Hawaii Chronological Dealer Pre-License Checklist
- Create Hawaii Business Entity
- Obtain Dealer Surety Bond
- Find Location
- Complete Dealer License Application
- License is Granted in 30 to 45 Days
Pre-License Checklist.
- Create Hawaii Business Entity - You must establish your business entity before you apply for your license. You must be registered with the Hawaii Business Registration Division, and obtain an employer ID number. This process can be handled for you for a minimal fee. Just click on the "Create Hawaii Business Entity" link then click the yellow "Start a Business Now" button, then select "Hawaii" from the drop down menu and select the options that are best for you. If you use our Create Hawaii Business Entity Link and have any questions, you will be connected to Tracy Newman our Hawaii Business Entity Registration Specialist. She can answer questions about your required Hawaii business entity registrations.
- Obtain Dealer Surety Bond - Most dealers will need a $25,000 dealer surety bond. With good credit your bond should cost around $200 to $300. With bad credit you can make low monthly payments on your bond. If you are selling 60 or more vehicles every month, you must carry a $100,000 dealer surety bond. If you click on the "Obtain Dealer Surety Bond" link you will be connected to my automated surety bond quoting system that will match your credit score with the bond company that specializes in issuing bonds to dealers with your credit score. I believe this will lead to the lowest bond quote on the first quote. (Please note: The Obligee must be the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs for your dealer surety bond)
- Find Location - There
is a location for your new business, you just have to find it.
Your location must be zoned to have a dealer license. The State
of Hawaii requires you have a location with at least 3 spaces
for motor vehicles with an average wheelbase of 90 inches and
you must also have a restroom. If you are leasing the location
the lease must be for a minimum of one year.
You must sketch a diagram of your location and submit some
photographs with your dealer license application.
Use Google or an AI search tool using terms such as Florida Dealer Office, or Florida Dealer Lot For Rent or Sale. You can also check Craigslist, LoopNet, Crexi, CommercialSearch, and Rightmove. Or just drive around your area in places you do not normally go.
- Complete Dealer License Application - When you have completed all of your pre-license steps you must complete your Hawaii Dealer License Application , your self inspection report, photographs, bond, rental or ownership documents, and a check for your license fees then mail it to Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch, PO Box 3469, Honolulu, Hawaii 96801. I you have any questions about the dealer licensing process you can call 808-886-3000.
- Dealer License is Granted
- The State should issue your Dealer License in 30 to 45 days.
Once your dealer license is issued, you can then enter dealer
auctions, buy vehicles at wholesale, and sell them at retail.
Complete the steps above and take your income to a whole new level with your own Hawaii Dealer License.
Thank You Very Much!
Good luck with your new business,
Delus Johnson