Making sure your auto dealer license is up to date is essential to running a successful business in Missouri. The state requires dealers to provide documentation to ensure these businesses meet regulations and standards. Since the process requires several documents and fees, it’s important to be prepared ahead of the Missouri dealer license renewal deadline. Let’s cover why license renewals exist and how to renew a dealer license.

Why Do I Need to Renew My Dealer License?

In Missouri, if you sell eight or more vehicles or five or more alternative vehicles, such as trailers, boats, or powersports, within a single year, you qualify as an auto dealer. New automotive dealers must apply for a license every year for the first three years with a deadline of December 31st for the renewal. After a business has been operating for three years, renewals are necessary every two years¹.

The reason renewals are necessary is simple. The Missouri Department of Revenue Motor Vehicles Bureau uses the renewal process to make sure licensees meet legal requirements to operate a dealership. It’s a way to ensure you still meet all the requirements and have up-to-date information on file. Large changes, such as a new business, new construction, or new ownership, can then be updated.

Having your dealership’s documentation is in order also minimizes the likelihood of business interruptions.

What Are the Steps to Renewing My Dealer License?

There are several pieces of information and documents required to renew a dealer license in Missouri. First, you should identify what type of license you need for your business. There are various licenses, including those for²:

• Public auctions
• Trailer dealers
• Wholesale dealers
• Boat dealers
• Franchise dealers

The dealership application begins with the Missouri dealer license application. The portal for renewals is available online. The application itself requires several pieces of information, including personal information of the owners and business name, address, and type. 

The DMV may also require:

• Images of the business and structures
• Dealer education certificate for first-time used car dealer license applicants
• Proof of inspection from authorized officers
• Franchise dealers must provide factory franchise agreements and trade names
• Garage liability policy if applicable
• A $25,000 Missouri motor vehicle dealer bond
• Business names registered with the Missouri Secretary of State
• A criminal background check for dealership owners and partners

It’s important to fully understand and follow the state requirements for operations as well. For example, dealerships must operate with specific numbers of hours that are spread out across four workdays.

Applications must also be submitted with their respective fees. These can range from $80 to boat dealers to $150 to dealers selling motor vehicles. There may be additional fees, such as $50 for auctions or plate fees. A few of the items listed above have fees associated with them too, including conducting a criminal background check and registering a business name. However, these are minimal. 

For the most up-to-date information, it’s always best to check with the state’s DMV website for requirements³.

Does Missouri Require Licensing Courses for Renewals?

The good news is that Missouri does not require proof of attending a Dealer Education Seminar for dealers that already hold a used or new dealer license. Specific exemptions for the requirement include:

• Used motor vehicle dealers licensed before August 28, 2006
• New motor vehicle franchise dealers and new franchise powersports dealers
• Wholesale dealers
• Wholesale and retail auto auctions dealers

However, individuals applying for a Missouri dealer’s license for the first time are required to attend the seminar no more than 12 months before applying for the license and obtain proof of completion. These seminars cover vital information, such as licensing requirements, how they can be met, and how they are enforced. In short, they give new dealers the information needed to run their new business lawfully. 

The state maintains an updated list of approved Dealer Educational Seminars⁴.

Source With ACV

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This site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. ACV is not liable for reliance on the information provided herein. We do not endorse, nor are we responsible for, the privacy practices or the content of the sites linked in this blog.

Sources

1. Bryant, T. (9 March 2024). Missouri Auto Dealers: Your License Renewal Deadline Is Near. Lance Surety Bonds. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.bryantsuretybonds.com/blog/missouri-auto-dealers-license-renewal-deadline
2. Dealers & Lienholders. Department of Revenue. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/dealers-lienholders/
3. Kix, R. (22 November 2019). How to Get a Missouri Dealer License [2024 Guide]. Lance Surety Bonds. Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://www.suretybonds.org/blog/missouri-dealer-license-guide
4. Used Motor Vehicle Dealer Educational Seminar Requirements. Department of Revenue.  Retrieved December 20, 2024, from https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/dealers-lienholders/seminar-requirements.html