Get a Missouri Dealer License-Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Complete a Pre-Licensing Seminar

All applicants for a Missouri dealer license must attend a 4 hour pre-license seminar. An original certificate must be submitted with your application. (Used Motor Vehicle Dealers Only)

Step 2: Find a Bona Fide Business Location

Check to see if your chosen location is approved for auto sales by the city or county zoning department prior to purchasing or signing a rental agreement.
Location must have a separate sales office when sales are completed and records are kept.
Exterior sign must carry the name of the business in letters at least 6 inches in height and clearly visible to the public.
Location must have a designated lot for displaying inventory for sale.
Location must pass an inspection from the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Step 3: Determine Company Structure and Register with the State

Company name, DBA, or fictious name must be registered with the Missouri Secretary of State. Make sure all other applications and signage match the registered name EXACTLY!

First you will have to create an account if you don't have one. Then log in and create business filing for the entity type.

Step 4: Obtain a Criminal Background Check

A criminal record is required to be uploaded for each owner listed on the dealer license application. This cannot be more than six months old.

You must obtain the record by using the Highway patrol's MACHS system. Keep in mind you may setup one account and request multiple records for that account.

If any of the owners is not a Missouri resident they must submit a background check from their states background investigation bureau.

Step 5: Garage Liability Insurance

You must provide proof of insurance via a certificate of insurance for a garage liability policy. Garage Liability policies can be quoted and purchased fastest through Dealer Insurance Services

Step 6: Dealer Surety Bond

Dealers must file a surety bond with their application for a new license as well as when renewing their license. Surety bonds can be quoted and purchased from the company below.

Dealer Insurance Services

$50,000 bond or $100,000 bond

**Make sure the business name is exactly the same on the bond from step 3!

Step 7: Obtain Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)

Obtain a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN from Internal Revenue System) or Social Security Number and Affidavit. Sole Proprietors with no employees and partnerships can submit proof of identification instead of a FEID number.
This is done on www.irs.gov

Step 8: Compile All Documents and Complete Online Application

Compile all relevant documents from the above steps and verify that everything is correct.
Once you have all the steps above completed visit the link below for My DMV at the link below and complete the online application.

https://mydmv.mo.gov/businessLicensing/Dealer/NewApp

Missouri Dealer License FAQ

Who issues Missouri dealer licenses?

The Missouri Department of Revenue licenses motor vehicle dealers under sections 301.550 to 301.580, RSMo. New and renewal applications are filed online through the Department’s MyDMV business licensing portal.

When do I need a Missouri dealer license?

You must be licensed by the Department of Revenue when you sell, barter, exchange, or lease with the option to purchase eight or more motor vehicles in a calendar year.

Does every applicant need the 4-hour pre-license seminar?

No. The seminar is required for used motor vehicle dealers applying for a license for the first time, and it must be completed within the 12 months before applying. Wholesale dealers, new motor vehicle franchise dealers, new franchise powersport dealers, auto auctions, used dealers licensed before August 28, 2006, and applicants who already hold a dealer license for a separate dealership are exempt. The certificate is issued by the seminar provider in the dealership’s name.

What does the business location need?

A permanent enclosed building, owned or leased and occupied as your place of business, where your books and records are kept; an exterior sign with the business name in letters at least six inches high; a display area or lot that is not a public street; and posted business hours of at least 20 hours per week on at least four days, Monday through Saturday. A law enforcement officer must complete the Inspection and Certification (Form 5748).

How recent does the criminal record check need to be?

Each owner needs a name-based criminal record from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s MACHS system, issued within six months of the license being issued or renewed. Owners who live in another state submit a record from their home state.

Why does the bond say $50,000 or $100,000?

Licensed dealers file a $50,000 corporate surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit. A dealer who wants to deliver vehicles under a written agreement to pass the title within 30 days must instead file a bond or letter of credit of at least $100,000.

When do Missouri dealer licenses expire?

Dealer licenses expire on December 31 of the license period. To be eligible for renewal, motor vehicle dealers must make at least eight sales per year.

Last reviewed: November 9, 2026

Requirements may change. Confirm current requirements with the Missouri Department of Revenue and the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

How To Get A Missouri Dealer License:A Step by Step Guide