Oregon Motor Vehicle Dealer License Requirements – 2025 Overview
The Business Regulation and Oregon Dealer Services Section of Oregon DMV oversees motor vehicle dealer licensing. Most applicants must complete pre-license education, meet business location standards, and apply for a three-year dealer certificate.
Important: This page is an unofficial summary. Always consult current Oregon DMV instructions and administrative rules before applying or renewing.
1. Who regulates dealers in Oregon?
Dealer licensing is handled by the Business Regulation and Oregon Dealer Services Section of the Oregon DMV.
- Regulator: DMV Business Regulation and Oregon Dealer Services
- About Business Regulation and Dealer Services: DMV Business Regulation and Oregon Dealer Services
- Instructions for becoming a dealer: Instructions for Becoming a Dealer – Oregon DMV
2. Pre-license education
Oregon requires most dealer applicants to complete an approved pre-license education course before they submit an application for a dealer certificate.
- Complete the DMV-approved pre-license course for Oregon dealers.
- Retain the course certificate and include proof with your application.
3. Dealer certificate types
The main credential for operating as an auto dealer in Oregon is the three-year vehicle dealer certificate.
- Dealers apply using the Application for Three Year Vehicle Dealer Certificate (Form 735-370), available on the DMV website.
- Additional forms are available for other business arrangements or specialty operations, as listed under Business Regulation forms.
4. Business location and facility standards
A dealer must operate from a compliant business location that meets Oregon’s dealer location regulations.
- A physical place of business where records are maintained and customers can be served.
- Display area for vehicles offered for sale.
- Business sign and any additional local zoning or occupancy approvals.
Oregon administrative rules provide detailed standards for dealer locations and outline what to do if you move or change the business name.
5. Business setup, bond, and insurance
5.1 Entity and tax registration
- Form your entity and register it with the Oregon Secretary of State if required.
- Obtain an Oregon Business Identification Number (BIN) and federal tax ID (FEIN) as needed.
5.2 Dealer bond and liability insurance
Oregon requires dealers to maintain both a surety bond and liability insurance. Application instructions and forms specify current bond amounts and minimum insurance levels.
- Obtain a dealer surety bond in the amount required for your license type.
- Secure liability insurance covering your operations and dealer plates.
- Include proof of both bond and insurance with your dealer certificate application.
6. Oregon dealer application process
The Oregon DMV outlines a step-by-step process for becoming a dealer. A typical sequence includes:
- Complete the required pre-license education course.
- Secure a compliant business location and verify local approvals.
- Form your entity and obtain state and federal tax IDs.
- Arrange your dealer bond and liability insurance.
- Complete the Application for Three Year Vehicle Dealer Certificate (Form 735-370) and any related Business Regulation forms.
- Submit your completed application and fees by mail or in person at DMV Headquarters, Business Licensing window.
- Wait for DMV review and approval; you may not operate as a dealer until your certificate is issued.
7. After approval: ongoing Oregon dealer compliance
- Renew your dealer certificate, bond, and insurance as required.
- Maintain your place of business and keep records as specified in Oregon administrative rules.
- Comply with requirements for title transfers, temporary permits, and disclosures.
- Notify DMV and file the appropriate form before moving your business or changing its name.