A dealer license is required when any person sells five or more vehicles/vessels (that are required to be titled) per calendar year. Below is basic information to help determine if activities you are involved in require an Idaho dealer license. Below on this page is information on securing a license.
ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A DEALER LICENSE:
- Soliciting the sale, exchange, or consignment of a vehicle/vessel not titled in the name of the person making the solicitation.
- Selling, displaying for sale, exchanging, or consigning a vehicle/vessel not titled in the displayer´s name.
- Selling, displaying for sale, exchanging, or consigning five or more vehicles/vessels in any one calendar year even though the vehicles/vessels are titled in the seller's name.
- Engaging in the business of selling, exchanging, or consigning vehicles/vessels, or engaging in any other acts customarily associated with the business of selling or exchanging vehicles/vessels.
- Displaying vehicles/vessels for sale, exchange, or consignment on property not legally controlled by the owner of the vehicle/vessels.
Who does NOT need a Dealer License in Idaho?
Below are the following activities that do not require a Dealer License:
- Selling less than five vehicles/vessels (titled in your name) in a calendar year.
- Insurance companies, financial institutions, or public utility companies disposing of any vehicle/vessel incidental to primary business activities.
- Manufacturing or selling specialty vehicles (fire trucks, fire engines, urban transit buses, ambulances, street sweepers, and hazardous material response vehicles).
What auction activities require a Dealer License?
Below are the following activities that require a Dealer License:
- Providing an auction service for the sale or exchange of a vehicle/vessel not titled in the name of entity offering the vehicle for auction or in the name of the auction company.
- Offering at auction five or more vehicles/vessels titled in the name of the auction company or any entity during any calendar year.
What auction activities do NOT require a Dealer License?
Below are the following activities that do not require a Dealer License:
- Offering at auction less than five vehicles/vessels titled in the name of the auction company in a calendar year.
- Providing an auction service during any calendar year for the sale of less than five vehicles/vessels that are titled in the name of the entity offering the vehicles/vessels for auction.
- Providing an auction service for a licensed Idaho dealer.
WHO MUST GO THROUGH DEALER pre-licensing and continuing education courses?
As of September 1, 2022, ALL individuals listed on a used- or wholesale-only dealership license must complete dealer education. This dealer education rule applies to both pre-licensing and continuing education. Idaho law requires a dealer pre-licensing class before starting a dealership. The pre-licensing course is eight-hours and includes a closed-book written examination. Additionally, Idaho requires dealers to complete annual continuing education course that is four hours.
HOW DO I COMPLETE MY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS?
Once you complete your education course, you will receive a certificate showing that you have completed the training. Turn that certification into the ITD with your Dealer Application for new or renewing dealers.
What is the exam like?
There will be 40 random multiple choice questions in the exam at the end of the content. You must pass with at least 80% correct answers to receive your certificate.
What happens if I do not pass my test?
If you do not pass your test, you will be able to retake your test up to three times. You will be required to go through all of the material again before retaking the test.
How much do the courses and exams cost?
The education courses are competitively priced. The Pre-licensing Education course is $99 and the Continuing Education course is $150.
How long is my Dealer License valid?
Your Idaho Dealer License will expire one year after the date it is issued.
How much does it cost to start a dealership?
Check the ITD's website under Dealer Fees to verify current dealer fees.