Starting a car dealership in Australia is an exciting journey. The step to starting your own car dealership in Australia is getting a valid car dealer license in Australia. The process and requirements of gaining a car dealer licence varies by each Australian state and territory.
EasyCars has put together a comprehensive guide that provides you with a detailed breakdown on how to get a car dealer licence in each Australian state and territory.
Let’s get into it.
New South Wales (NSW)
If you’re looking to start a car dealership in in New South Wales, you will need to go through NSW Fair Trading to get a Dealer Licence.
What are the requirements of getting a car dealer licence in New South Wales?
- Business Registration: You need to register your dealerships name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
- Premises: Secure a business and dealership location that complies with local zoning regulations.
- Fit and Proper Person: You must demonstrate that you are a fit and proper person to hold a license, which includes a criminal history check.
- Financial Capacity: Prove your financial capacity to run a dealership, which may include providing financial statements.
How to apply for a Car Dealer Licence in New South Wales:
- Complete the Application Form: Available on the NSW Fair Trading website.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Include business registration, lease agreement for premises, financial statements, and proof of identity.
- Pay the Fee: The application fee varies depending on the license type and duration.
For more information on how to get a dealer licence in New South Wales and to apply for a dealer licence, visit the NSW Fair Trading website.
Victoria (VIC)
If you’re planning on starting a car dealership in Victoria, you will need to engage with the Business Licensing Authority (BLA). The BLA issue car dealer licences in the state of Victoria.
What are the requirements of getting a car dealer licence in Victoria:
- Business Premises: Secure a suitable dealership location.
- Business Name Registration: Register your dealership with ASIC.
- Financial Assessment: Demonstrate financial viability.
- Character Check: Provide a National Police Certificate.
How to apply for a Car Dealer Licence in Victoria:
- Complete the Application Form: Available from the BLA.
- Provide Documentation: Business registration, lease agreements, financial documents, and identity proof.
- Pay the Fee: The fee structure is detailed on the BLA website.
For more information on how to get a car dealer licence in Victoria and to apply for a dealer licence, visit the Business Licensing Authority website.
Queensland (QLD)
If you’re in Queensland and are looking to start a car dealership, you will need to apply for a car dealer licence with the Office of Fair Trading.
What are the requirements of getting a car dealer licence in Queensland:
- Business Premises: Secure a compliant dealership location.
- Name Registration: Register your dealership name.
- Character Check: Undergo a police check.
- Training: Complete the required training courses specified by the Office of Fair Trading.
How to apply for a Car Dealer Licence in Queensland:
- Fill Out the Application: Available online or at the Office of Fair Trading.
- Submit Documents: Include proof of training, business registration, lease agreement, and identity documents.
- Pay the Fee: Details are available on the Office of Fair Trading website.
For more information on how to get a car dealer licence in Queensland and to apply for a dealer licence of your own, visit the Queensland Office of Fair Trading website.
South Australia (SA)
Aspiring dealers looking to start a car dealership in South Australia, will need to apply for a licence with the Consumer and Business Service body.
What are the requirements of getting a car dealer licence in South Australia:
- Premises: Ensure your dealerships location meets zoning and business requirements.
- Registration: Register your dealerships name.
- Character Check: Obtain a National Police Certificate.
- Financial Capacity: Demonstrate financial ability to operate.
How to apply for a Car Dealer Licence in South Australia:
- Application Form: Available on the CBS website.
- Supporting Documents: Include business registration, police certificate, financial documents, and identity proof.
- Fee Payment: As specified on the CBS website.
- For detailed information, visit the Consumer and Business Services website.
For more information on how to get a car dealer licence in South Australia and to apply for a dealer licence, visit the Consumer Business Service website.
Western Australia (WA)
Looking to start a car dealership in Western Australia? The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) oversees the applications and issuing of car dealer licenses in Western Australia.
What are the requirements of getting a Car Dealer Licence in Western Australia:
- Business Premises: Ensure compliance with local regulations.
- Name Registration: Register your Dealership with ASIC.
- Character Check: Provide a National Police Certificate.
- Financial Stability: Show evidence of financial capability.
How to apply for a Car Dealer Licence in Western Australia:
- Complete the Form: Available from DMIRS.
- Submit Required Documents: Business registration, police certificate, financial records, and identity proof.
- Pay the Fee: Fee details are on the DMIRS website.
For more information on how to get a car dealer licence in Western Australia and to apply for a dealer licence, visit the Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety website.
Tasmania (TAS)
To start a car dealership in Tasmania, you will need to apply for a licence with the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS).
What are the requirements of getting a Car Dealer Licence in Tasmania:
- Business Premises: Secure a suitable dealership location in Tasmania.
- Name Registration: Register your dealerships name.
- Police Check: Obtain a National Police Certificate.
- Financial Proof: Demonstrate financial stability.
How to apply for a Car Dealer Licence in Tasmania:
- Fill Out the Application: Available from CBOS.
- Provide Documentation: Include business registration, lease agreements, police certificate, and identity proof.
- Pay the Fee: Fee details are on the CBOS website.
For further details on how to get a car dealer licence in Tasmania and to apply for a dealer licence in Tasmania, visit the CBOS website.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Starting a car dealership in Australia’s capital is an exciting opportunity. If you are looking to start a car dealership in Canberra, you will need to apply for a licence through Access Canberra. Access Canberra are responsible for issuing motor dealer licenses in the ACT.
What are the requirements of getting a Car Dealer Licence in the ACT?
- Business Premises: Ensure compliance with zoning laws.
- Registration: Register your business name with ASIC.
- Character Check: Provide a National Police Certificate.
- Financial Assessment: Show evidence of financial stability.
How to apply for a Car Dealer Licence in the ACT:
- Complete the Form: Available from Access Canberra.
- Submit Required Documents: Include business registration, police certificate, financial records, and identity proof.
- Pay the Fee: Fee details are available on the Access Canberra website.
For more information on how to get a car dealer licence in the ACT or to apply for a car dealer licence in the ACT, visit the Access Canberra website.
Northern Territory (NT)
Rounding off our list is the Northern Territory. If you are looking to start a car dealership in Darwin or anywhere else in the Northern Territory you will need to apply for a motor dealer licence through Licensing NT.
What are the requirements of getting a Car Dealer Licence in the Northern Territory:
- Business Premises: Ensure compliance with local regulations.
- Name Registration: Register your Dealership with ASIC.
- Character Check: Provide a National Police Certificate.
- Financial Stability: Show evidence of financial capability.
How to apply for a Car Dealer Licence in the Northern Territory:
- Complete the Form: Available from Licensing NT.
- Submit Documents: Business registration, police certificate, financial records, and identity proof.
- Pay the Fee: Fee details are on the Licensing NT website.
For more information on how to get a car dealer licence in the Northern Territory or to apply for a car dealer licence in the Northern Territory, visit the Licensing NT website.
Final Word,
To buy and sell cars in Australia you need to hold a valid Motor Dealer Licence issues by your state of operation. The tips presented is how you can apply for a car dealer licence in your local residing state to start a car dealership.
DISCLAIMER – The content within this blog does not constitute professional advice and is intended to be general in nature. Please consult with all relevant parties prior to making any decision.
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About EasyCars,
EasyCars by Jeal is an Australian, web-based, dealer management system that automates the buying and selling of motor vehicles. Using the latest technologies, EasyCars removes frustrations experienced at the dealership and opens your doors for greater growth.
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