The first step to becoming a salesperson or a dealer-operator is to take a test at any of DMV's customer service center (CSC). Once you pass the test, you may apply for a license. As the license is issued in the name of the dealership, the applicant must apply through a particular dealership where you will be working. The license application materials and payment of licensing fees may be processed through a DMV Customer Service Center. A criminal background check is performed on every initial application.
If you apply for an original trailer dealer's license, you must pay an annual license fee. In additional, you will be required to furnish a $25,000 surety bond for three (3) consecutive years. The requirement for the bond will be dropped upon completion of 3 consecutive years without a claim against the bond.
Listed below are the forms and fees you will need to submit in order to apply for a franchised or independent motor home and/or travel trailer dealer's license, salesperson's license, and dealer license plates.
| Form | Fee for One Year | Fee for Two Years |
|---|---|---|
| Dealer License Application (DSD-10) | $100 | $200 |
| Application for Certificate of Qualification/Salesperson's License (DSD-7) | $10 | $20 |
| Total | $110 | $220 |
| Criminal History Check Data Form (MVB-21) (if applicable) |
$15 | $15 |
If you are applying for an original or renewal motor home and/or travel trailer dealer license, as well as salespersons f or these types of dealership, you may be eligible for a license fee and bond waiver if currently licensed by the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board and you provide proof of this license (a photocopy of the current Board dealer and salesperson licenses is adequate proof). Please note that this license fee and bond waiver is only applicable for the address/physical location indicated on the Board issued licenses.
If you are applying for a dealer's license, you must include the name of a certified dealer before the application will be processed. Each salesperson applicant must be certified. The dealer-operator and salesperson certificates of qualification may be obtained by successfully completing an examination administered at a local DMV Customer Services Center, and payment of a $25 fee. If you desire to purchase dealer license plates, you must complete an "Application for Dealer/Drive-Away/Office Trailer Plates" ( DSD-9). You must also certify automobile liability insurance coverage for each plate and must maintain liability insurance as long as the dealer plate remains valid.
Dealerships may purchase a maximum of four plates per licensed salesperson. The first two plates cost $30, the third and any subsequent plates cost $13 each. A sign must be displayed in the public sales area of the dealership with the amount of the processing fee charged, if any. The sign must be no smaller than eight and one-half by eleven inches (8.5" x 11") and the type at least one-half inch.
Each dealership owner, partner and/or officer of the dealership; and each dealership-operator and all salespersons are required to complete and submit a criminal history form (MVB-21) along with all other applications.
The following additional requirements must be attached or included in the application.
Upon receipt of your application with appropriate fees and enclosures, a DMV representative will contact you to schedule an on-site inspection to determine if the dealership meets the established place of business requirements as outlined in the Virginia Motor Vehicles Dealer Licensing Laws.