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Dealer Licensing Procedures

Minimum requirements can be mailed upon request of the dealer by calling (304) 926-0705.

Upon receiving the minimum requirement handout, contact the office of dealer services to set an appointment for a pre-inspection of the dealership location. The inspector will deliver the application package during the appointment.

Dealer licensing requirements *(unless otherwise indicated)

  • Completed application
  • $25,000 surety bond *(bond not required for repo-financial institution, mfg-manufacturer or trs-transporter)
  • 20/40/10 Dealer Liability Insurance *(insurance not required for ls-license service)
  • Personal property tax receipt in the name of each owner/corporate officer or an affidavit from the county in which the dealership will be located stating that no taxes are owed
  • Pictures of dealership and sign with letters no less than 4” in height
  • A valid business license in the state of WV
  • Garage agreement if required
  • Franchise agreement if required

Background Check

When dealer services receives your application, an inspector will be sent to fingerprint all owners/corporate officers and to get signatures on a release of information waiver. After the waiver is completed and signed by all owners/corporate officers, Dealer Services checks with various agencies to be sure:

  • Prospective dealers are approved through the bureau of employment programs for non-delinquency of unemployment benefits.
  • Criminal investigation bureau reports return stating “no record”.
  • The tax department states all owners/corporate officers are in good standing.

Upon receipt and approval of all the above, a license certificate will be issued and dealer plates will be sent to the dealer.


Dealer License Classes, Fees, and Licensing Years
lClass of LicensesApplication FeeRenewal FeeLicensing Year
D - New & Used$250.00$100.00July 1 to June 30
Duc - Used$250.00$100.00July 1 to June 30
Drv - Recreational$250.00$100.00July 1 to June 30
Dtr - Trailer$250.00$25.00July 1 to June 30
F - Motorcycle$250.00$10.00July 1 to June 30
Mfg - Manufacturer$250.00$100.00July 1 to June 30
Trs - Transporter$250.00$100.00July 1 to June 30
Aa - Auto Auction$250.00$100.00July 1 to June 30
Wdr - Wrecker$250.00$15.00July 1 to June 30
Dismantler---
Rebuilder---
Repo-Financial$100.00$100.00July 1 to June 30
Institution---
Ls-License Service$25.00$25.00July 1 to June 30

Temporary Plates

Dealers can visit our office or apply by mail order to purchase temporary plates at a cost of $3.00 per plate.

Dealer Recovery Fund

New dealers applying for a license and dealer's renewing an existing license are required to pay a $150.00 into the recovery fund.

For Dealer Questions:

Phone: (304) 926-0705

Write: Dealer Services

PO Box 17100

Charleston, WV 25317