How to Become a Car Dealer in Missouri
If you sell more than six cars or other motor vehicles for profit within a year's time in the state of Missouri, you must apply for a Missouri vehicle dealer license. Selling vehicles titled for your business or antique cars more than 25 years old exempts you from this requirement to register as a Missouri car dealer. The process of obtaining a Missouri dealer's license is not difficult, but you must pay attention to the details as you apply for your license from the Missouri Department of Revenue.
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Instructions
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Pick up a Missouri vehicle dealer license application at your local motor vehicle office. This packet contains the forms you need to fill out as well as information you need to present as part of your application packet.
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Complete the application. It asks for information regarding the name of the business and its physical address and telephone number. You must also indicate if you wish to be a wholesale dealer, sell automobiles at auction or make and sell your own vehicles. Indicate on the application how many dealers' plates you anticipate needing, and whether the plates are for automobiles or motorcycles. Three plates come with the dealer's license and you receive more based on the number of vehicles sold. Check the type of vehicle you plan to sell.
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Prepare the necessary information for a criminal background check conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for each name on the Missouri dealer's license. The application requires names, addresses and social security numbers of persons listed as owners of the car dealership. Include a check for $10.00 for each name submitted, as of 2010.
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Confirm by signature that the business carries the appropriate liability insurance. The vehicles for sale must have liability insurance, and the garage and the property the business sits on has to have appropriate insurance as well. You must also carry a surety bond worth $25,000. Include proof of insurance and bonding in the application packet.
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Include certification that you are operating a bona fide business registered with the Missouri Secretary of State's office. The certification includes an inspection by a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer and verifies that your dealership has a building with a display area, a sign with the name of your business and business hours.
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Take a photograph of your place of business and include it in the registration packet. The photo should show the building, lot and signage.
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Show proof of completion of a dealer educational seminar. Although you must complete the other steps each year to renew your dealer's permit, you only have to attend the seminar one time.
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Pay the $150.00 license fee. Each dealer's license plate costs $50.00. These fees are in addition to the criminal background check fees. Include the appropriate checks in the application packet. These fee amounts are as of 2010.
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References
- Photo Credit Red cars image by Catabu from Fotolia.com
