Call 888.600.6433Text 760.681.1757Contact our Local Offices

Important Note

California Dealer Academy is a California DMV-accredited dealer education provider (occupational licensing #CCC0007). We do not provide licensing education for Nevada. This page is an informational summary of Nevada's requirements, sourced from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV). For approved Nevada education providers, visit https://dmv.nv.gov.

How to Get a Dealer License in Nevada

To get a dealer license in Nevada: apply through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (Nevada DMV), choose your license type, submit a $100,000 surety bond, and pay the required fees. Complete null hours of state-approved pre-licensing education. Licenses are issued for 1-year terms.

License Types

LicenseDescriptionWho Needs It
Motor Vehicle Dealer — All Other VehiclesLicensed to buy, sell, or exchange cars, trucks, and SUVs. Requires $100,000 bond.Standard used and new car dealers
Motorcycle / Off-Highway Vehicle DealerLicensed for motorcycles and off-highway vehicles only. Requires $50,000 bond.Motorcycle and OHV dealers
Auto BrokerArranges vehicle purchases for clients. Requires $100,000 bond (same as standard dealer).Auto brokers

Source: Nevada DMV

Dealer Education Requirements

Nevada requires null hours of pre-licensing education for new dealer applicants (NRS 482.345). Pre-licensing education program on state regulations, sales practices, and consumer rights.

Applies to: All dealer applicants

Source: Nevada DMV Dealer Education

Surety Bond Requirements

Nevada requires a $100,000 surety bond for most dealer license types. After 5+ consecutive years of clean compliance, dealers can request a 50% bond reduction ($100k → $50k, $50k → $25k). Non-payment triggers 30-day cancellation notice to DMV and license suspension.

Source: Nevada DMV Licensing Guide

Fees

FeeAmountPeriodSource
Initial license fee$125one-timeunverified
Renewal fee$50annually (due Dec 31)unverified
Fingerprint fee$39per personunverified
Dealer plate fee$16per plateunverified

Location Requirements

Office: Physical business location in Nevada required with display signage.

Signage: Permanent exterior sign required. Submit 2 color photos of exterior with sign.

Source: Nevada DMV Licensing Guide

Renewal

Nevada dealer licenses are valid for 1 years. No continuing education is required after the initial pre-licensing course (one-time requirement).

How to Apply

Submit your application through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles null 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 Occupational and Business Licensing: https://dmv.nv.gov.

California vs. Nevada — Dealer Requirements Compared

If you're a California dealer exploring Nevada, here is how the requirements compare:

CategoryCaliforniaNevada
Education6-hour DMV-approved course (CA CVC §11704.5)Nevada requires pre-licensing education but specific hours are not published. California requires a fixed 6-hour DMV-approved course.
Bond$50,000 per dealer (CA CVC §11710)Nevada's standard dealer bond is $100,000 — double California's $50,000. Motorcycle/OHV dealers require $50,000, matching California's retail requirement.
License Term2-year cycleNevada uses continuous bonds (no expiration) with annual premiums. California bonds are term-based aligned with the license period.

The key difference: Nevada requires a $100,000 bond for standard auto dealers — double California's $50,000. However, after 5 clean years you can reduce it by 50%. This is the highest bond in the proving set, and a genuine shock for California dealers considering Nevada expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nevada require pre-licensing education?

Yes. online instruction for new applicants.

How much does a Nevada dealer license cost?

The base license fee is $125 A $100,000 surety bond is required. Other costs may include business registration, office setup, and signage.

Can I use my California education certificate in Nevada?

No. Nevada requires education from a Nevada-based institution or trade association approved by Nevada DMV. California Dealer Academy is not approved to provide Nevada 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: Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. For the most current requirements, always consult the state agency directly.