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How Many Cars Can You Sell in a Year in Ohio?

car dealership

If you are thinking about selling cars in Ohio, you must know relevant Ohio laws and stipulations. Depending on how many vehicles you sell, you may be required to get a motor vehicle dealer’s license. However, there are a lot of stipulations about selling vehicles if you have one of these licenses. So, the process of legally selling cars in Ohio can be a bit difficult for a newcomer.

To make the process a bit easier, we have written this article so that you can learn how many cars you can sell in a year in Ohio. Below, you’ll find answers to the most relevant questions relating to car dealing in Ohio. Keep reading for more.

divider 1 Why Does It Matter How Many Cars You Can Sell in a Year in Ohio?

Before jumping in to answer how many cars you can sell in a year in Ohio, it’s important to understand why you need to know this information.

Each state has its own laws and stipulations about how many cars you can sell legally without having an appropriate license. If you exceed or somehow break these laws, you have broken the law and are liable to get in legal trouble.

Only by making sure you are familiar with Ohio laws can you ensure that you are entirely within the realms of the law to sell cars and make a profit.

Tesla red electric car
Image By: webandi, Pixabay

How Many Cars Can I Sell Before I Have to Get a Motor Vehicle Dealer’s License?

Simply put, Ohio residents can sell up to five vehicles before registering for a motor vehicle dealer’s license within a 12-month span. Once the 12-month span is over, you can sell another five vehicles. If you are thinking about selling a 6th vehicle within the same year, you must first apply for a motor vehicle dealer’s license.

Let’s take an example to clarify any potential confusion. Let’s say you have four cars that you want to sell this year. You can sell all four cars within the state of Ohio without applying for a motor vehicle dealer’s license. However, if you get ahold of two more vehicles you want to sell, you must apply for a license before selling the 6th vehicle.

If you sell five vehicles this year, the number of vehicles you can sell will start over next year. This means that you can sell another five vehicles in 2023 without the need for an Ohio motor vehicle dealer’s license.

Who Needs a Motor Vehicle Dealer’s License?

According to Ohio State law, any person who participates in the business of offering for sale, selling, and displaying vehicles for sale is required to get an Ohio dealer’s license first. In other words, if you participate in selling vehicles for retail, a license is required.

Likewise, any person who acts as a salesperson must also apply for a salesperson’s license. This person must apply for a license as soon as they are hired by a registered motor vehicle dealer. Even after being hired, individuals cannot act as a salesperson until they get their required license.

man riding a self driving car
Image Credit: riopatuca, Shutterstock

How Do I Apply for a Motor Vehicle Dealer’s License?

If you need to get a dealer’s license in Ohio, all you need to do is head over to the Ohio Auto Dealers Permits and Licenses page. This site will allow you to apply for permits and licenses related to new motor vehicles, used motor vehicles, leasing motor vehicles, salespersons, auction owners, and more.

If you are having trouble finding what you need, you can visit the website’s Help Center for common questions or contact the department for help directly. You can contact the Ohio licensing department here.

Can a License Application be Denied?

Not everyone who applies for a dealer’s or salesperson’s license will be accepted. Any person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor related to motor vehicles can be denied.

divider 1 Final Thoughts: How Many Cars Can You Sell in Ohio?

Once again, you can sell five vehicles in Ohio within a single year without a license. If you end up selling more than five, you must apply for an Ohio vehicle dealer’s license. If you fail to do this, you are breaking Ohio laws and can be held responsible.

To learn more about common questions relating to vehicle sales in Ohio, visit the Ohio Vehicle Dealer Licensing Questions Page. This page covers the main laws concerning selling vehicles at auctions, charity events, retail locations, and more.

We hope that this article has helped you understand some of the basics of Ohio vehicle sales laws so that you can make a little extra money selling vehicles in Ohio without breaking the law.


Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

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