How to Start a Car Dealership in Western Australia (WA): Dealer Licence, Costs, Steps

• Yes: you need a licence if you carry on a business of buying or selling vehicles, or sell or exchange 4 or more vehicles in 12 months to non-dealers.
• Cost: as at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection lists $2,240.00 for a new 3-year licence at one premises, plus $1,230.00 for each extra premises. The renewal fee is also $2,240.00.
• First step: finish the Dealer/Yard Manager Licence Requirements course, then apply online and register your premises at least 1 month before you trade.^[2]

Do you need a motor vehicle dealer licence in WA?

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says you must hold a motor vehicle dealer licence under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 if you carry on a business of buying or selling vehicles in Western Australia. The licence is issued by the Commissioner for Consumer Protection, whose staff sit in the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (LGIRS). This guide calls that regulator WA Consumer Protection.^[1]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection lists the vehicle types that need a dealer licence: passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles and scooters, caravans and camper trailers, trucks and utes, campervans and four-wheel drives. The same rule covers businesses that buy or sell vehicles for resale, wrecking, finance, auction, hire or rental.^[1]

As at 5 November 2026, section 5B of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 treats a person as a dealer if they hold themselves out as being in the business of buying or selling vehicles, or if they sell or exchange 4 or more vehicles in any 12 months to or with people who are not dealers. You avoid the label only if you prove you were not in the business and did not advertise or present yourself as a dealer.^[18]

Just selling a few cars? As at 5 November 2026, section 5B(5) says selling fewer than 4 vehicles in 12 months does not stop you being a dealer if you are really carrying on a business. Treat 4 as a trigger, not a safe limit.^[18]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says a dealer licence is endorsed with one or more categories. You choose them on the application:^[1]

• Category A, vehicle sales: buying, selling and auctioning vehicles.
• Category B, vehicle wrecker (dismantler): buying vehicles to dismantle and sell as parts.
• Category C, vehicle broker or agent: arranging the sale or purchase of vehicles for members of the public.
• Category D, vehicle hire and sales: hiring out vehicles, and selling vehicles that were hired out by you.
• Category E, consignment sales: selling vehicles for owners under consignment agreements. You must ask for this to be added, and open a trust account first.^[1]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says you need a yard manager licence if a dealer employs you to manage or supervise their vehicle business on their premises. It says you need a salesperson licence if a dealer employs you to sell but you are not the yard manager.^[10]

Terms used in this guide

• Commissioner for Consumer Protection: the person who grants, renews and puts conditions on WA dealer licences. This guide says WA Consumer Protection.
• Authorised premises: a location the Commissioner has approved for your dealing, shown on a Certificate of Authorised Premises (CAP).
• Qualifying director or partner: the person in a company or partnership who shows the business knows the Act.
• Yard manager: a licensed person employed to run or supervise the dealer's premises.
• Consignment: selling a vehicle for its owner and paying them the proceeds less an agreed commission.
• Trust account: a separate bank account for consignment money, which must be audited.
• Statutory warranty: the repair promise the Act gives buyers of some used vehicles.
• Trade plates: plates that let a motor business move an unlicensed vehicle on WA roads.
• Fit and proper person, good character and repute: the Commissioner is satisfied you are honest and suitable to run a dealership.
• Daily penalty: an extra fine for each day an offence continues.
• Infringement notice: an on-the-spot fine instead of a court case.
• Mutual recognition: using a licence from another state or New Zealand to get a WA licence.^[1]

How to get a WA dealer licence: step by step

1. 1Check you need a licence: any business of buying or selling vehicles, or 4 or more sales to non-dealers in 12 months.
2. 2Choose your licence categories (A to E) for the type of dealing you plan, and the premises you will trade from.
3. 3Complete the Dealer/Yard Manager Licence Requirements course with an approved provider (Motor Trade Association of WA, Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers or Fusion Business College). The qualifying director or partner does it for a company or partnership.
4. 4Get a police check dated within the past 3 months, in the same name as your ID, for the individual or for every partner and director. WA Consumer Protection accepts only approved providers.
5. 5Check zoning and signage with your local council, and settle your yard or showroom before you apply.
6. 6Complete the individual form, or the body corporate or partnership form, and pay $2,240.00 (plus $1,230.00 for each extra premises). Apply online, by post or in person at Cannington. Include your premises details, and lodge at least 1 month before you plan to trade.
7. 7Expect 4 to 6 weeks. When the licence is granted, display your Certificate of Authorised Premises (CAP).
8. 8Before you sell: set up your dealer's register, vehicle particulars forms, written sales contract, signage with your licence number, and trade plates if you need them.^[1]

How much does a WA dealer licence cost?

