Nebraska Used Vehicle Dealer License Requirements – 2025 Overview
Nebraska requires a dealer license if you sell or exchange motor vehicles on a regular basis. This page summarizes typical requirements for a used motor vehicle dealer license overseen by the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board.
Important: This is a general summary. Always confirm forms, fees, and rules on the official state website before you apply.
1. Who licenses used vehicle dealers in Nebraska?
Nebraska motor vehicle dealers are licensed by the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, which oversees new, used, trailer, motorcycle, auction, and wrecker/salvage dealers.
- Regulator: Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board
- Official dealer licensing hub: https://mvilb.nebraska.gov/home
2. Common dealer license types
The Board issues several dealer license types, including:
- Motor vehicle dealer (new and/or used vehicles, motorcycles, trailers).
- Trailer‑only dealer.
- Motorcycle‑only dealer.
- Auction dealer and wrecker/salvage dealer.
3. Education, background checks, and key personal requirements
- Applicants must disclose criminal and financial history and provide information on all owners and officers.
- Certain owners may be subject to background review; inaccurate or omitted information can delay approval.
4. Business location, office, and sign
To be approved, your Nebraska dealership site must generally:
- Qualify as an established place of business under the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Act.
- Include an enclosed office where business records are maintained.
- Provide a display area for vehicles offered for sale.
- Have a permanent dealer sign visible from the nearest roadway.
- Meet all local zoning requirements; zoning permits and photos are submitted with the application.
5. Business entity, bond, and insurance
5.1 Business entity and registration
- Form your business entity and register it through the Nebraska One‑Stop Business Registration Portal.
- Obtain a federal FEIN and any Nebraska tax IDs needed for sales tax collection.
5.2 Dealer bond and insurance
- Nebraska dealer license applicants must obtain a surety bond and garage liability insurance; the application instructions specify minimum coverage and how they must be worded.
6. High-level application steps
- Determine the appropriate Nebraska dealer license type (motor vehicle, trailer‑only, motorcycle‑only, etc.).
- Form your entity and complete state business and tax registrations.
- Secure a compliant dealership location and sign; obtain zoning approval and take photos.
- Arrange your dealer bond and liability insurance according to Board instructions.
- Complete the Nebraska Dealer License Application and attach all required documents.
- Submit the application electronically or by mail to the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board and prepare for inspection.
7. After you are licensed: ongoing compliance
- Pay the license fee after your application is approved and before the license is issued.
- Renew your license annually and keep your bond, insurance, and business data current.
- Maintain proper records and follow Nebraska rules on advertising, titles, and temporary permits.