NJ Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Application Package Guide – Starting a used car dealership in New Jersey requires a license from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The official Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Application Package is the essential starting point for anyone planning to buy, sell, or deal in four or more used motor vehicles per year at an established place of business. This guide covers the current requirements, documents, fees, and process based on official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission information to help U.S. applicants prepare a complete submission.
What Is the New Jersey Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Application Package?
The Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Application Package is the official set of forms and instructions issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Business Licensing Services Bureau. It is required under N.J.S.A. 39:10-19 for anyone engaged in the business of buying, selling, or dealing in used motor vehicles who is not licensed as a new motor vehicle dealer.
A licensed used motor vehicle dealer may also deal in mopeds and leased vehicles without an additional endorsement. The package includes the main application, supporting forms, and a detailed checklist to help applicants avoid common delays.
You can download the current package directly from the official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website:
Download the New Jersey Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Application Package (PDF)
Who Needs a Used Motor Vehicle Dealer License in New Jersey?
Any person or business that buys, sells, or deals in four or more used motor vehicles in a 12-month period at an established place of business in New Jersey must obtain a used motor vehicle dealer license. This requirement applies to independent used car lots, wholesalers who meet the threshold, and certain leasing operations that fall under the used dealer category.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, and free from convictions involving fraud or misrepresentation in the sale, leasing, or financing of motor vehicles. Both individuals and business entities (LLC, corporation, partnership) may apply, but the business must be properly formed and registered with the New Jersey Division of Revenue before submitting the package.
Place of Business Requirements
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission strictly enforces location standards. Every used motor vehicle dealer must maintain a permanent, properly identified place of business in New Jersey that includes:
- A minimum office space of 72 square feet within a permanent, enclosed building
- Clearly identified, fixed facilities to display at least two automobiles (immediately contiguous to the office)
- An exterior sign permanently affixed to the land or building that is legible from the roadway and consistent with local ordinances (banners are not acceptable)
- Office furniture, a file cabinet, a fixed safe for storing motor vehicle documents, climate controls, and an operable landline telephone
- Compliance with all local zoning, planning, use, and environmental laws
The premises cannot be shared with a currently licensed dealer or an allied business. Photographs and plans clearly showing the exterior, interior, and proposed signage must be submitted with the initial application. A site inspection by the Commission is required before final approval.
Required Documents and Forms in the Application Package
The official package contains multiple forms that must be completed accurately. Key items from the Dealer Initial License Application Checklist include:
- Completed Application for a Dealer License
- Applicant’s Information form (BLC-205B) for each individual applicant
- Child Support Form (BLS-43) for each individual (required even if there are no obligations)
- Fingerprint Request Notification form (BLS-163) for each owner, partner, officer, or member
- Dealer Business Hours form (BLS-19)
- MVC Dealer Certification/Signatory Form (BLS-20)
- Municipal Approval Certificate for Business License (BLS-162), signed and stamped by the municipality
- Dealer Certification of License Location Type and Proper Walls (BLS-158) with supporting documentation when required
Supporting documents that must accompany the forms typically include:
- Copy of driver’s license (or documents totaling six points of identification) for each owner/partner/officer/member
- Passport-size color photograph of each owner/partner/officer/member (name printed on the back)
- Copy of Incorporation/Formation papers showing the New Jersey Division of Revenue filing date
- Copy of Alternate/Fictitious Name Filing Certificate (if using a trade name)
- Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) registration certificate
- New Jersey Certificate of Authority for Sales Tax
- Certified copy of the deed, purchase agreement, or lease (lease must be for at least one year and extend through the license expiration)
- Copy of a telephone bill or installation order showing the business name and address
- Photographs and plans of the complete premises and signage
All information must be consistent across forms. Inconsistencies in names, addresses, or signatures are a frequent cause of rejection or delay.
