If you are interested in becoming a licensed motor dealer, please contact VSA Licensing at 604-575-7253 or by email for more information and/or to obtain an application. The VSA will determine if a dealer License is needed.
To become a licensed dealer, certain conditions need to be met:
Any person, partnership, sole proprietor or company selling or leasing motor vehicles to retail consumers in British Columbia must be licensed as a motor dealer. Anyone selling more than five vehicles per year is automatically deemed to be a dealer under BC law. However, the sale of even one vehicle to a retail consumer as a business activity may require a license.
A licensed dealership must also have at least one licensed salesperson. If you are a sole proprietor, you will need a motor dealer license and a salesperson license. In addition, every person working in retail vehicle sales in B.C. must be licensed. Motor dealers must ensure that all sales and management staff in contact with retail consumers have a valid salesperson license.
Fees are based on the type of vehicles sold and the number of vehicles sold or the number of demonstration License plates (or D-plates) issued by ICBC. Application fees and annual contributions to the Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund also apply. See the Motor Dealer license Fee Schedule here.
The Motor Dealer Act and the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act are very important.
Plain language explanations of their requirements can be found in:
Others include the federal Competition Act and B.C.’s Personal Information Protection Act.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Dealer FAQ
Contact VSA Licensing at licensing@vsabc.ca
