How to Obtain an Auction License in Mississippi

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What is Needed to Sell Cars at Auction in Mississippi?

Mississippi does not require special licenses for auto auction dealers. Anyone with a used car dealer�s license is permitted to sell motor vehicles at auction.

What Does the Dealer Licensing Process Involve?

There are a number of things you�ll need to do before submitting an application for a motor vehicle dealer license in Mississippi. These include:

  • Establish an approved business location in the state of Mississippi.
  • Complete an 8-hour pre-licensing course available on the Mississippi Independent Auto Dealers Association website and obtain a Certificate of Course Completion.
  • Obtain a Federal Employer Identification number issued by the IRS.
  • Register your business with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
  • Obtain a sales tax number from the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
  • Purchase a blanket liability insurance policy that covers all vehicles.
  • Purchase a $15,000 motor vehicle dealer surety bond. (For new car dealers, the bond must be in the amount of $25,000, and dealers with multiple locations can purchase one $100,000 bond to cover all of them).

Once you have completed all of these tasks, you can complete the Dealer License Application packet available from the Department of Revenue website. You can complete the application form online, but you will then need to print the entire packet, fill out the other documents, and submit everything, including the Certificate of Course Completion, surety bond, proof of liability insurance, and permit and tag fees to the Motor Vehicle Licensing Bureau (P.O. Box 1140, Jackson, MS 39215).

Why Is a Surety Bond Required?

The surety bond requirement protects the public against financial losses stemming from the unlawful or unethical actions of a licensed auto dealer. The bond is a dealer�s pledge to operate in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations and to compensate anyone who suffers a financial loss due to the dealer�s violation of the terms and conditions of the surety bond contract.

What Happens When a Claim is Filed?

Any party who loses money because of a dealer�s fraud or negligence can file a claim against the bond. When that happens, the surety company that issued the bond will investigate the matter to ensure that the claim is valid.

The surety company typically will pay any valid claim up front and then collect reimbursement from the dealer. Every surety bond contract indemnifies the surety company and places the legal responsibility for paying claims squarely on the dealer�s shoulders.

How Much Does an Auto Dealer Bond Cost?

The annual premium for an auto dealer bond is calculated as a small percentage of the $15,000 required bond amount. The surety company determines what the percentage will be based on the dealer�s credit score and finances. Applicants with good credit usually pay a premium rate of from 1% to 3%, or $150 to $450 per year. Those with poor credit may be assigned a higher premium rate.

Get Bonded Today

At Single Source Insurance, we�re here to help you get the auto dealer bond you�ll need to become licensed as a used car dealer in Mississippi and sell cars at auction.

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