As at 5 November 2026, the WA Consumer Protection fees page lists $2,240.00 for a new motor vehicle dealer licence for one premises. A licence is valid for 3 years, so one payment covers the first 3 years. The page says the fees are exclusive of GST and can change at short notice, usually on 1 July.^[2]

Cost example we built from the WA Consumer Protection fees page (licence fees only, excluding GST):^[2]

• One premises: $2,240.00 for 3 years, about $747 a year.
• Two premises: $2,240.00 + $1,230.00 = $3,470.00 for 3 years.
• Three premises: $2,240.00 + $1,230.00 + $1,230.00 = $4,700.00 for 3 years.
• Renewal with two premises: $2,240.00 + $1,230.00 = $3,470.00 for 3 years (the fees page lists the same extra-premises fee for renewals).
• Renewal after 3 years, one premises: $2,240.00. If you are up to 28 days late, add $100.00.^[2]

As at 5 November 2026, the WA Consumer Protection fees page lists $662.00 for a yard manager licence and $448.00 for a salesperson licence, each valid for 3 years. A dealer who employs staff should check each person holds their own licence (see the staff section).^[2]

Other start-up costs: not confirmed. As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection pages we opened give no price for the course, the police check, a yard lease, stock, signage or insurance, and no fee for adding Category E. Next step: ask each approved course provider for its price, and ask WA Consumer Protection Licensing Services on 1300 304 064 about the Category E fee.^[1]

GST: as at 5 November 2026, the WA Consumer Protection fees page says its fees are exclusive of GST. We did not confirm whether GST is added when you pay; next step: ask WA Consumer Protection Licensing Services on 1300 304 064.^[2]

WA dealer licence and trade fees

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection and the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI, Transport WA) list the fees below. The first group comes from the WA Consumer Protection fees page (updated 1 July 2026) and is listed as exclusive of GST. The trade plate fees come from the ABLIS page for 2026-27 and the Transport WA trade plates page, and neither states GST status. As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection lists $38.00 to replace a lost licence.^[2]

Eligibility and documents for the application

As at 5 November 2026, section 15 of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 says the Commissioner must be satisfied that an individual applicant is at least 18, is of good character and repute and a fit and proper person, has sufficient resources and has sufficient knowledge of the Act. For a company or partnership, the people in management must be of good character and fit to manage a vehicle business, and at least one must know the Act.^[18]

As at 5 November 2026, the Act defines sufficient resources as enough material and financial resources to meet the Act's requirements for your licence category.^[18]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says it checks your credit history to confirm you can support the licence you apply for.^[10]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection lists what you attach to a new dealer licence application:^[1]

• A Dealer/Yard Manager Licence Requirements course certificate issued in the last 5 years.
• A police check dated within the past 3 months, in the same name as your ID, for the individual or all partners and directors.
• The individual application form, or the body corporate or partnership form.
• Details of any activity other than vehicle sales at the premises, such as repairs.
• A Visa or Mastercard for the fee. If you post the form and pay by card, include an application payment form.^[1]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says you need the course if you have never held a licence under the Act or are currently a licensed salesperson. A current or recent (last 5 years) yard manager does not need to repeat it, and nor does a qualifying director or partner of a licensed dealership in the last 5 years.^[1]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says you can apply online, by post to Licensing Services, Locked Bag 14, Cloisters Square, Perth WA 6850, or in person at Level 1, Mason Bird Building, 303 Sevenoaks Street, Cannington, Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm.^[1]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says that if you are licensed as a motor vehicle dealer elsewhere in Australia or in New Zealand you may be able to use mutual recognition to get a WA licence, or automatic mutual recognition to have your licence recognised in WA.^[1]

