The best license is the license that allows you to purchase vehicles from wholesale (dealer only) auctions AND sell to the public such as to your family and friends.

In NC, the retail license will allow wholesale purchases and sales to both retail and wholesale customers.

North Carolina offers a retail and a wholesale license.
 

Is there an Auto Broker license or endorsement?  No. 

Any other license required like a sales license? Yes!

A sales representative is defined as a sales representative who works at least 25 hours a week and has been compensated.

In NC, you can get started with an office only!

Office Space Requirement: An established salesroom with at least 96 sq ft of floor space (excluding wholesalers)

For wholesalers only: An established office with at least 96 sq ft of floor space. When based in a residential building, it must be separate from any living quarters with a separate entrance.
 

Display Space Requirement: No less than 96 square feet of floor space Must be a permanent and enclosed building disconnected from other living quarters, residence, or businesses Must have an independent entrance Sales room must display a sign no less than three inches tall showing the business’s trade name in block letters Must comply with applicable zoning ordinances

For help finding a startup location, go to www.dealerspace123.com

Yes! The first step is to take the Dealer Pre-License Training Class. 

12-hour licensing course approved by the DMV before applying for their license. This course must be completed within the 12-month period before your application date.

Link to preferred Pre-licensing educators: https://connect.ncdot.gov/

The filing fee for domestic entities is $125. Foreign entities must pay $250. All LLCs must also file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The price is $202 ($200 for paper filings)

To apply for your Employer Identification Number (EIN), visit the IRS website. It's FREE to apply.

You may need these numbers: NAICS Code for Used Car Dealers 441120 and SIC Code 5521.

For help incorporating your business to sell cars, go to www.autodealerbschool.com/recs

To apply for a retail used car license, you are required to have a surety bond and garage liability insurance.

Here is a list of preferred providers www.autodealerbschool.com/recs

To apply for the retail license, you must complete all the requirements and submit an application.

The requirements:

1. Office Space with sign (no display space or car lot required)
2. Prelicencing class (expires in 12 months)
3. Bond
4. Garage Liability Insurance
5. Incorporated Business
6. Sales Person License
   
   You can refer to this link for the application:
   https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/DMV/DMV%20Documents/New%20Dealer%20Packet.pdf

For Dealer Services Questions, you can call the licensing department in NC at 919-615-8997 or email [email protected].

For help submitting your application, check out Drama Free Licensing VIP.
Click here for details: www.autodealerbschool.com/DFL

The board rules will have all the laws that govern auto dealers, you can find them at: https://law.justia.com/codes/north-carolina/2021/