Important Note
California Dealer Academy is a California DMV-accredited dealer education provider (occupational licensing #CCC0007). We do not provide licensing education for Arizona. This page is an informational summary of Arizona's requirements, sourced from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). For approved Arizona education providers, visit https://azdot.gov/mvd/businesses-organizations/dealer-licensing.
How to Get a Dealer License in Arizona
To get a dealer license in Arizona: apply through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) via the ADOT Force portal, choose your license type, obtain the required surety bond, and pay the required fees. Arizona does not require pre-licensing education for dealer applicants. Licenses are issued for 1-year terms.
License Types
| License | Description | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Motor Vehicle Dealer | Licensed to buy, sell, or exchange used motor vehicles. | Independent used car dealers |
| Wholesale Motor Vehicle Dealer | Licensed to sell vehicles only to other licensed dealers. No retail sales. | Wholesale-only dealers |
Source: ADOT (Opens in new window)
Dealer Education
Arizona does not require pre-licensing education for motor vehicle dealer applicants. This is a notable difference from California, which mandates a 6-hour DMV-approved course for all new dealers.
Surety Bond Requirements
Arizona requires a surety bond for most dealer license types. The bond must cover the full 1-year license term. Amount varies by dealer type. Specific amounts not published on ADOT site — verify with Dealer Licensing Unit at aacc@azdot.gov or 602-712-7571.
Exemptions: Manufacturers; Distributors.
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Period | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application filing fee | $15 | per application | source (PDF opens in new window) |
| Fingerprint/background check | $22 | per person | source (PDF opens in new window) |
| Manufacturer/Distributor license fee | $100 | — | source (PDF opens in new window) |
Location Requirements
Office: Physical business location required. Must submit photos of office, locking cabinet, sign, posted hours, all four sides of building, and labeled parking spaces.
Display Area: Photos required of all four building sides and labeled parking.
Signage: Permanent exterior business sign required — photo evidence required.
Hours: Posted business hours required.
Renewal
Arizona dealer licenses are valid for 1 year. No continuing education is required after the initial pre-licensing course (one-time requirement).
How to Apply
Submit your application through the Arizona Department of Transportation ADOT Force portal. Required documents typically include: proof of identity for all owners, Secretary of State business filing (if applicable), surety bond, education certificate, and proof of an established business location. Contact Motor Vehicle Division — Dealer Licensing Unit: https://azdot.gov/mvd/businesses-organizations/dealer-licensing.
Auction Access in Arizona
Physical auctions: Arizona has an active wholesale auction market, with Manheim and other dealer-only auction houses operating in the state. Bidding requires an active dealer license and standard auction credentialing (commonly via AuctionACCESS).
Digital auctions: You don't have to be near a physical auction location to source inventory. Platforms like ACV Auctions and OPENLANE are 100% online, dealer-license-only marketplaces with nationwide inventory — vehicles are professionally inspected on-site by the platform and shipped to you.
Dealer Associations in Arizona
Arizona Independent Automobile Dealers Association (Opens in new window), Mesa, AZ, founded 1968. AIADA, based in Mesa, has represented Arizona's independent used vehicle dealers since 1968, with membership, compliance, and legislative advocacy resources specific to Arizona.
California vs. Arizona — Dealer Requirements Compared
If you're a California dealer exploring Arizona, here is how the requirements compare:
| Category | California | Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Education | 6-hour DMV-approved course (CA CVC §11704.5) | Arizona does not require pre-licensing education for dealer applicants. This is a significant difference from California's mandatory 6-hour DMV-approved course. |
| Bond | $50,000 per dealer (CA CVC §11710) | Arizona bond amounts vary by dealer type (specific amounts not publicly listed by ADOT). California uses a uniform $50,000 requirement for retail dealers. |
| License Term | 2-year cycle | Arizona dealer licenses renew annually. California uses a 2-year renewal cycle. |
The key difference: Arizona requires zero pre-licensing education hours — the only state in the proving set with no training requirement. For California dealers who completed the 6-hour course, this is a significant reduction in barrier to entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arizona require pre-licensing education?
No. Unlike California, Arizona does not mandate pre-licensing education for dealer applicants.
How much does a Arizona dealer license cost?
The base license fee is $15. A surety bond is required (amount varies by license type). Other costs may include business registration, office setup, and signage.
Can I use my California education certificate in Arizona?
No. California Dealer Academy is not approved to provide Arizona dealer education.
Return to California Licensing
If you're licensing in California, explore our complete guides:
California Dealer License Guide City-by-City Resources California Bond Requirements
Page verified 2026-08-03. Source: Arizona Department of Transportation (Opens in new window). For the most current requirements, always consult the state agency directly.