Business Licenses for Trailer Dealers

Who needs a trailer dealer license

You must have a trailer dealer license if you:

• Buy, sell, or exchange trailers for profit
• Offer trailers for sale to the public
• Advertise yourself as a trailer dealer

You may not operate as a trailer dealer without a valid MVA license.

Requirements & responsibilities

Surety bond requirement

Before your wholesaler license can be issued, you must file a 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 requirements

Your dealership must:

• Operate from an approved and established place of business
• Meet local zoning requirements
• Comply with MVA inspection and signage standards, if applicable

You may not operate from an unapproved location.

Dealer responsibilities

As a licensed trailer dealer, you must:

• Follow the Maryland Transportation Article
• Submit accurate and complete title and registration documents
• Maintain required records
• Follow all MVA rules for trailer sales and transfers

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

How to apply for a trailer dealer license

Step 1: Complete the application

Fill out the official trailer dealer license application. Make sure all information is complete and accurate — incomplete applications may delay processing.

Step 2: Obtain your surety bond

Secure the required surety bond in the amount set by Maryland law. The bond must be properly executed and submitted with your application.

Step 3: Gather required documents

You may need to provide:

• Proof of business location
• Zoning approval
• Business formation documents
• 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

Trailer dealer licenses must be renewed as required by the MVA.

To renew, you must:

• Submit renewal paperwork
• Pay renewal fees
• Maintain active surety bond coverage

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.