A current checklist based on the Georgia Secretary of State licensing guide and Board rules. Georgia sequences several steps carefully: complete the seminar first, submit an application before fingerprinting, and do not operate until the license is active.
The posted Board fee schedule lists the application and processing fees below. Confirm the current schedule in GOALS before paying.
| Item | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Used motor vehicle dealer application | $170 | Posted nonrefundable application fee |
| Application processing fee | $10 | Posted separately on the fee schedule |
| Board-approved pre-license seminar | Varies | Required for a new applicant |
| $35,000 surety bond | Premium varies | Coverage amount; power of attorney required |
| Insurance, fingerprints, entity, zoning, and premises | Varies | Obtain quotes and local approval |
Form the entity, determine the dealership’s legal and trade names, and identify the designee responsible for operations when the applicant is not a sole proprietor.
Keep names and addresses identical across the application, bond, insurance, tax certificate, and local license.Georgia rules require new used-motor-vehicle dealer applicants to attend an approved seminar before licensure.
Keep the completion documentation for the application.The dealership needs a permanent business location where records are kept and sales are negotiated, with the required office, sign, telephone, furnishings, files, public access, and display area when applicable.
A qualifying detached office at a residential address may be possible only when local ordinances and all Board rules allow it.The licensing checklist requires zoning certification, and the established location must comply with local requirements.
Get local confirmation before committing to a location or installing signage.A dealer must register through the Georgia Tax Center and maintain the sales-tax certificate required for the licensed location.
The certificate, local business license, and dealer license must be displayed as required.Georgia Board rules require a $35,000 bond for a used motor vehicle dealer, accompanied by the surety’s power of attorney.
The insured business name and location must match the application.The complete application must include an insurance certificate with policy details and the Board listed as certificate holder exactly as instructed.
Have the agent follow the current application and Board-rule wording.Submit the signed and notarized application, fee, zoning certification, bond and power of attorney, insurance certificate, business photographs, secure and verifiable identity document, citizenship affidavit, and any applicable immigration documents through the current licensing process.
Incomplete applications are not accepted for review.The Georgia Secretary of State instructs applicants to have an application with the Board before being fingerprinted.
Wait for the Board’s process and instructions rather than fingerprinting too early.Do not perform dealer services until the license is active. After licensing, complete applicable dealer and plate registration through Georgia DRIVES e-Services and maintain the required records and displayed credentials.
Georgia used dealer licenses renew every two years; monitor the current expiration and continuing-education rules.Check each item and use your browser’s print command to save a PDF.
The currently posted Board fee schedule lists a $170 nonrefundable application fee plus a $10 application processing fee. Confirm the amount in the current portal before paying.
Georgia Board rules require $35,000 in surety-bond coverage for a used motor vehicle dealer. The premium you pay is determined by the surety provider.
Board rules can allow a separate detached office at a residential address if local ordinances permit it and the office, sign, phone, public access, records, and other requirements are satisfied.
The Secretary of State says you must have an application with the Board before you can be fingerprinted. Follow the instructions provided after filing.
17digit prepares the first three dealer packets free and then charges $9.99 per printed packet, without a monthly subscription.
Enter the VIN, buyer, and deal once. Your first 3 packets are free; after that, pay $9.99 per printed packet.
Create my first packet free →Educational information only—not legal, tax, bond, insurance, zoning, or licensing advice. Georgia Board requirements, fees, forms, and local ordinances can change. Confirm the current application and requirements before filing or spending money.