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Secondhand Dealer Auto
Secondhand Dealer Auto License Application Checklist
Who Must Have a Secondhand Dealer Auto License?
You must have a Secondhand Dealer Auto license if you buy or sell secondhand automobiles.
This description is only a general explanation of who must have a Secondhand Dealer Auto
license.
License Requirements
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will deny your application if you fail to provide the required documents and information:
Basic License Application
Download Basic License Application
Enter the secondhand dealer address as the “Address Where You Operate Your Business.”
Apply Online! Review requirements and click the link at the bottom of the page to submit your application.
Sales Tax Identification Number OR Application Confirmation Number
To apply for a Certificate of Authority to collect sales tax, visit www.businessexpress.ny.gov.
Department of Buildings Document
You must submit a copy of the Certificate of Occupancy, Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (expiring no less than 30 days from date of application submission), or Letter of No Objection from the Department of Buildings (DOB) confirming that your premises is suitable to operate your business. If you submit a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, it must be the most current version and show approval of the premises for “Use Group 16” and designation of “Sale of Used Cars,” “Motor Vehicle Sales Lot,” or “Use Group 9” accompanied with “Automobile Showroom” or “Car Sales.”
Fingerprints and Processing Fee
All sole proprietors, general partners, corporate officers, principals, directors, members, and all shareholders owning more than 10% of company stock must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to be fingerprinted:
- Visit https://uenroll.identogo.com
- Enter:
- Service Code: Enter 1585KT
- Agency ID: Enter numbers only from Application Number. Application Number is on your receipt or confirmation letter when you apply online.
Example: For Application Number 1234567-2023-AHIC, enter only 12345672023 as Agency ID.
- Follow the instructions and pay the required fee(s).
IMPORTANT:
- Anyone required to be fingerprinted should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to complete this requirement.
Granting Authority to Act Affirmation
Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application. The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms. Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
License Fee
License Period: 2 years
Expiration Date: July 31 in Odd Years
If You File Your Application Between These Dates:
- From August 1 in an odd year to January 31 in an even year:
- Pay $600 for a license expiring July 31 of the next odd year. (Valid for at most 24 months.)
- From February 1 in an even year to July 31 in an even year:
- Pay $450 for a license expiring July 31 of the next odd year. (Valid for at most 18 months.)
- From August 1 in an even year to January 31 in an odd year:
- Pay $300 for a license expiring July 31 of the next or same odd year. (Valid for at most 12 months.)
- From February 1 in an odd year to July 31 in an odd year:
- Option 1: Pay $150 for a license expiring July 31 of the same odd year. (Valid for at most 6 months.)
- Option 2: Pay $750 for a license expiring July 31 of the following odd year. (Valid for at most 30 months.)
Pay by:
- Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only)
(Online or in person)
You will be charged a nonrefundable 2% Convenience Fee. - eCheck (Online)
- Check or money order payable to DCWP (In person or by mail)
Important Message about Business Certificate
You must have the applicable Business Certificate based on your business’s legal structure. Although DCWP does not require submission of your Business Certificate in order to process your application, DCWP may request this document under section 20-104 of the New York City Administrative Code.
Sole Proprietors
Sole proprietors operating under a name other than your own must have a Business/Assumed Name Certificate.
Partnerships
Partnerships must have a Partnership Certificate and, if applicable, an Assumed Name Certificate for your business.
Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships
Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, or Limited Liability Partnerships must register and remain active with the New York State Division of Corporations. You can check your status at www.dos.ny.gov/corps.
Submit Your License Application to DCWP
You can submit your license application online or in person at the DCWP Licensing Center.
- ONLINE OPTION: After reviewing requirements above, click the Apply Online button below to login or create an account to start your online license application.
- IN-PERSON OPTION: Licensing appointments are available in hardship cases that require an in-person visit. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment for an in-person visit.
Questions? We’re here to help!
Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov
Phone: (212) 487-4060. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, visit our Accommodations page.
Additional Resources for Secondhand Dealer Auto
- For the laws and rules that may affect your business, visit our Laws page.
- Download Inspection Checklist: Secondhand Dealers.
- For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.
- Used car dealers in New York City must provide consumers with a Consumer Bill of Rights, a financing disclosure form, where applicable, and a cancellation option—all of which must be in the language used to negotiate the contract. Get forms in 11 languages.
Get Voter Information
Note: Whether you apply to register to vote or not, it will not affect the assistance DCWP will provide to you.