To become a car dealer in Georgia you register a business, take the one-day pre-licensing seminar, secure a properly zoned office (a lot is not required), buy a $50,000 surety bond and garage liability insurance, file your signed and notarized application, complete fingerprints and a facility inspection, and receive your license from the State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers.
The big picture
Becoming a dealer in Georgia is a paperwork process, not a mystery. You do not need experience in the car business, and you do not need a car lot. You need a registered business, a compliant office, the right bond and insurance, and a complete application. The license comes from the State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers, which is part of the Georgia Secretary of State.
The steps in order
Order matters because several documents must show the same business name and address.
- Register your business. An LLC is the most common and easiest structure. Wait for your Certificate of Organization before you get your EIN and sales tax number. See our full licensing guide.
- Take the pre-licensing seminar. You can do this while you wait for your certificate. It is in your personal name. See the seminar guide.
- Secure your location. A small broker or dealer office works. Get the zoning certification. See no lot needed and zoning explained.
- Buy your surety bond and garage liability insurance with your exact business name and commercial address. See what a surety bond is.
- Pre-register for fingerprints with IdentoGO, then file your signed and notarized application in the GOALS portal.
- Complete fingerprints and the facility inspection. See fingerprints and inspection.
- Receive your license, display your sales tax certificate, and apply for dealer plates.
How long does it take?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on how fast you register your company, how quickly you secure an office, and how complete your application is. Applications are processed in the order received, and incomplete applications can be withdrawn if missing items are not sent within 60 days. A complete, matching application is the fastest path.
After you are licensed
You still need dealer plates, monthly sales tax reporting, a plan to buy inventory, and a renewal every two years. Read how to buy at dealer auctions and renewal and dealer plates.
Want every step walked through with real document samples and direct links? See the Car Dealer Society course.
Official sources
- Georgia State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers (Secretary of State)
- Secretary of State: How-to guide for used motor vehicle dealers
- Georgia Department of Revenue: Dealer registration (dealer license plates)
- GIADA: Pre-license class
Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to become a car dealer in Georgia?
No. There is no experience requirement. You need to complete the pre-licensing seminar, meet the location requirements, buy the bond and insurance, and submit a complete application.
Do I need a car lot to be a dealer in Georgia?
No. A properly zoned broker or dealer office is enough. A lot is not required to get licensed.
Who issues the Georgia dealer license?
The State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers, which is part of the Georgia Secretary of State.
Where do I apply?
Online in the Georgia Secretary of State GOALS licensing portal. Your application must be signed and notarized.
How long is the license valid?
Two years. Licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years.
Keep reading
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