So, you want to sell motor vehicles in Nevada? Depending on your plans, you might need to obtain a car dealer license from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.

Do You Need a Nevada Dealer License?

In Nevada, you’ll need a vehicle dealer license if you do any of the following with vehicles that are subject to registration, for compensation (commission, brokerage fees, financial profit, etc.):

Sell, negotiate, or attempt to negotiate sales.

Display vehicles for sale.

Exchange, trade, and/or buy cars with the intention to sell them.

If you meet the above definitions, you must apply for a dealer license and set up an approved place of business.

Exemptions

You do not need to obtain a dealer license in Nevada if:

You sell 3 vehicles which are personally owned over a period of 12 months . For example, you sell your own car to a private third-party buyer.

. For example, you sell your own car to a private third-party buyer. You come into possession of a vehicle as a result of a legal contract .

. You sell or deliver vehicles outside the United States and make under 5% of vehicles’ total gross revenue .

and make . You work for a licensed car dealer (e.g. as a salesperson ).

). Sell only kit trailers.

Other Types of Vehicle Dealers

There are other kinds of businesses that deal with motor vehicles but may not meet the above criteria for a dealer; these include:

Manufacturers : Manufactures motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers.

: Manufactures motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers. Distributor : Sells new motor vehicles to dealers, like a wholesaler.

: Sells new motor vehicles to dealers, like a wholesaler. Lessor : Oversees car leasing options and processes. Short-term lessor : Leases vehicles to people for up to 31 days OR by the day OR by the trip. Long-term lessor : Leases vehicles to people for a fixed time period lasting more than 31 days.

: Oversees car leasing options and processes. Rebuilder: Reconstructs cars by altering, adding, or substituting essential parts (e.g. a salvaged car repairer) OR assembles replicas and specially constructed vehicles from unassembled parts.

Mark which business and dealer type applies to you when completing the DMV’s dealer application