Registry of Motor Vehicles Dealer Licence, Dealer Plate (Permit)

Service Nova Scotia - Registry of Motor Vehicles

Dealer Licence, Dealer Plate (Permit)

Who Needs This Licence / Permit?
Anyone who sells or trades 4 or more motor vehicles in 12 consecutive months in Nova Scotia.
Issuing Department / Agency:
Registry of Motor Vehicles
Service Nova Scotia
Where can you get this Licence and / or further information?
Phone 902-424-5851 or if calling long distance, 
call 1-800-898-7668 (toll-free)

Hours:
All Service (Including RMV):
Monday & Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Extended hours for Registry of Motor Vehicles Services:
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Visit Access Nova Scotia:  Halifax Location
300 Horseshoe Lake Drive
Bayers Lake Business Park
Halifax, NS
B3S 0B7

Access Nova Scotia:  Dartmouth Location
 250 Baker Drive
Russell Lake West
Dartmouth, NS  B2W 6A3

E-mail Send us an e-mail through our online enquiry form .
Application Forms & Process:
An applicant can get 
1.  a dealer licence application form, 
2.  a copy of the dealer regulations, and 
3.  a copy of the Order in Council Compliance Division policy from either of the Access Centres listed above. 

When the application is completed it is submitted to one of those offices along with the applicable fees.

If all requirements are met and the application is approved, the licence / permit can be picked up by the applicant or it will be sent by mail.

Waiting Period:
10 business days
Provided that all the items that must accompany the application have been received
(Please allow several extra days for mail delivery.)
Expiry & Renewal:

These licences / permits are valid for up to 1 year covering the period from January 1 to December 31. They can be renewed, and the renewal time is from November 1 to December 31. The Department will send a renewal form to the licence holder before the licence expires.

The renewal application must be accompanied by the applicable annual fee.

Note: Effective January 1, 2004, any time plates are being issued or renewed, insurance information is required. A Statement of Insurance form must be completed.
Price: (No tax is charged)

Initial Dealer Application Processing fee:  $66.00
Dealer Licence & Annual Renewal:  $133.25
Supplemental licence:  $33.10
Country Licence:  $3.00
All Counties:  $15.00
Dealer plates:  $66.00
Motorcycle Dealer Plates:  $26.10
Temporary Permit Book: $211.75

Payment at counter:  cash, Interac debit card, Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card, cheque or money order made out to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Payment by mail:  please pay by cheque or money order made out to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

Related Requirements:
  1. If the company name is used for a dealership, the name must be registered with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies .
  2. A letter is required from the City, Town or Municipality verifying that the address is zoned to permit a motor vehicle dealer operation.
  3. Manufacturer's certificate must be completed for new car applicants.
  4. A Mechanic must show qualifications (see Trade Apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification) issued by the Department of Education under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act. (A new car dealer must have 2 employed mechanics and a used car dealer must have 1 employed or by agreement.)
Additional Information:
  1. A used car dealer applicant must provide 1 character reference and 1 business reference in letter form.
  2. The building or buildings are required to have enough space to service and to repair at least 2 vehicles at one time.
  3. Any used vehicle dealers are required to have outside parking for 5 vehicles while any new vehicle dealers are required to have outside parking for 10 vehicles.
  4. If the premises is leased, the applicant must submit a copy of the lease.
  5. All service and repairs must be conducted at the dealers' principle place of business.
  6. A minimum of 30 hours per week, at least 5 six hour days are required for the hours of business.
  7. The following tools and equipment are required: (a) air compressor; (b) floor jack; (c) axle stands; (d) bench vice; (e) welding equipment; (f) greasing equipment; and, (g) battery charger.
Legislative Authority:
Motor Vehicle Act, Revised Statutes of Nova Scotia, 1989, Chapter 293, Section(s) 32, 53-56, 60

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