Automobile Dealer Services
Dealership Licensing Information
Who is considered a motor vehicle dealer in Indiana?
According to state law, anyone who sells at least 12 vehicles
a year must register with the Secretary of State's office as a dealer.
How can I become a dealer?
By law, all new and used vehicle dealers must be licensed by the
Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
An applicant can obtain a dealer application packet
online, by calling (317) 591-5303 or by writing to the Dealer Division,
6400 East 30th St.,Indianapolis, IN 46219.
Along with this completed packet, an applicant must send the following to the BMV Dealer/Special Sales Division:
- photographs (at least 3" by 5") of the established
place of business, including but not limited to the major sales
and storage lot, exterior advertising sign, and the display and
office building;
- and evidence of a franchise or contract agreement, if applicable,
showing a sales arrangement with a manufacturer, converter manufacturer
or a distributor.
What regulations must a dealer follow?
Dealers must:
- provide a federal identification number and a retail merchant's
certificate number;
- provide garage liability insurance;
- provide BMV with updated photographs of the established place
of business if the facilities are substantially altered, modified
or moved;
- be in good standing with the BMV, Department of Revenue and
the State Police;
- and maintain an established place of business with an Indiana
address other than a post office box.
A dealer's established place of business:
- must be accessible to the public for a minimum of 30 hours
each week during normal business hours;
- must be well lit during hours of operation;
- may not house a secondary business unless that business is
closely related to the sale of motor vehicles and does not provide
in excess of 50% of the dealer's gross income;
- must have at least a space of 1,300 square feet and be able
to accommodate the display of a minimum of ten vehicles of the
kind and type which the dealer is licensed to sell and space for
customer parking;
- must have this display and customer parking areas adequately
surfaced;
- must meet all local zoning requirements;
- must house an office at least 100 square feet in size and
equipped with standard office furniture and utilities;
- and must have a conspicuous, permanent sign identifying the
dealer by the name in which the dealer is licensed and the hours
of operation.
I'm a licensed dealer, and I need a copy of the Dealer Forms
provided by the Secretary of State's office. Where can I get these?
You can get the forms on the Web site (click here).
Where can I go for further information on dealerships?
You may contact the Dealer Division by calling (317) 591-5303
or write to 6400 East 30th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana
46219.
How can I make a complaint against a dealer?
Click here to download a copy of the Dealer Division's
complaint
form. The Dealer Division may be able to help you resolve certain
complaints, such as nondelivery of title from a dealer. However,
many complaints may require you to seek legal recourse through
a private attorney. You may fax your complaint form to (317) 591-5319 or mail it to the Dealer Division at 6400 East 30th St., Indianapolis, IN 46219.
Please note that questions about the Indiana Motor Vehicle Protection
Act, commonly known as the Lemon Law, should be directed to the
Attorney General's Office at 1-800-382-5516.
