How to Get a Dealer License in Maine
In Maine, dealer licensing runs through the Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensing Section. To get a used car dealer license in Maine you'll need a registered business, a compliant location, a Set by rule (plate-based) surety bond, and the fees below. Whether you're opening a car lot, going wholesale-only, or starting a buy-here-pay-here operation, this guide walks the Maine auto dealer license requirements, real costs, and the exact steps — in plain English. Rules change, so verify everything against the Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensing Section's current pages before you file.
- Agency
- Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensing Section
- Surety bond
- Set by rule (plate-based)
- License term
- One-year term — the license expires on the last day of the month, one year from the date of issuance, and is renewed annually at the fee for its type ($150 for Used Car).
- Sales threshold
- A license is required if you sell more than 5 vehicles in any 12-month period, or advertise/display 3 or more vehicles for sale within a 30-day period, or buy vehicles for the purpose of resale. Vehicles you have personally owned and registered for at least 6 months do not count toward the thresholds.
- Pre-licensing
- No state-administered exam, but Maine requires dealer training — the BMV publishes a set of dealer training documents (inspections, facilities, the Used Car Information Act, NMVTIS, titles, plates, salvage) and a Dealer Licensing Training Affidavit that must be completed.
License types in Maine
| License type | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Used Car Dealer License | Buying and selling used motor vehicles at retail — the core license for an independent used-car lot. |
| New Car Dealer License | Dealers whose primary business is new vehicles held under a franchise from a distributor or manufacturer. |
| Vehicle Auction License | Selling vehicles by bidding at public or private sale — the wholesale/auction channel. |
| Recycler License | Salvage/dismantling and sale of parts or vehicles (issued with 'No Plates'). |
What it costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application fee | $150 | Non-refundable, one-time on first application |
| Used Car annual license | $150 / year | Same fee for New Car, Auction, and Recycler classes |
| Used Car dealer plate | $20 each | Per plate |
| Secondary / annex location | $100 / $150 | $100 for a secondary, $150 for an annex additional place of business |
Step by step
- Confirm you meet the dealer threshold (more than 5 sales in 12 months, or 3+ advertised/displayed in 30 days) and secure a compliant place of business (display area, two-vehicle repair bay, mechanic, office).
- Complete the BMV dealer training documents and sign the Dealer Licensing Training Affidavit.
- Obtain the required surety bond (amount set by BMV rule, tied to plate count) and liability insurance (submitted to the BMV insurance address).
- Complete the Application for a Dealer License (MVD-350), select license type(s), and count the dealer plates needed.
- Submit MVD-350 with the $150 initial application fee, the $150 annual license fee, and $20 per plate, plus bond and insurance proof.
- Pass the BMV site inspection, receive the license and dealer plates, and renew annually before the last day of the anniversary month.
Premises & temp tags
Location: An established place of business with a display area for the vehicles handled; a repair department capable of servicing two vehicles simultaneously; sufficient tools and equipment; at least one mechanic; and a suitable office where business can be conducted. A BMV site inspection confirms the premises before licensing.
Temp tags / plates: Dealers issue a 30-Day Dealer Temporary Plate to purchasers (application MVD-408); an extension or replacement uses form MVD-358. Standard dealer plates carry usage restrictions, including a limit of three service-vehicle plates per established place of business.
Maine-specific things to know
- The bond is plate-based rather than a flat number — Maine ties it to the sales indicated by the dealer's plates, with the amount set by rule, so confirm the exact figure with the BMV before quoting one.
- The premises rule demands a real repair department that can service two vehicles at once plus at least one mechanic — a genuine barrier for a home-based operation.
- Advertising counts, not just selling — displaying or advertising 3+ vehicles in 30 days triggers the requirement even below the 5-sale threshold.
- The standard Application for Certificate of Title (MVT-2) is not downloadable online — it must be obtained at a town office or BMV branch.
Official Maine resources
- Maine BMV — Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensing ↗
- Maine BMV — Dealer Licensing Fees ↗
- 29-A M.R.S. §903 (dealer registrations / surety bond) ↗
Maine dealer license FAQ
How much does a dealer license cost in Maine?+
Initial application fee: $150; Used Car annual license: $150 / year; Used Car dealer plate: $20 each; Secondary / annex location: $100 / $150. Plus the Set by rule (plate-based) surety bond (you pay a small annual premium on that, not the full amount).
How big is the dealer bond in Maine?+
Maine requires a Set by rule (plate-based) surety bond. Maine does not publish a single flat dollar figure. 29-A M.R.S. §903(3) requires a surety bond 'adequate to cover the number of sales indicated by that dealer's plates,' with the exact amount set by Secretary of State rule and tied to the dealer's plate count. Confirm the current figure against the BMV dealer rules or the MVD-350 instructions before relying on a specific number.
Do you need a physical lot to get a dealer license in Maine?+
An established place of business with a display area for the vehicles handled; a repair department capable of servicing two vehicles simultaneously; sufficient tools and equipment; at least one mechanic; and a suitable office where business can be conducted. A BMV site inspection confirms the premises before licensing.
How many cars can you sell in Maine without a dealer license?+
A license is required if you sell more than 5 vehicles in any 12-month period, or advertise/display 3 or more vehicles for sale within a 30-day period, or buy vehicles for the purpose of resale. Vehicles you have personally owned and registered for at least 6 months do not count toward the thresholds.
How long is a Maine dealer license valid?+
One-year term — the license expires on the last day of the month, one year from the date of issuance, and is renewed annually at the fee for its type ($150 for Used Car).
Is dealer training or an exam required in Maine?+
No state-administered exam, but Maine requires dealer training — the BMV publishes a set of dealer training documents (inspections, facilities, the Used Car Information Act, NMVTIS, titles, plates, salvage) and a Dealer Licensing Training Affidavit that must be completed.
How do temporary tags work for Maine dealers?+
Dealers issue a 30-Day Dealer Temporary Plate to purchasers (application MVD-408); an extension or replacement uses form MVD-358. Standard dealer plates carry usage restrictions, including a limit of three service-vehicle plates per established place of business.
Data verified 2026-07-17. Requirements change — confirm with the Maine Secretary of State — Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensing Section before filing.
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