Missouri Motor Vehicle Dealer License Requirements – 2025 Overview
Anyone regularly buying, selling, or dealing in motor vehicles in Missouri must obtain a dealer license from the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). This overview focuses on standard motor vehicle dealers.
Important: This is an unofficial summary. Always confirm current requirements with the Missouri DOR and the Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division.
1. Who regulates dealers in Missouri?
Dealer licenses are issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division.
- Regulator: Missouri DOR – Motor Vehicle and Driver Licensing Division
- Dealer Operating Manual: Missouri Dealer and Business Operating Manual (PDF)
2. Missouri dealer license types (high level)
Missouri issues several types of dealer licenses, including:
- Motor vehicle dealer
- Powersport dealer
- Boat and trailer dealer
- Franchised dealers and other specialized categories
Bond requirements and some application details can vary by category; check the Dealer Operating Manual for specifics.
3. Business location, photographs, and sign requirements
Missouri requires an established place of business with sufficient facilities to operate as a dealership.
- A permanent business office where records are maintained.
- A vehicle display lot appropriate for your license type.
- A permanent exterior business sign displaying the dealership name.
- Applicants must submit photographs (commonly 5×7" to 8×10") showing the building, lot, and sign as part of the application.
4. Entity, taxes, $50,000 bond, and insurance
4.1 Business entity and tax registration
- Form your entity and, if required, register with the Missouri Secretary of State.
- Obtain a FEIN and register for Missouri sales tax with the Department of Revenue.
4.2 $50,000 dealer surety bond
Before a dealer license is granted, Missouri requires an original dealer surety bond. Recent guidance indicates that the standard bond amount for licensed motor vehicle dealers is $50,000, increased from prior levels.
- The bond must be executed by a surety authorized in Missouri and filed with the DOR on the proper form.
- Dealers who deliver vehicles with an agreement to transfer title within a set period may be subject to higher bond requirements in certain cases; check the Operating Manual.
4.3 Insurance
- Maintain adequate liability insurance for the dealership and dealer plates, as required by Missouri law.
5. Missouri dealer license application process
While the detailed steps are laid out in the Dealer and Business Operating Manual, a typical process includes:
- Determine the dealer license type you need (motor vehicle, powersport, boat, etc.).
- Form your entity, obtain tax IDs, and secure a compliant location with office, lot, and sign.
- Gather required photographs of the building, lot, and sign.
- Arrange your $50,000 dealer surety bond and liability insurance.
- Complete the dealer license application (such as Form 4682 or its successor for your license type).
- Submit your application package and fees to the Missouri DOR.
- Respond to any follow–up requests and prepare for any site or records inspections.
6. After approval: ongoing Missouri dealer compliance
- Renew your dealer license, surety bond, and insurance on schedule.
- Maintain your business location, including sign, lot, and office, as originally approved.
- Follow rules for issuing temporary permits, using dealer plates, and transferring titles on time.
- Keep required records and cooperate with audits or inspections as outlined in the Operating Manual.