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Dealer License by State
North Dakota used dealer license overview
Unofficial summary – verify with state regulator

North Dakota Used Vehicle Dealer License Requirements – 2025 Overview

Anyone regularly engaged in buying, selling, or trading vehicles in North Dakota must be licensed as a dealer by the Motor Vehicle Division. This summary focuses on used vehicle dealers.

Important: This is a general summary only. Always confirm the latest requirements, forms, and fees on the official state web pages before applying.

1. Who licenses dealers in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) licenses motor vehicle and trailer dealers statewide.

  • Regulator: North Dakota Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Division, Dealer Services
  • Official dealer licensing site: https://www.dot.nd.gov/

2. Common dealer license types

North Dakota dealer license types include:

  • New and Used Vehicle Dealer
  • Wholesale Dealer
  • Motorcycle or Trailer Dealer

3. Education, background checks, and key people

  • Applicants must identify all owners and partners and disclose prior license or criminal history.
  • MVD reviews the application for fitness, financial responsibility, and compliance with North Dakota law.

4. Business location, office, and sign

To qualify, your North Dakota dealership location must:

  • Be a permanent business location with a physical address.
  • Include an office where records are kept and transactions take place.
  • Provide a display area for vehicles.
  • Have a permanent sign in the dealership name, visible from the highway or primary access road.
  • Comply with local zoning and occupancy regulations.

5. Business entity, bond, and insurance

5.1 Entity registration and tax

  • Form your business entity and register any trade names with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
  • Obtain required state tax registrations and a federal FEIN.

5.2 Dealer bond and insurance

  • North Dakota requires dealers to post a surety bond in an amount defined by statute and described in MVD dealer materials.
  • Maintain liability insurance that covers dealer plate use and lot operations.

6. High-level application steps

  1. Select the correct dealer license type for your business.
  2. Form your business entity and obtain tax IDs.
  3. Secure a compliant business location with office, display area, and sign.
  4. Arrange your dealer surety bond and liability insurance.
  5. Complete the North Dakota Dealer License Application and attach required documents.
  6. Submit the packet to the Motor Vehicle Division and schedule any required inspection.

7. After approval: ongoing compliance

  • Renew your North Dakota dealer license, bond, and insurance before expiration.
  • Maintain accurate records of all vehicle purchases, sales, and titles.
  • Notify MVD of changes to ownership, location, or trade name.
  • Follow North Dakota laws on temporary tags, title processing, and consumer protection.