INDIANA DEALER LICENSE TRAINING

What You Will Learn in the Indiana Dealer Pre-License Playlist

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This comprehensive course covers all state-required training units for obtaining your Indiana dealer license, including:

• Pre-License Steps & Contact Information
• Applying for the Dealer License
• Completing & Applying for Titles
• Sales Tax Collection & Remittance
• Use of Dealer Plates & Interim Plates
• Dealer Ethics, Fines, & Suspensions
• Business Entity Setup
• Advertising Rules & Deceptive Trade Practices
• Odometer Disclosure & Fraud Prevention
• Vehicle History Reports
• FTC Buyer’s Guide & Federal Laws
• Dealer Financing, UCC, Repossession
• Dealer Floor Plans
• Employment & Hiring Laws (I-9, E-Verify)
• Small Business Administration Resources
• Dealer Management Software

Indiana Dealer License Contact Information

Dealer licenses in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Secretary of State - Auto Dealer Services Division. They handle dealer license applications and serve as a resource for new and existing dealers.

Indiana Dealer License Categories

Depending on your business model, you may need one of the following Indiana dealer licenses:

• Auto Auction License – Required if facilitating 3+ vehicle/watercraft auctions in 12 months.
• Automotive Salvage Recycler – For dismantling, recycling, or rebuilding salvage vehicles.
• Converter Manufacturer – For modifying previously assembled vehicles (e.g., mobility vans).
• Dealer (New or Used) – Sell or advertise 12+ vehicles annually (cars, trailers, RVs, etc.).
• Distributor License – For distributing vehicles from manufacturers.
• Manufacturer License – For producing new vehicles.
• Manufactured Home Community / Sales Lot License – For selling manufactured homes.
• Transfer Dealer – For repossession/salvage sales by banks or insurance companies.
• Transport Operators – For providing drivers/operators to move vehicles.
• Watercraft Dealer – For selling 6+ watercraft annually.

Indiana Dealer Pre-License Steps

You must complete all pre-license requirements before applying for your Indiana dealer license:

1. Meet Building & Zoning Requirements
2. Register with Secretary of State
3. Obtain Vehicle Merchandising Certificate & Surety Bond
4. Secure Liability Insurance
5. Apply for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
6. Obtain Retail Merchant Certificate
7. Complete Background Check
8. Meet Education Requirements
9. Submit Dealer License Application

Indiana Dealer Building & Location Requirements

General Rules

• Must be a permanent commercial location (no residences or temporary sites).
• One dealer license per address.
• Must be accessible to the public.
• Open at least 30 hours/week during normal business hours (or 20 hours + 10 hrs phone service).

Office Requirements

• Minimum of 100 sq. ft. office space.
• Furnished with utilities and functional for motor vehicle transactions.

Display Area Requirements

• At least 1300 sq. ft. display area.
• Space for 10+ vehicles.
• Well-lit during business hours.
• Customer parking required.
• No secondary business operations on-site.

Zoning

Your location must be properly zoned for auto sales. You’ll need to submit a Zoning Affidavit (State Form 55936) signed within 90 days of your license application.