How long a WA dealer licence takes

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says new dealer licence applications typically take 4 to 6 weeks. WA Consumer Protection contacts you if it needs more information, and emails you once the licence is finalised.^[1]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says you can renew from 2 months before expiry, and should lodge at least 4 weeks before expiry. Renewal applications lodged within 28 days after expiry pay a $100.00 late fee. After that the licence has expired and you need a new application. The same renew page also says applications received after expiry cannot be accepted, so do not rely on the 28-day window. A police check dated within the past 3 months is required again.^[3]

Authorised premises, zoning and shared yards

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says the Act requires a dealer to operate from premises suitable for the licence category. With your application you submit details of the premises, even if another dealer's licence already covers them. You must apply to register the premises at least 1 month before you intend to start trading.^[1]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says an authorised premises is a location or vehicle that has been approved and issued a Certificate of Authorised Premises (CAP). It says the Commissioner can approve a location, but you must check with your local council that it is zoned correctly for your activities.^[5]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says dealers must ensure motor vehicle sales premises, including signage, are approved by the relevant local government authority. It says the dealer must also keep sales stock within the boundaries of the licensed premises.^[11]

• As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says two premises that physically adjoin may ask to be amalgamated. It will not approve this where a cross street or another business separates them.
• As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says co-located dealerships need a clear visible demarcation, equal or nearly equal signage, separate phone lines and, if the offices share a building, front signage showing both entities.^[1]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection lists $194.00 to move or add a premises, and says the Commissioner can attach conditions to any premises approval. We did not confirm on 5 November 2026 whether the $1,230.00 additional-premises licence fee is also charged when you add a premises mid-licence; next step: ask Licensing Services on 1300 304 064.^[2]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says a special occasion permit lets you trade temporarily at an event where sales would not otherwise be allowed. Apply at least 7 days before. An unstaffed new-vehicle-only display does not need one.^[7]

Staff and ownership changes

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says a dealer must make sure the yard managers and salespersons they employ hold a current licence from the Commissioner. It also says a licensed dealer or yard manager must be in charge of each separate place of business in a multi-site operation.^[11]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says it is an offence to work as a yard manager or salesperson without a licence or an Interim Authorisation (a status it lists but whose terms we did not confirm on 5 November 2026; next step: ask Licensing Services on 1300 304 064), and for a dealer to employ one who is unlicensed. The court maximum is $5,000 and a daily penalty of $100 for each offence. Its infringement notice amount is $1,000.^[12]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says salespersons and yard managers must tell the Commissioner in writing within 14 days of a change of employer or home address.^[11]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says any change to the directors of a company or partners of a firm must be notified to the Commissioner, with a police check dated within the past 3 months for each new director or partner. A partnership that drops to one person becomes a sole trader and cannot renew unless it adds a partner before renewal. To change the licence holder, call the Licensing Advice Line on 1300 304 064.^[6]

Rules once you hold a WA dealer licence

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection requires a dealer's register (Form 1) at each authorised premises. A paper register must be a numbered, bound A4 book and an electronic one must be backed up weekly to separate premises.^[13]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection requires a vehicle particulars form (Form 4) on every second-hand vehicle offered for sale. A copy signed by you (or your yard manager or salesperson) and the buyer must be kept for 2 years after the sale.^[17]

• As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection requires your business name and dealer licence number on a sign at every authorised premises and in every advertisement. The court maximum is $1,500.
• As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection requires a second-hand vehicle advertisement to show the registration number, year of manufacture, cash price and the address of your authorised premises. The maximum is $2,000.
• As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection requires you to display your Certificate of Authorised Premises in a conspicuous position. The infringement amount is $150.
• As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says a dealer must keep second-hand trade-owned vehicles at the authorised premises, with a court maximum of $5,000.^[12]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says a retail sale (other than to a dealer or by auction) must be in writing with the prescribed terms. You must give the buyer a copy when they sign. The contract does not bind until you sign it and tell the buyer you accept.^[14]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says the standard terms set delivery at 3 months for a new vehicle and 1 month for a used one if no date is written in. A manufacturer price rise of more than 5% cannot be passed on to the buyer. A dealer who ends the contract for the buyer's breach can claim up to 5% of the price as pre-estimated damages.^[14]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says police and authorised officers can enter a dealer's premises and examine any second-hand vehicle. A defective vehicle can get an Order to Remedy Defects and a green sticker banning its sale. Selling it before the order is cleared carries a $5,000 maximum, and the vehicle can then only be sold for wrecking.^[15]

