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2026 Georgia dealer requirements

Georgia used motor vehicle dealer license requirements.

Use this page as a planning guide to the major requirements. Your application, location and the instructions of the applicable Georgia authorities determine what you ultimately must submit and satisfy.

New-license checklist

  • Completed, signed and notarized application with required fee
  • Zoning certification
  • $50,000 surety bond with power of attorney
  • Certificate of insurance meeting applicable requirements
  • Photographs of the business
  • Proof of required pre-license seminar completion
  • Background check/fingerprinting process
  • Preliminary inspection
  • Secure and verifiable document and citizenship/immigration documentation as applicable
2026 bond update: The current dealer bond amount for new applications is $50,000. Because some state web pages may still display older rule text during the update cycle, confirm the current bond form and amount before purchasing or filing your bond.

Established place of business: 2026 update

Georgia HB 551 revised the statutory definition of an established place of business. Effective January 1, 2026, each such place of business generally must be at least 250 square feet, except when at least 500 motor vehicle sales are conducted annually at that location.

Facility configuration matters. Dealer-office facilities can be structured in different ways. Some use private suite space together with other space identified in the lease or facility configuration. Whether any shared or common area counts depends on the actual arrangement and the applicable authority. Verify the lease, zoning, facility configuration and inspection path before relying on a location for your dealer application.

Office-suite requirements still apply

Georgia permits a used motor vehicle dealer to operate from an office suite if the facility meets the Board criteria. Current rules address the permanent sign, working telephone, separate office/suite identification, business separation, records/files and office access.

Fingerprints come after the application is on file

The Secretary of State guide says an applicant must have an application with the Board before fingerprinting. After Board staff verifies the application is on file, the applicant receives instructions to schedule the GAPS appointment.

Do not operate before an active license is issued

Georgia’s guide states that an applicant may not legally perform licensed services until an active license is held.

Existing dealers have different filing paths

The state guide separately addresses reinstatement, change of designee, change of name or location, and renewal. A dealer changing locations should not assume a new-dealer checklist is the correct filing path.

Official sources

Georgia Secretary of State: Used Motor Vehicle Dealer How-to Guide
Georgia HB 551 — signed legislation effective January 1, 2026
Georgia Board Rule Chapter 681-3: Licensing
Georgia Board Rule Chapter 681-6: Established Place of Business