Pennsylvania Dealer License

Pennsylvania Dealers Licenses are regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

For questions on how obtain a Pennsylvania Dealer License, you can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 717-783-1697, view the dealer license video below, download the Pennsylvania Dealer License Handbook, or follow the Pennsylvania Dealer License step by step instructions below.

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Dealer Training Podcast

Pennsylvania Dealer License Steps

Request PA Dealer License Application

The first step in obtaining a Pennsylvania Dealer License is to request a dealer application. You can call 717-783-1697 to have a Pennsylvania Dealer License Application mailed to you or you can download a PA Dealer License Application here. Your Pennsylvania Dealer Application must be completed correctly or your application may be rejected. If you have questions about your Pennsylvania Dealer License Application call 717-783-1697.

Dealer Business Building

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires you to have a business building before you obtain your PA Dealer License. Your business building must be a permanently enclosed building. Your must rent or own your business building and it must be separate from adjoining businesses or residences. You may not have two separate Pennsylvania Dealers Licenses at the same address, you must have a separate address for each Pennsylvania Dealers License. Your building must have a private office area that is separate from the display area so you will have space to store your PA Dealer License records.

Dealer Display Area

You must have a display area to show you motor vehicles before you obtain your PA Dealer License. The display area can be indoors or outdoors so the general public can view the vehicles you have for sale. You display area must have room for five or more vehicles. Pennsylvania RV Dealers are required to have at least a 5,000 square feet display area. Storage of vehicles that are wrecked, damaged, or waiting for repairs must not be stored in your display area. Vehicles that are being prepared and prepped to be sold are also not allowed in the display area. Your display area must be properly graded with a hard surface and must be separate from any adjacent parking areas in order to obtain a Pennsylvania Dealer License. If you operate your dealership at night you will be required to have the display area properly lighted.

Pennsylvania Dealers Telephone Requirement

To obtain a PA Dealer License you will be required to have a working telephone. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation wants to make sure you are a legitimate business. They also want to make sure that your customers can contact you with questions about a vehicle you have for sale or with questions about a vehicle they have purchased from you. The phone must be located in your business building and it must be listed in the dealer name.

Business Sign

You must have a permanent business sign in order to obtain your Pennsylvania Dealer License. You business sign must be connected to the business building or in the display area. Your dealership name must be clearly displayed on the business sign.

Pennsylvania Fire Safety Requirements

You must obtain a certificate of occupancy from a local building inspection official to assure your business building meets all fire code requirements. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation wants to make sure your building is save before you are granted a Pennsylvania Dealer License.

Display of Business Hours

You must prominently display your business hours so your customers will know when you are available. Your business hours can be on the front of your building or on your business sign. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires the display of your hours of operation to let your customers know when you are available for questions about your vehicle inventory.

Pennsylvania Dealers Salesperson Licensure

The PA Department of Transportation requires any salesperson that is employed must be registered under the Pennsylvania Dealer License they are associated with. You can  Download Pennsylvania Salesperson Application here.

Federal Tax Identification Number

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires anyone applying for a PA Dealers License to apply for a Federal Tax ID Number before granted a Pennsylvania Dealers License. Application is free and can be done at www.taxformw9.com

Pennsylvania Dealer Surety Bond

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation requires anyone that holds a Pennsylvania Dealer License to have a dealer surety bond in the amount of $20,000. A dealer surety bond protects customers against fraudulent dealers. You can obtain a Pennsylvania Dealer Bond from an insurance agent and the price is dependent on your credit score. If you have good credit you should be able to obtain a Pennsylvania Dealer Surety Bond for around $180.00 per year. If you operate your PA dealership with the highest ethical standards you will never have to cash in your dealer surety bond. Learn about dealer ethics in the ADTA Dealer Ethics, Profit, and Compliance Manual.

Pennsylvania Dealer Insurance

You must show proof of dealer insurance before you are granted a Pennsylvania Dealer License. Dealer insurance will protect your customers while they are driving the vehicles you have for sale and it will also protect you as you drive your purchases home from auctions. You may obtain your Pennsylvania dealer garage insurance by clicking here.

Mail Pennsylvania Dealer License Application

When you have completed the steps above call 717-783-1697 to make sure you have all the documents that are required to obtain a Pennsylvania Dealer License, then mail your Pennsylvania Dealer Application , dealer surety bond, proof of dealer insurance, franchise agreements if applicable, certificate of occupancy,  and Federal Tax ID Number to:

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
State Board of Vehicle Manufacturers
Dealers and Salespersons
P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105

Pennsylvania Dealer License Forms

ADTA Dealer Ethics, Profit, and Compliance Manual
Download Pennsylvania Dealer Application

Download Vehicle Manufacturer Application
Download Pennsylvania Salesperson Application
Pennsylvania Dealer License Information
Pennsylvania Dealer Rules and Regulations
Out of State Dealer Registration
Pennsylvania Dealer Handbook

Be sure your new business is in full compliance with all Federal dealer laws. Order the ADTA Dealer Ethics, Profit, and Compliance Manual.

Click here for Pennsylvania Dealer Insurance.

Good Luck In Obtaining Your Pennsylvania Dealer License!

We are here to help you obtain a Dealer's License and maintain your Dealership Compliance!

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Delus Johnson-Lead Instructor
Automobile Dealer Training Association