Application Process Step by Step
Follow these steps carefully when preparing your submission:
- Download and thoroughly review the official package from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
- Form or confirm your business entity with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and obtain your Federal EIN and New Jersey Sales Tax Certificate of Authority.
- Secure a qualifying business location that meets the 72-square-foot office, display space, signage, and zoning requirements.
- Complete every form in the package. Have all owners, partners, officers, and members complete individual forms and provide identification and photographs.
- Obtain municipal approval using the Municipal Approval Certificate form.
- Mail the complete package to the Business Licensing Services Bureau. Do not submit fees, the surety bond, or insurance certificate with the initial application.
- Undergo the required criminal background check (fingerprints) as directed by the Commission after preliminary review.
- Attend any scheduled prelicensure interview if requested.
- After preliminary approval and a successful site inspection, you will receive a notice requesting the license fee, registration fee, original $10,000 surety bond, and liability insurance certificate.
- Submit the remaining items. Once processed, the wall license and dealer plates will be mailed to the licensed location.
Processing times vary. Incomplete or inconsistent packages are returned or delayed.
Fees and Associated Costs
According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, the current fees are:
- Wall license fee: $100
- One set of five dealer vehicle registration plates: $257.50
- One set of three motorcycle registration plates (if applicable): $77.00
Payment is made by certified check or money order only after preliminary approval and site inspection. Additional costs you should budget for include fingerprinting fees, the surety bond premium, garage liability insurance, municipal permits or certificates of occupancy, and any professional assistance with business formation or zoning compliance.
Surety Bond and Liability Insurance Requirements
Before the license is issued, applicants must provide:
- An original $10,000 surety bond executed by a surety company authorized to do business in New Jersey. The bond must not expire before March 31 of the licensing year.
- A certificate of liability insurance covering all vehicles owned or operated by the dealer in the minimum amounts of $100,000 per person per incident up to $250,000 per incident for bodily injury or death, $25,000 per incident for property damage, or $250,000 combined bodily injury and property damage per incident. The certificate must include a 30-day cancellation clause.
These items are submitted only after the Commission issues the approval notice following the site inspection.
Fingerprinting, Background Checks, and Prelicensure Interview
Every owner, partner, officer, director, or person with a controlling interest must undergo a criminal history background check through fingerprinting. The Commission provides instructions after receiving the application. Do not schedule fingerprints until directed.
At least one qualifying individual may be required to attend a prelicensure interview to demonstrate knowledge of New Jersey motor vehicle dealer laws and practices. If knowledge is insufficient, additional training may be required.
Where to Submit the Application and Contact Information?
Mail the completed application package to:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Business Licensing Services Bureau
P.O. Box 170
225 East State Street
Trenton, NJ 08666-0170
(Note: Some package materials reference P.O. Box 168; confirm the current address on the official form before mailing.)
For questions, contact the Business Licensing Services Bureau at the phone numbers and email listed in the application package or visit the official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission business licensing pages:
Tips for a Successful Application
Double-check that every name, address, and signature matches exactly across all forms and supporting documents. Obtain municipal zoning approval early, as this is a frequent bottleneck. Ensure your lease or deed is properly certified and covers the required term. Keep copies of everything you submit. Consider consulting a professional familiar with New Jersey dealer licensing if your situation involves prior criminal history, complex ownership structures, or non-standard locations.
Licenses generally expire on March 31 each year and must be renewed with the appropriate forms and fees.
Conclusion
The New Jersey Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Application Package is the official pathway to becoming a licensed used car dealer in the state. By carefully following the checklist, meeting the place-of-business standards, and submitting complete and consistent documentation, U.S. applicants can navigate the process more efficiently. Always download the most current package and verify details directly with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, as requirements and fees can be updated.
Begin by downloading the package today:
https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/business/useddealer.pdf
This information is provided for general guidance based on publicly available New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission materials. Applicants should rely on the official forms and direct communication with the Business Licensing Services Bureau for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements.