What You Need to Know Before Starting

A Georgia dealer license lets you buy and sell vehicles as a business. The Georgia Department of Revenue issues these licenses, and the process involves paperwork, a physical location, and a background check. You cannot operate a dealership without one, and penalties for selling vehicles without a license include fines and criminal charges.

The timeline from start to approval typically runs four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you gather documents and how busy the Department of Revenue is at the time you explore. Most of the delay happens while they process your background check and verify your business location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a physical business location in Georgia with a street address — a mailbox or home address alone will not work.
  • The Department of Revenue requires a completed Form MV-1 process, proof of location ownership or lease, and a background check for all owners.
  • You will need a sales tax permit from the Georgia Department of Revenue before you can legally sell vehicles.
  • The process fee is $50, and you must renew your license every two years for a $25 renewal fee.
  • Some counties require additional local permits or zoning approval before the state will issue your dealer license.

Gather Your Business Location and Documents

Start by securing a physical location. This must be a street address where customers can visit and where you will keep inventory. The location can be a lot, a garage, or a storefront, but it cannot be a residential home, a PO box, or a virtual address. The Department of Revenue will verify the address exists and is zoned for vehicle sales.

Once you have the location, get proof of your right to use it. If you own the property, bring a deed or property tax bill. If you rent, bring a signed lease agreement that shows the landlord approves business use. The lease must be for at least one year. Include the property owner's or landlord's contact information — the Department of Revenue may call to confirm.

You will also need a Georgia sales tax permit before you explore for the dealer license. Go to the Georgia Department of Revenue website, find the sales tax permit section, and complete that process first. This usually takes one to two weeks. Once approved, you will receive a permit number to include on your dealer license process.

Complete the Dealer License process

The main form is Form MV-1: process for Motor Vehicle Dealer License. You can read it from the Georgia Department of Revenue website or request it by phone at 404-657-6950. Fill it out completely — incomplete applications will be returned and delay your approval.

The form asks for your business name, the physical address, your sales tax permit number, and the names and addresses of all owners. If your business is a corporation or LLC, list the registered agent. If you are a sole proprietor, list yourself. Every owner must pass a background check, so include everyone with ownership stake.

You will also declare what types of vehicles you plan to sell — new, used, or both — and whether you plan to buy at auction, from private sellers, or both. Be honest here; the license type depends on your answer. A used-only dealer license is different from a new-and-used license.

Submit Your process and Pay the Fee

Mail your completed Form MV-1, proof of location (deed or lease), and a check for $50 to the Georgia Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, at the address listed on the form. Do not use a credit card or online payment for the initial process — the Department of Revenue requires a check.

Keep a copy of everything you send. Write your name and phone number on the check. The Department of Revenue will contact you if they need more information, so make sure the phone number you provide is one you check regularly.

Processing time is typically four to six weeks from the date they receive your process. You can call 404-657-6950 to check the status after two weeks have passed.

Pass the Background Check

The Department of Revenue will run a background check on every owner listed on the process. This includes a criminal history check and a check of your driving record. You do not need to do anything for this step — the state handles it — but you should know what they are looking for.

Certain criminal convictions can disqualify you, including felonies involving fraud, theft, or dishonesty. A poor driving record alone will not disqualify you, but multiple DUIs or suspended licenses may raise questions. If you have concerns about your background, contact the Department of Revenue before you explore to ask whether you will be approved.

If the background check reveals a problem, the Department of Revenue will send you a letter explaining the issue and give you a chance to respond. You can provide additional context or documentation if you believe there is an error.

Check Local Zoning and County Requirements

Some Georgia counties and cities require a local business license or zoning approval before you can operate a dealership. This is separate from the state dealer license. Contact your county business license office or your city zoning department to find out what is required in your area.

Common local requirements include a conditional use permit, a business license, or proof that your location is zoned for vehicle sales. Some areas have restrictions on the number of dealerships or the size of the lot. Get these approvals before you submit your state process, or at least find out what you will need so you can include it with your state paperwork.

If your county or city requires a local permit, include a copy with your state process. This speeds up approval because the Department of Revenue will see that you have already cleared local hurdles.

Receive Your License and Renew on Schedule

Once approved, the Department of Revenue will mail your dealer license to the address on your process. The license is valid for two years from the date of issue. You can begin buying and selling vehicles once you have the license in hand.

To renew, submit Form MV-1R (the renewal form) and a $25 check to the Department of Revenue at least 30 days before your license expires. The renewal process is faster than the initial process — usually two to three weeks — because they already have your background information on file.

If your license expires without renewal, you cannot legally sell vehicles. If you sell without a valid license, you face fines up to $1,000 per violation and possible criminal charges. Renew on time to avoid this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my home address as my dealership location?

No. The Department of Revenue requires a commercial street address where customers can visit and where you keep inventory. A residential address, PO box, or virtual address will not be approved. You must lease or own a lot, garage, or storefront.

How long does the background check take?

The background check is usually completed within four to six weeks of your process being received. This is the longest part of the process. You can call the Department of Revenue after two weeks to ask if your check has been started.

Do I need a sales tax permit before I explore for the dealer license?

Yes. You must have a Georgia sales tax permit before you submit your dealer license process. You will need the permit number on the Form MV-1. Get the sales tax permit first — it takes one to two weeks — then explore for the dealer license.

What happens if I sell a vehicle without a dealer license?

Selling vehicles without a license is illegal in Georgia. You can be fined up to $1,000 per vehicle sold and face criminal charges. The state also has authority to seize vehicles and pursue civil penalties. Always wait for your license to arrive before you sell.

Can I operate a dealership in multiple counties with one license?

Your dealer license covers the specific address listed on your process. If you want to operate at a second location, you must explore for a separate dealer license for that address. Each location needs its own process, fee, and approval.