses motor vehicle dealers, including new, used, wholesale, and motorcycle dealers. Most used vehicle dealers work directly with the DMV's Dealer Services group.

• Regulator: Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Official dealer licensing site: https://dmv.alaska.gov/dealer-information/

2. Common dealer license types

Common Alaska license categories include:

• New Motor Vehicle Dealer – sells new vehicles under franchise agreements and may also sell used units.
• Used Motor Vehicle Dealer – sells used vehicles to the public.
• Wholesale Dealer – sells only to other licensed dealers.
• Motorcycle-only Dealer – specializes in motorcycles; some requirements differ.

3. Education, background checks, and key people

• All owners and certain managers must complete a detailed Application for Dealer License and personal history information.
• Alaska DMV reviews criminal history, prior license actions, and financial responsibility before issuing a license.
• Government‑issued photo identification is required for each owner, partner, or officer.

4. Business location, office, and sign

To qualify as an Alaska dealership, your business location typically must:

• Be a permanent business location in Alaska (no P.O. box only).
• Include an enclosed office where you can securely store records and conduct sales.
• Provide a display area for vehicles offered for sale.
• Have a permanent sign in the dealership name, visible from the nearest public roadway.
• Comply with local zoning and land‑use rules; zoning letters or local permits may be required in the application.

5. Business entity, bond, and insurance

5.1 Business entity and Alaska business license

• Form your business entity (sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, or corporation) and register it with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business & Professional Licensing as required.
• Obtain an Alaska business license and any local sales tax accounts where applicable.
• Obtain a federal FEIN if you operate as anything other than a sole proprietor with no employees.

5.2 Dealer bond

• Alaska requires a dealer surety bond. The current DMV dealer packet explains the required bond amount and form. Many full dealers are required to post a high bond limit to protect consumers.
• The bond must be issued in the exact dealership name and signed by an owner or authorized officer.

5.3 Liability insurance

• Maintain garage liability or auto dealer liability insurance that meets state minimums for bodily injury and property damage.

6. High-level application steps

1. Determine your license type (new, used, wholesale, motorcycle‑only, etc.).
2. Form your entity, obtain your Alaska business license, FEIN, and local tax registrations.
3. Secure a compliant dealer location with office, display area, and signage; gather zoning or occupancy approvals.
4. Obtain your dealer surety bond and liability insurance on dealer‑specific policy forms.
5. Complete the Alaska Application for Dealer License and any supplemental forms listed in the dealer packet.
6. Submit the full packet, photos, bond, insurance, and fees to the Alaska DMV Dealer Services address.
7. Respond to any DMV questions and prepare for a site inspection if one is scheduled.

7. After approval: ongoing compliance

• Renew your Alaska dealer license, bond, insurance, and business license by their renewal dates.
• Maintain accurate records of all vehicle purchases, sales, titles, and temporary permits for the period required by Alaska law.
• Notify the DMV of changes in ownership, location, or business name before operating under the new structure.
• Follow state and federal rules for odometer disclosures, advertising, disclosure of rebuilt/salvage titles, and consumer protection.

8. Official Alaska resources

• Alaska DMV – Dealer Information
• Alaska Application for Dealer License (PDF)
• Alaska Interested Dealer Packet (PDF)