Secondhand Dealer - Motor Vehicle and Secondhand Dealer - Motor Vehicle Parts

Overview

These licenses are for any natural person, partnership, or corporation, either as a principal or agent or employee thereof, who exercises, carries on, or engages in the trade or business of secondhand motor vehicle dealer or secondhand motor vehicle parts dealer. 

Motor vehicle - means any self-propelled vehicle not operated exclusively upon railroad tracks and any vehicle propelled or drawn by a self-propelled vehicle and includes vehicles known as trackless trolleys which are propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires but not operated upon rails.

These requirements for these licenses shall not apply to premises upon which vehicles are accumulated and dismantled. Such premises, and the persons engaged in business thereon, shall be licensed as motor vehicle salvage dealers.

Code Requirements 

See Chapter 401 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code for information about secondhand dealers.

Secondhand Dealer – Motor Vehicle Application Requirements

Apply online at PAULIE*

• Information needed for your online application:
  • Class N License District Council Form
    • Interactive Map of District Councils
  • The following Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services application forms:
    • A copy of the Motor Vehicle Dealer License Application (2 pages).  NOTE:  Each person named on this application form must sign the form in front of a Notary Public.
    • A copy of the Minnesota Vehicle Dealer License – Commercial Location Checklist (2 pages).
    • The original Minnesota Vehicle Dealer License – Zoning Verification form (1 page).
  • Business Purchase Agreement
  • Lease Agreement, Purchase Agreement, or Proof of Ownership
  • Site/Floor Plan
• Fillable PDFs for your online application:
  • Workers Comp Form
  • Personal Affidavit

Secondhand Dealer - Motor Vehicle Parts Application Requirements

Apply online at PAULIE*

• Information needed for your online application:
  • Class N License District Council Form
    • Interactive Map of District Councils
  • If incorporated or partnership, provide: A copy of your company’s Certificate of Incorporation from the Minnesota Secretary of State (SOS), or proof of current registration with the SOS, demonstrating you have legal authorization to operate within Minnesota AND one of the following,
    • A signed statement listing the owners of the corporation (including the percentage of ownership held by each individual) OR;
    • Minutes of the first corporate meeting, elections of officers, and desire of corporation to enter business involving the sale and service of secondhand motor vehicle parts (the first corporate meeting minutes should include the distribution / allocation of corporate shares).
  • Business Purchase Agreement
  • Lease Agreement, Purchase Agreement, or Proof of Ownership
  • A security bond of at least $5,000.
  • Site/Floor Plan
• Fillable PDFs for your online application
  • Workers Comp Form
  • Personal Affidavit

Inspections

Your application will be administratively reviewed by DSI Licensing, Zoning and Fire Inspection staff. This review may include on-site inspections(s) to verify compliance with applicable regulations. You will be informed of any required inspections including the name and telephone number of the inspector after the submission of a completed license application. The location must be in compliance with all applicable regulations and/or license conditions before any license may be issued.

Fees

See Fee Table for current license fees.

Expiration/Renewal

A Secondhand Dealer – Motor Vehicle and a Secondhand Dealer – Motor Vehicle Parts License will expire one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed annually.