Business Licenses for Emergency Vehicle Dealers

Who needs an emergency vehicle dealer license

You must be licensed as an emergency vehicle dealer if you buy, sell, lease or otherwise deal in vehicles designed or equipped for emergency use.

You may not operate as an emergency vehicle dealer without a valid MVA license.

Examples of emergency vehicles

Emergency vehicles include:

• Police vehicles
• Fire vehicles
• Ambulances
• Other authorized emergency vehicles

Requirements & responsibilities

Surety bond requirement

Before your emergency vehicle dealer license can be issued, you must file a surety bond as required under the Maryland Transportation Article. The bond must:

• Be in the amount required by Maryland law
• Be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Maryland
• Be payable to the State of Maryland

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.

The surety bond protects consumers and the state if a dealer violates Maryland law.

Emergency vehicle dealer responsibilities

As a licensed emergency vehicle dealer, you must:

• Maintain accurate sales and vehicle records
• Comply with the Maryland Transportation Article
• Maintain your required surety bond
• Allow inspections or audits by the MVA
• Follow all reporting requirements

Violations may result in civil penalties, suspension, or revocation of your license.

How to apply for an emergency vehicle dealer license

Step 1: Complete the application

Fill out the official MVA application for Emergency Vehicle Dealer licensing. Make sure all information is complete and accurate — incomplete applications may delay processing.

Step 2: Obtain a surety bond

Secure a 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 be required to submit:

• Business formation documents (if applicable)
• Trade name registration (if applicable)
• Zoning approval for your business location
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), if applicable
• 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

Emergency vehicle dealer licenses must be renewed as required by the MVA.

To renew, you must submit renewal paperwork, pay renewal fees, and maintain your required 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.