Mississippi Used Vehicle Dealer License Requirements – 2025 Overview

1. Who licenses used vehicle dealers in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, used and wholesale motor vehicle dealers are licensed by the Department of Revenue through the Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau. New dealers are licensed by the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission.

• Regulator: Mississippi Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau
• Official dealer licensing hub: https://www.dor.ms.gov/motor-vehicle/dealers-and-designated-agents

2. Common dealer license types

Common license categories include:

• Used Motor Vehicle Dealer – sells used vehicles to the public.
• Wholesale Dealer – sells vehicles only to other licensed dealers.
• New Vehicle Dealer – licensed separately by the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission.

3. Education, background checks, and key personal requirements

• Mississippi typically requires a pre‑licensing dealer training class for applicants seeking a dealer permit.
• Applicants and principal owners may have to submit to background checks and disclose prior license or criminal history.
• You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license.

4. Business location, office, and sign

To qualify for a dealer permit, your location must generally include:

• A permanent business location in Mississippi, with a physical street address.
• A dedicated office area where records are maintained.
• A suitable display lot for vehicles offered for sale.
• A business sign with the dealership name, visible from the roadway.
• Evidence of compliance with local zoning and occupancy rules (zoning letters or permits).

5. Business entity, bond, and insurance

5.1 Business entity and tax accounts

• Form your business entity and register it with the Mississippi Secretary of State if required.
• Obtain a federal FEIN and Mississippi tax registration / sales tax number.

5.2 Bond of Designated Agent

• Used and wholesale dealers licensed by the Department of Revenue must file a Bond of Designated Agent, commonly in the amount of $15,000 for a single location.
• The bond must be issued by an insurer licensed in Mississippi and filed on the state’s required form.

5.3 Insurance

• Maintain motor vehicle liability insurance that meets state minimums and covers dealer use of vehicles.

6. High-level application steps

1. Complete dealer education / pre‑licensing training if required.
2. Form your business entity and obtain FEIN and Mississippi tax IDs.
3. Secure a compliant lot, office, and sign, and gather zoning approvals.
4. Obtain your $15,000 Bond of Designated Agent and liability insurance.
5. Download and complete the Motor Vehicle Dealer License Packet from the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
6. Submit the completed packet, supporting documents, and fees to the Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau.

7. After you are licensed: ongoing compliance

• Dealer permits and tags typically expire annually; renew on time to avoid lapses.
• Maintain current bond and insurance and notify the state of changes in ownership or location.
• Follow Mississippi rules on titles, temporary tags, and sales documentation.
• Keep accurate records for all purchases, sales, and inventory.

8. Official Mississippi resources

• Mississippi DOR – Dealers and Designated Agents
• Mississippi Motor Vehicle Dealer License Packet (PDF)