Business Licenses for Vehicle Manufacturers & Distributors

Who needs a manufacturer or distributor license

You must be licensed as a manufacturer or distributor if you:

• Manufacture motor vehicles
• Distribute or sell new motor vehicles to licensed dealers
• Represent or control the distribution of a line-make of vehicles

You may not conduct business in Maryland without a valid license issued by the MVA.

Requirements & responsibilities

Surety bond requirement

Before a 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 dealers, consumers and the state if you fail to comply with the Maryland Transportation Article or other applicable laws.

Licensee responsibilities

As a licensed manufacturer or distributor, you must:

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

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

How to apply for a license

Step 1: Complete the application

Fill out the official manufacturer or distributor license application. 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 need to provide:

• Business formation documents (such as articles of incorporation or organization)
• Trade name registration, if applicable
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), if applicable
• Franchise agreements or line-make documentation, if required
• Original surety bond
• Any additional documentation requested 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

Manufacturer and distributor 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

Operating without a valid license is a violation of Maryland law.

Need help?

Contact the Business Licensing and Compliance Division at 410-768-7000.

We are here to help you understand the licensing process.