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 only way to complete the licensing process is to send or deliver the application materials and payment directly to the Board’s office.
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.

The following two forms must be completed and submitted to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board at 2201 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220

Application for Salesperson License (DSD-7)

Criminal History Check Data Form (MVDB-21)

Submit a check for $35 for a one-year/partial year license ($25 license fee and $10 Criminal Background check fee) for a two year license add another $25. Check with your dealer/employer to determine if his/her dealer license is valid for more that one year.

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 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.

If you are interested in becoming a dealer, "click" on the link below to view and print information and the forms you will need to apply for a dealer's certificate:

New Dealer Packet.

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

2012

May 1 & 2 – Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton
Contact: Registration; 757-825-2937; www.tncc.edu

May 15 & 16 - Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave
Contact: Registration; 540-453-2215; www.brcc.edu

June 5 & 6 - Germanna Community College, Fredericksburg
Contact: Susan Brown; 540-891-3012; www.germanna.edu/workforce

June 19 & 20 – Danville Community College, Danville
Contact: Donna Agee; 434-797-6437; www.dcc.vccs.edu/workforce

July 10 & 11 - Northern Virginia Community College, Reston
Contact: Claire Wynn; 703-450-2551; www.nvcc.edu/loudoun/continuing

August 7 & 8 - Virginia Western Community College, Daleville
Contact: Registration; 540-966-3984; www.virginiawestern.edu

August 21 & 22 - Piedmont Community College, Charlottesville
Contact: Maggie Myers; 434-961-5495 or mmyers@pvcc.edu

September 11 & 12 - Tidewater Community College, Suffolk
Contact: Registration; 757-822-1234; www.tcc.edu/wd

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.

*** You will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader (.pdf) or Word Viewer (.doc) to view PDF or Word files.

Updated: April 27, 2012