How to Get an Auto/Boat Dealer License in Ohio

It is illegal in Ohio to sell vehicles without a license. Anyone who wishes to sell or display motor vehicles for sale must apply for a dealer license from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Those who wish to sell boats must obtain a watercraft license from the State of Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Instructions

Obtain an Auto License

1. Determine the type of auto license that you need by reviewing the regulations of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The auto dealer license types include auction owner, camping trailer dealer, expanded display site, leasing motor vehicle dealer, new all-purpose vehicle dealer, new motorcycle dealer, new motor vehicle dealer, new motor vehicle distributor, salvage motor vehicle auction, salvage motor vehicle, dealer, salvage motor vehicle pool, used all-purpose vehicle dealer and used motor vehicle dealer.

2. Click on the link to the form for that license type. This is usually located above the list of dealer requirements. Ensure that you satisfy the requirements for the license that you need.

3. Complete the form, which you can do online. Otherwise, print the form and fill it out.

4. Have your fingerprints taken. You may have your fingerprints electronically scanned at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles Service Center or at a private facility. Have your results sent to:

   Dealer Licensing Section
   P.O. Box 16521
   Columbus, Ohio 43216 - 6521

5. Submit the form with the appropriate fee to:

   Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
   Attn: Dealer Licensing Section
   P.O. Box 16521
   Columbus, Ohio 43216-6521

Obtain a Boat Dealer License

1. Visit the website for the State of Ohio Department of Natural Resources and download the "Application for Watercraft Dealer License"

2. Complete the form. Supply the names, titles and phone numbers for each owner, partner or office corporation, if applicable. You will need a Federal Tax Identification Number and an Ohio Vendor’s License Number. Out-of-state applicants must provide an Ohio Sellers Use Tax Certificate number and first-time applicants must include a copy of an Ohio Sellers Use Tax Certificate of Registration. Corporations should supply a Charter or Incorporation Number. If your company is a manufacturer, provide a United States Coast Guard Manufacturer’s Identification Code number, along with a letter on the company’s letterhead that identifies you as a representative or a copy of the letter that the United States Coast Guard used to provide your assigned number. Sign the form in the presence of a notary public.

3. Mail the form and the application fees to:

   State of Ohio Department of Natural Resources
   Division of Watercraft
   2045 Morse Road, Building A
   Columbus, Ohio 43229

References

• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Dealer Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources: About the Division of Watercraft

Resources

• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Ohio BMV Dealer Forms
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Application for Ohio Watercraft Dealer License