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State Requirements To Become A Dealer NHADA recommends submitting completed paperwork to the Division of Motor Vehicles 6-8 weeks prior to becoming or relocating a dealership.

New Hampshire licensing requirements do not distinguish between new or used vehicle dealers. Any person engaged in the motor vehicle business who sells five or more vehicles to the general public is considered a retail vehicle dealer (RSA 259:89-a). All businesses/dealerships must register with the New Hampshire Secretary of State. More information can be found at: http://bit.ly/hWqfN6. All dealers must obtain a vehicle dealer license (RSA 261:103-a). This license will include receiving approval from the town in which the business is to be located (RSA 259:29-a). In order to become a licensed dealer in New Hampshire, please contact the Division of Motor Vehicles, Bureau of Registrations, Dealer Desk, at 271-2330. All dealers are required to obtain a dealer bond in the amount of $25,000 (RSA 261:98). Members of the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association (NHADA) may obtain their dealer bond at a reduced rate through the "members only" dealer bond program through CNA Surety (Western Surety Company)/WILLIS of Northern New England, Inc. (formerly, the Dunlap Corporation/HRH). To download information on the "members only" dealer bond program and the CNA Surety (Western Surety Company) bond application, use the links below.  CNA Surety Cancellation Guidelines for NHADA.pdf NHADA Bond Information.pdf CNA Surety General Change Request Form.pdf CNA Surety Easy Bond Application (New Hampshire)   Key elements to obtaining a license are to have a place of business that: The retail vehicle dealer conducts sales during normal business hours (normal business hours are defined by rule as: 37-1/2 hours per week); The business location is a permanent physical structure that has at least 750 square feet or is primarily dedicated to the business of selling vehicles; and The business location clearly and conspicuously displays the business name of the dealer in letters no less than 10 inches in height, unless prohibited by local zoning – such business signage shall be clearly visible from a traveling vehicle on the adjacent public way, unless an obstruction exists which cannot be remedied (RSA 259:29-a). All dealers who wish to have dealer registration under a general distinguishing number (dealer plates) must make application with the Department of Safety (RSA 261:103-a, VII). If a dealer is going to arrange financing for customers, the dealer must obtain a Retail Seller's License from the New Hampshire Bank Department (RSA 361-A:1, XII). To download the Retail Seller's License Application and the Retail Seller's License Renewal Application, follow these links:

Complete New Motor Vehicle Retail Seller Application Form Motor Vehicle Retail Seller Renewal Form

If a dealer is going to provide financing to their customers and actually hold the title, the dealer must obtain a Sales Finance Company License from the New Hampshire Insurance Department. (RSA 361-A:1, XIII) To download the Sales Finance Company Application and the Sales Finance Company Renewal Application, follow these links:

Complete New Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Company Application Form Motor Vehicle Sales Finance Company Renewal Form

If a dealer is going to provide Insurance services (GAP, Life, Health, Disability), a producer's license must be obtained from the New Hampshire Insurance Department. They can be reached at 603-271-2261 or you can apply online at http://bit.ly/hhxNye. If a dealer is going to be generating hazardous waste or burning used motor oil for recycle (heat), that dealer must be registered with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Information on registering can be found here: http://bit.ly/f0dDME.

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