Secondhand Dealer Auto License

• The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) issues a secondhand dealer auto license. You need this license to buy or sell used vehicles.

• You need to complete the basic license application:
  You need to fill out the Basic License Application. You will need:

  • Business information, including identification numbers (like EIN, SSN or ITIN)
  • Contact information for the business location and owner
  • History of criminal or civil charges against owners, partners, shareholders and officers
  • Any DCWP license history for individuals named on the application and their relatives

• You must provide your sales tax identification details:

  • You need to provide your New York State Sales Tax ID Number or Certificate of Authority Application Confirmation Number on the Basic License Application. Learn more about the sales tax vendor certificate of authority.

• Get a certificate of occupancy:

  • You need to 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).

  • It must confirm that your place is suitable for your business. You can check Learn more about the certificate of occupancy.

  • If you are submitting 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, designation of "Sale of Used Cars," "Motor Vehicle Sales Lot" or "Use Group 9" accompanied with "Automobile Showroom" or "Car Sales

• If someone else will prepare and submit the application: You need to fill out the
  Granting Authority to Act Affirmation

• Fingerprinting:
  All key business members (sole proprietors, general partners, corporate officers, principals, directors, members and shareholders) owning 10% or more of company stock must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO for fingerprinting. You need to:

  • Visit uenroll.identogo.com

  • Use service code 1585KT and your application number as the Agency ID. Application number is on your receipt or confirmation letter when you apply online

  • Follow the instructions and pay the required fees

• You need to pay the license fee: The fee details are as follows:

  • $600 new license fee from August 1 of odd-numbered years to January 31 of even-numbered years
  • $450 new license fee from February 1 to July 31 of even-numbered years
  • $300 new license fee from August 1 of even-numbered years to January 31 of odd-numbered years
  • $150 new license fee from February 1 to July 31 of odd-numbered years
  • You need to pay fingerprint processing fee per person
  • You need to pay a nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee for credit card payments

• You can pay by:

  • Check payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, in person only
  • Money order payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, in person only
  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)

Two weeks after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all your papers, they will send a letter. The letter will have the following details:

• If your application is approved: DCWP will send you a license
• If more information is needed: The letter will explain what documents to send. Your application will be denied If you do not send the documents within 10 days
• If your application is denied: DCWP will provide you with the reason. They will ask you to apply again

• License validity: Licenses are valid up to two years. They expire on July 31 of odd-numbered years

• Informing DCWP of changes:

  • If any information in your approved application changes, you must inform the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

  • You can call 311 or visit the DCWP Licensing Center. It is good to call 311 to check if you need to visit the center for any specific change.

  • You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Follow all laws and rules: You must follow all New York City laws and rules, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules. You can review them on the Public Access Portal.

1. Complete the required forms: You must complete the forms and gather all necessary documents

2. Schedule an appointment: You need to schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Before the license expires: Select Renew Online. DCWP will send you a renewal form and instructions. To keep operating, you must submit your renewal form at least 15 days before the license expires

• Before the license expires: DCWP will send you a renewal form and instructions:

  • To keep operating, you must submit your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before the license expires

  • You need an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Before the license expires: DCWP will send you a renewal form and instructions:

  • To keep operating, you must submit your renewal application, required documents and fees at least 15 days before the license expires

  • You can mail these materials using the orange return envelope to the DCWP Licensing Center

• Contact information: The address and email information for DCWP Licensing Center are as follows:
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov