Bond amounts, fees, forms, and rules for all 50 states. Find exactly what you need to get licensed.
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See how requirements stack up side-by-side.
Short answer: yes, with limits. Here are your pathways.
Connect buyers with sellers and earn a fee per deal. You don't need a dealer license to broker if you don't take title. Some states require a separate broker license; others don't regulate it at all.
Best for: Building capital and relationships while your application processes.
Many states offer a cheaper, faster wholesale dealer license that lets you buy at auction and sell to other dealers — but not to the public. Bond and location requirements are often lower.
Best for: Flipping auction cars to retail dealers without the full retail overhead.
The oldest trick in the book. Find a licensed dealer who'll let you operate under their license for a split of the profit. Get everything in writing. Trust but verify.
Best for: Learning the business with minimal upfront cost and legal exposure.
A few states (like Texas and Florida) have begun allowing "virtual" or home-based dealer licenses with reduced lot requirements if you sell primarily online. Most states still require a commercial lot.
Best for: Low-overhead operators who can move inventory fast without a big lot.
"I started brokering deals through a licensed friend while my application processed. Took 6 weeks. I sold 8 cars in that window — enough to cover my first bond payment and lot deposit. You don't need permission to hustle. You need a path. Pick one of the four above and start today. The worst thing you can do is wait until everything is perfect. It never will be."
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