Licensing Process
Salesperson Licensing Process
- The first step to becoming a salesperson to take a test at any of DMV’s customer service centers.
- Once the applicant passes the test, they may apply for a license. As the license is issued in the name of the dealership, the applicant must apply through a particular dealership where he/she will be working. The quickest way to complete the licensing process is to send the application materials and payment directly to the Board’s office. The license application materials and payment of licensing fees may also be done through a DMV customer service center.
- A criminal background check is performed on every initial application. The Board uses an automated/on-line criminal history check service and can process an application in one or two days, provided the applicant has a clean criminal record.
- Applications left at the Board’s Office and which have a "clean" criminal record are generally mailed to the dealership within one week. Arrangements may also be made to pick the license up at the Board Office.
Dealer Licensing Process - How To Become A Car Dealer In The Commonwealth Of Virginia
The Basics
Thank you for your interest in becoming a dealer in the Commonwealth of Virginia!
The 1995 General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted legislation to shift the regulation and oversight of the new and used motor vehicle dealer industry from the Department of Motor Vehicles, to a professional board. Oversight and regulation of motorcycle, trailer, and recreational dealers continues to be performed by DMV.
The Motor Vehicle Dealer Board's mission is to:
Administer sections of the Commonwealth's Motor Vehicle Dealer Laws and regulations as charged; promote the best interests of both the automotive consumer and dealer body; and process all motor vehicle related complaints promptly and professionally; while providing a high level of customer service.
Generally, to become a dealer, you must meet the following requirements:
- Satisfy all local zoning regulations in your chosen locality.
- Have sales, service, and office space devoted exclusively to the dealership
of at least 250 square feet in a permanent, enclosed building not used as
a residence.
- House all records the dealer is required to maintain by §
46.2-1529, Code of Virginia.
- Equip your office space with a desk, chairs, filing space, a working telephone
listed in the name of the dealership, and working utilities including electricity
and provisions for space heating.
- Display business hours and a sign as required by §
46.2-1533 and §
46.2-1534, Code of Virginia, respectively. A dealer must be open a minimum
of 20 hours per week. 10 of these hours must be between 9am. - 5pm. Monday
through Friday.
- Have contiguous space designated for the exclusive use of the dealer adequate
to permit the display of at least ten vehicles.
- Pass the required dealer test administered at your local area Department
of Motor Vehicle, Customer Service Center. A study guide may be found and
downloaded from our website.
- Secure a $50,000 bond.
- Complete and submit to the board all necessary application forms, which
can be found and downloaded from our website.
- Pay fees totaling about $600.00.
- Used Car News Stories on Becoming a Dealer.
- New Dealer Requirements Checklist.
Beginning January 1, 2006, the dealer-operator of any new independent motor vehicle dealership will be required to successfully complete a course of study before they will be allowed to take the independent dealer-operator qualification test at any DMV Customer Service Center.
The Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association (VIADA) have teamed up to present a two-day course each month at one of the many College campuses throughout the state.
The dealer-operator of any new independent motor vehicle dealership is required to successfully complete a course of study before they will be allowed to take the independent dealer-operator qualification test at any DMV Customer Service Center. “Grandfathered” dealer-operators, title clerks and salespersons are encouraged to take the course as well.
Course Schedule
2010
February 9 & 10 – Northern Virginia Community College, Reston
Contact: Claire Wynn; 703-450-2551; www.nvcc.edu/loudoun/continuing
February 23 & 24 - Paul D. Camp Community College, Franklin
Contact: Renee Brown; 757-569-6050, www.pdc.edu/workforce-development
March 9 & 10 - Lord Fairfax Community College, Middletown
Contact: Registration; 540-868-7021; www.lfccworkforce.com
March 23 & 24 - Community College Workforce Alliance at J. Sargeant Reynolds - Community College, North Run Campus, Henrico, County Contact: Sandy Jones; 804-523-2292; www.ccwa.vccs.edu
April 6 & 7 - Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave
Contact: Lisa or Sandy; 540-453-2215; www.brcc.edu
April 20 & 21 - Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke
Contact: Tina Trudeau; 540-857-6676; www.virginiawestern.edu
May 4 & 5 – Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton
Contact: WTCE Customer Service; 757-825-2937; www.tncc.edu
May 19 & 19 - Germanna Community College, Fredericksburg
Contact: Susan Brown; 540-891-3012; www.gcc.vccs.edu/workforce
June 8 & 9 - Danville Community College, Danville
Contact: Melissa Cross; 434-797-6437; www.dcc.vccs.edu/workforce
Registration materials and information are available from each of the Community Colleges’ WEB site or by calling the individual college. The cost must be submitted by check or credit card, payable to the college, and submitted with the registration. View New Dealer Requirements a complete checklist (PDF) | (Text Version)
The cost is $325 and must be submitted by check or credit card, payable to the college, and submitted with the registration. NOTE: The cost will be $325 if you register at least two weeks prior to the date of the course and $375 if you register within two weeks of the first day of the course.
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Updated: February 2, 2010