Used car warranty in WA

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says the statutory warranty covers a vehicle bought for $4,000 or more (a motorcycle bought for $3,500 or more). A car that is not more than 10 years old and has travelled not more than 150,000 km gets 3 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first. A car over 10 and up to 12 years old, or more than 150,000 km and up to 180,000 km, gets 1 month or 1,500 km. Older or higher-km cars get none. It does not cover buses (9 or more seats), off-road motorbikes, quad bikes, single-row utes and panel vans, or caravans and trailers.^[16]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says a motorcycle not more than 8 years old and not more than 80,000 km gets 3 months or 5,000 km. You must repair, at your own cost, defects that make the vehicle unroadworthy or unserviceable. Consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law apply to every vehicle you sell, except one sold at auction, whatever its age or kilometres.^[16]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says you must give the buyer Form 5A before the contract is signed if the warranty applies, or Form 6 if it does not. You may use Form 5 to list defects you want excluded from the warranty.^[17]

Selling on consignment in WA (Category E)

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says you must apply to add consignment sales (Category E) to an existing licence and prove you have enough resources for its obligations. You open a consignment trust account before you accept any vehicle. You apply by email, post or in person, with the add consignment sales form and the fee.^[4]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says every consignment agreement must be in writing and show the net return to the owner. You give the owner a copy straight after everyone signs. You cannot charge for pre-sale repairs without the owner's prior written consent, and you must pay warranty repairs yourself.^[4]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection lists these consignment offences, each with a $500 infringement amount: not holding a trust account, not paying consignment money into it in time, and not having the trust account audited. The court maximum for any breach of the consignment rules is $5,000.^[12]

Trade plates for WA dealers

As at 5 November 2026, Transport WA says trade plates let eligible businesses move roadworthy unlicensed vehicles on WA roads. Uses include delivering a vehicle to a buyer, test drives by potential buyers for up to 24 hours, going to a licensing or examination centre, and moving vehicles to a motor show. WA trade plates are valid only in Western Australia.^[19]

As at 5 November 2026, Transport WA says you must hold an ABN and be an eligible business, including a motor vehicle dealer authorised by LGIRS. You send Form E96 signed by a company director or sole proprietor, with your dealer licence and Certificate of Authorised Premises. Pay when you collect the plates, not with the application.^[19]

As at 5 November 2026, the ABLIS page for Western Australia lists a $500.00 deposit, a $28.70 dealer plate fee and a $46.90 annual fee for 2026-27.^[20]

As at 5 November 2026, Transport WA lists $125.80 for Motor Injury Insurance on each motor vehicle trade plate, with no year stated.^[19]

Penalties for dealing without a WA licence

As at 5 November 2026, section 30(1) of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 says a person must not engage in unlicensed dealing, with a maximum penalty of $50,000 and a daily penalty of $1,000. Carrying on business at premises that are not authorised carries a $5,000 maximum.^[18]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection reported that on 4 September 2026 the Perth Magistrates Court fined one man $70,000 ($10,000 plus $60,000 in daily penalties) for unlicensed dealing. The court heard he bought and sold at least 18 vehicles between 1 July 2024 and 30 March 2025, and it was his third conviction. A relative was fined $75,000 for 22 vehicles.^[21]

As at 5 November 2026, WA Consumer Protection says breaches can lead to prosecution in court, disciplinary action in the State Administrative Tribunal, which can take away a licence, or an infringement notice. It lists penalties up to $50,000 and infringement amounts up to $1,000.^[12]

What changed: 12 November 2026: first published.