SC Dealer License Requirements

Click Here to Apply for SC DMV Dealer License.

1. Attend a Pre-Licensing Course 

Applicants for a non-franchise automobile dealer license must attend an eight-hour pre-licensing course. An original or a certified true copy of the
original certificate of completion of the course must accompany the application. The pre-licensing course requirement does not apply to:
a. a non-franchise automobile dealer owned and operated by a franchised automobile dealer
b. a non-franchise automobile dealer whose primary business is salvage
c. a non-franchise automobile dealer whose primary business objective and substantial business activity is the rental of motor vehicles
d. an existing non-franchise automobile dealer moving to a new location

Register Now for an SC Pre-Licensing Course!

2. Establish a Place of Business

“Motor Vehicle Dealers” must maintain a bona fide place of business consisting of a permanent structure containing at least 96 square feet of floor space, occupied by the applicant and easily accessible to the public. A bona fide place of business does not mean a residence, tent, temporary stand, or other temporary quarters. The selling or exchanging of motor vehicles must be the principal business conducted from the building. Register a business entity here.

IMPORTANT: There are substantial restrictions on licensing a building that contains more than one business or entity. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING LICENSING A BUILDING THAT IS SHARED BY OTHER BUSINESSES OR ENTITIES, A PRE-INSPECTION IS REQUIRED.
Contact the Dealer Licensing and Audit Unit at (803) 896-2611 to obtain information for a dealer agent to schedule a pre-inspection prior to making any commitment on a shared building.

• Place of business must display a permanent sign with letters at least six (6) inches in height, clearly readable from the nearest avenue of traffic.
  The sign must clearly identify the licensed business. The dealer’s place of business must have a reasonable area or lot to properly display the motor
  vehicles (2,000 square feet meets the display area requirement).

3. Proof of Insurance 

If requesting demonstration plates, an applicant must provide proof of liability insurance in the dealership’s name and location (physical address),
covering all vehicles in the dealer’s inventory (typically called “Garage Liability Insurance”). Personal liability insurance policies are not accepted.

4. Proof of Surety Bond

Motor Vehicle dealers or wholesaler dealers applying for a license must furnish an original surety bond for $50,000 along with its
Power of Attorney. Motorcycle, Motorcycle Wholesale, or Wholesale Auction dealers must furnish an original surety bond in the amount of $25,000 along with its Power of Attorney.

5. Proof of Meeting County/ City Requirements 

All dealers (motor vehicle, motorcycles, recreational vehicle, auction, or wholesale) must provide proof that city or county requirements have been met for each initial dealer license application or any application that involves a name or address change. (Examples include: a zoning permit, business license, business registration, or letter from the city or county stating there are no requirements for the trade name (dba) and location of dealership.)

6. Submit Application to SC DMV 

Mail or Email All Forms and Documents to:

Standard Mail:

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

Attn: Business License Unit

P.O. Box 1498

Blythewood, SC 29016

Phone: 803-896-2611 | Fax 803-896-8172

Email: dealerdocuments@scdmv.net

Overnight Mail

South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles

Attn: Business License Unit

10311 Wilson Blvd., Building C

Blythewood, SC 29016

Phone: 803-896-2611 | Fax: 803-896-8172

Email: dealerdocuments@scdmv.net

Forms Needed:
• Form DLA-1 Application for a Dealer or Wholesaler License
• Form DLA-1B Motor Vehicle Dealer and Wholesaler Surety Bond
• Form DLA-1C Certification of Vehicles Sold by Dealer
• Form DE-004A Wholesale Dealer Agreement
• Form AD-808A Affidavit of Eligibility
APPLICABLE FEES: $50.00 for license fee; $20.00 for motor home temporary permit; $20.00 per dealer plate

 FILL OUT THIS FORM

Initial applications

- Inital Application and renewals must include a completed and signed AD-808A: Affidavit of Eligibility Form for each individual who owns or
controls 10% or more of the business (not required for an existing licensee being re-licensed at new location).
- Initial applications must include an S2Verify Instant National Criminal Search document on any individual who owns or controls 10% or more of
the business (not required for an existing licensee being re-licensed at new location). The report cannot be more than 90 days old. This report
can be obtained online at S2Verify Instant National Criminal Search or on the SCDMV website (under the Dealer Licenses tab >> Quick Links).
Please contact (855) 671-1933 if you have any questions regarding obtaining an S2Verify document.
- Initial applications or applications for re-licensing at a new location must include a diagram on regular letter size paper (8½” x 11”) that indicates
the office area and the vehicle display area and/or lot with dimensions detailing the office space and surface area of the display area. Notate
location and names of all businesses in the building.

ADDRESS CHANGE APPLICATIONS to Headquarters must include a check or money order for the license fee of $50.00 and corrected registration fee of $1.00 per plate. Payment for other applications will occur later at a Branch Office.