Summary of Dealer Types
Basic information about the types of licenses issued and regulated by the Business Licensing and Consumer Services Unit (BL&CS) can be found below. Different transactions are possible and different fees apply for each type of license. More information about each license type can be found in the appropriate infoMVA process description.
Note that sellers of low speed vehicles will be licensed as either new or used vehicle dealers, as appropriate.
Types of Business Licenses
License Type | Description | Licensing Process |
New Vehicle Dealer | Sells new vehicles under a franchise agreement with a licensed manufacturer or distributor. A location suitable for retail sales is required. | |
Used Vehicle Dealer | Sells used vehicles to the public and other dealers. A physical location suitable for retail sales from which the sales are conducted is required. Vehicle sales must be the principal or only business conducted at that location. | |
Wholesale Dealer | Buys, sells, and exchanges used vehicles with other dealers. May purchase vehicles from the public. MAY NOT SELL TO THE RETAIL PUBLIC. Location may be an office only. | |
Motorcycle Dealer | Sells new motorcycles under a franchise agreement with a license manufacturer or distributor. May be licensed to sell only used motorcycles. A location suitable for retail sales is required. | |
Emergency Vehicle Dealer | Sells new emergency vehicles under a franchise agreement with a licensed manufacturer or distributor. Location may be an office only. | |
Trailer Dealer
| Sells new trailers under a franchise agreement with a licensed manufacturer or distributor. May be licensed to sell only used trailers. A location suitable for retail sales is required. | |
Title Service Agent | Transports MVA paperwork and fees to and from MVA offices for customers. Some Title Service Agents process the documents from their office electronically. | |
Manufacturer | A manufacturer of a new vehicle constructed in the United States. Licensee does not have to be located in Maryland. | |
2nd Stage Manufacturer | A manufacturer of a new two-stage vehicle completed in the United States. Licensee does not have to be located in Maryland. | |
Distributor | An authorized importer of new vehicles manufactured or assembled outside the United States who may enter into franchise contracts with dealers. Licensee does not have to be located in Maryland. | |
Automotive Dismantler & Recycler | Acquires vehicles to dismantle, destroy, or scrap for the sale of their parts and materials. A location suitable for sales and storage is required. | Dealer - License for Automotive Dismantler & Recycler or Scrap Processor |
Scrap Processor | Has facilities to process vehicle scrap for resmelting purposes. | Dealer - License for Automotive Dismantler & Recycler or Scrap Processor |
Salesman | Sells or attempts to induce the sale of vehicles. Is employed by licensed vehicle dealer. |
Please visit our Titling - Obtaining a Dealer Resale Title for more information on obtaining a dealer resale title.
Contact Information:
MVA
Business Licensing and Consumer Services
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
For telephone questions:
MVA Customer Service Center: | 1-410-768-7000 |
TTY/Hearing Impaired: | 1-301-729-4563 |
