Apply for a motor dealer licence

Apply online to get a 1-year, 3-year or 5-year licence to buy, sell or trade cars, motorcycles, trailers or caravans in NSW.

Introduction

If your business includes the buying, selling or exchanging of motor vehicles, including cars, trailers, motorcycles and caravans, you'll need a motor dealer licence.

You can apply online for an individual or corporation licence. You can choose a 1-year, 3-year or 5-year licence.

Eligibility

You must:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • be considered fit and proper for the purposes of the licence (NSW Fair Trading checks and considers police records)
  • not be disqualified from holding a licence as a result of a disciplinary action
  • not be a controlled member of a declared organisation
  • not have been found guilty in the past 10 years of a motor vehicle stealing offence
  • not be bankrupt
  • have sufficient financial resources to carry on your business in accordance with the requirements of Fair Trading
  • have approval from the relevant local council.

What you need

  • proof of identity
  • personal details (name, address and date of birth) of either the individual or business partners
  • business details, including the registered name of the business, the address, and incorporation date
  • Australian Company Number (ACN) or Australian Business Number (ABN)
  • if you're employing a business manager, a completed Manager's Consent Form – PDF
    Note: If there is more than one manager, a separate form must be completed for each manager
  • fee payment.

How to apply

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.
  2. Select the 'Apply online' button.
  3. Follow the prompts to apply for your licence.

If you're unable to apply online:

  1. Download and complete the relevant PDF form:
    • Individual application – PDF
      Complete this form if you operate your business in a self-employed capacity
    • Corporation application – PDF
      Complete this form if you are an ASIC registered corporation (excluding trusts and partnerships) that operates as a company including if you are a sole director for the company.
  2. Submit your application with payment at a Service NSW Centre.

Payment methods and fees

More information

  • A corporation must nominate an individual to be manager of the day-to-day business of the licensee. An individual may manage the business themselves or nominate another individual to manage the business.
  • Once you're licensed as a motor dealer you must display your licence name and number at your place of business and publish them on any advertising or promotional material.
  • You do not need a motor dealer licence for the following kinds of vehicles:
    • vehicles not acquired for the transport of goods or passengers on public roads (such as agricultural equipment)
    • vehicles with a mass over 4.5 tonnes (these are covered by the Heavy Vehicle National Law)
    • vehicles that are not capable of being registered in NSW, such as quad bikes, Segways, motorised wheelchairs and battery powered bikes.
Last updated: 23 June 2025