Becoming a car dealer?

Question

I am going to be starting college next year, and was wondering how hard it was to get an automotive dealer license so that you can go into wholesale/dealer auctions. Thank you with any help you may have.

Answer 1

You don't have to own a dealership or be a dealer. Just have a tax I.D. number. You can go to any and all within your state.

Answer 2

That is not true.

In Florida it is hard to get to be a dealer.  It is much more that just a tax id.  

The State of Florida considers you to be a dealer and requires you to have a dealer's license if you buy or sell any of the following in a 12-month period:

    * Three or more motor vehicles

    * One or more mobile homes

    * One or more recreational vehicles

All vehicle dealer licenses are administered and regulated through the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles. The application and approval process can be lengthy, and it varies depending on what type of vehicle you plan to sell: motor vehicles, mobile homes, or recreational vehicles.

Motor Vehicle Dealer

When you apply for a license, you'll need to specify which type you need:

Independent Dealer: allows you to deal in used motor vehicles only, for retail or wholesale sales.

Franchise Dealer: allows you to deal in new motor vehicles in agreement with a manufacturer. It also allows for the sale of used vehicles.

Wholesale Dealer: allows you to buy, sell, and deal only at wholesale prices with other licensed dealers.

Auctions: allows you to sell, through bidding, vehicles from other dealers. It also prohibits retail sales.

Requirements to Obtain a Florida Motor Vehicle Dealer License

    * Completed application

    * $25,000 bond or letter of credit

    * Garage liability insurance

    * Copy of business lease or proof of ownership of location

    * Approval (by DMV representative) of dealership location

    * Certificate proving completed dealer training seminar

    * Business documents (copies of corporate agreement, fictitious trade name registration, sales tax number, federal employee ID number)

    * Fingerprints