Business Licenses for Vehicle Wholesalers
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Before you begin
If you buy and sell vehicles only to licensed dealers, you must be licensed as a wholesaler by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
A wholesaler may not sell vehicles to the public.
You must have a valid Wholesaler license before doing business in Maryland.
Who needs a wholesaler license
A wholesaler is a person or business that buys vehicles for resale and sells them only to licensed dealers — not directly to the public.
If you plan to sell vehicles to the public, you must apply for a different dealer license.
Requirements & responsibilities
Surety bond requirement
Before your wholesaler license can be issued, you must file a $50,000 surety bond as required under the Maryland Transportation Article. The bond must:
- Be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Maryland
- Be payable to the State of Maryland
- Remain active for as long as you are licensed
You must maintain continuous bond coverage at all times. If your bond is canceled, expires, or becomes invalid, your license may be suspended or revoked and you may not legally operate.
Business location requirement
You must have a permanent, established place of business that meets MVA requirements, including compliance with local zoning laws. Your location must be approved before your license is issued..
A wholesaler may not operate from a temporary location or an unapproved address
Your business location must be approved before your license is issued.
Wholesaler responsibilities
As a licensed wholesaler, you must:
- Sell vehicles only to licensed dealers
- Follow the Maryland Transportation Article
- Submit accurate title and registration paperwork
- Maintain required business records
- Comply with all MVA regulations
Violations may result in civil penalties, suspension, or revocation of your license.
How to apply for a wholesaler license
Step 1: Complete the application
Fill out the official wholesaler license application. Make sure all information is complete and accurate — incomplete applications may delay processing.
Step 2: Obtain a surety bond
Secure a $50,000 surety bond from an authorized surety company. You'll need to include the original bond with your application.
Step 3: Gather required documents
You may need to provide:
- Proof of business location
- Zoning approval
- Business formation documents (LLC, corporation, etc.)
- Original surety bond
- Any additional documents required by the Business Licensing and Compliance Division
Step 4: Submit the application & fees
Mail or deliver your completed application, bond, supporting documents, and fees to:
Business Licensing and Compliance Division
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Fees are nonrefundable.
Do not begin operating until your license has been approved.
How to renew your license
Wholesaler licenses must be renewed as required by the MVA.
To renew, you must submit renewal paperwork, pay renewal fees, maintain an active $50,000 surety bond
If your license expires, you may not operate.
Need help?
Contact the Business Licensing and Compliance Division at 410-768-7000.
We are here to help you understand the licensing process.
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