Licensing Resources
Licensing resources for auto dealers
State-by-state dealer license guides and the key federal compliance resources — everything linked back to the official sources.
Please read before using these guides
State regulations change often. These guides are a general orientation only — not legal advice — and requirements, fees, forms, and agency websites can change at any time. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's licensing agency (or your attorney) before acting on anything here. Last reviewed August 2026.
State licensing guides
Getting your dealer license, state by state
Full plain-English walkthroughs of each state's licensing process — what to expect, in what order, and who to ask — reviewed quarterly against the official state sources.
Alabama
Dealer license guide
Florida
Dealer license guide
Georgia
Dealer license guide
Mississippi
Dealer license guide
Missouri
Dealer license guide
North Carolina
Dealer license guide
Ohio
Dealer license guide
South Carolina
Dealer license guide
Tennessee
Dealer license guide
Texas
Dealer license guide
Utah
Dealer license guide
Virginia
Dealer license guide
Federal resources
Federal resources & compliance
The key federal rules every independent dealer should know, linked at the official source.
- FTC — Auto Dealer Guidance: Advertising, Pricing & Compliance →
- FTC — Warning Letters to 97 Dealer Groups: Advertised Prices Must Include All Fees (Mar 2026) →
- FTC — A Dealer's Guide to the Used Car Rule →
- FTC — Safeguards Rule: What Your Business Needs to Know →
- FTC — Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act →
- FTC — Red Flags Rule (Identity Theft) →
- IRS — Form 8300: Reporting Cash Payments Over $10,000 →
- OFAC — Sanctions List (SDN) Search →
- NHTSA — Check Recalls by VIN →
- FinCEN — USA PATRIOT Act →
- Federal Trade Commission →
- Internal Revenue Service →
Don't see your state?
Wayne Reaves supports dealers across the country. Call us at 800-701-8082 and we'll point you in the right direction.