How to Renew Your Louisiana Dealer License: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you operate a used car dealership in Louisiana, keeping your dealer license active is just as important as obtaining it in the first place.
Louisiana used motor vehicle dealer licenses are generally two-year licenses that expire on December 31. Salesperson licenses are issued for one year and also expire on December 31. The Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission (LUMVC) provides an online renewal system, along with renewal forms and requirements for dealers who need to renew. (Louisiana Luminary)
Renewing your license involves more than simply paying a fee. You need to make sure your application information is accurate, your $50,000 dealer surety bond remains in force, your garage liability insurance is current, and your required salesperson licenses are up to date.
This guide explains how to renew your Louisiana dealer license step by step and how to avoid common problems that could delay your renewal.
Important: Licensing requirements, deadlines, fees, and procedures can change. Always verify the current requirements with the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission before submitting your renewal.
When Does a Louisiana Dealer License Expire?
Louisiana used motor vehicle dealer licenses are two-year licenses that expire December 31. Salesperson licenses expire annually on December 31. (Louisiana Luminary)
The LUMVC's current website states that all licensees and salespersons in Districts 1, 2, and 3 are scheduled to expire December 31, 2026, and those licensees must renew by that date. (Louisiana Luminary)
The Commission's rules state that renewal applications should be submitted by November 1 and that licenses expire December 31 if renewal applications have not been made. (Louisiana Luminary)
That means dealers shouldn't wait until the final weeks of December.
Starting early gives you time to fix problems with your:
Renewal application
Salesperson licenses
Business information
Supporting documentation
Step 1: Check Your Louisiana Dealer License Expiration Date
The first step is confirming when your current dealer license expires.
You can check your current license information through the LUMVC's online licensing system. The system also provides a renewal login for dealers and salespersons. (LUMVC Licensing Portal)
Louisiana used motor vehicle dealer licenses generally run for two years, while salesperson licenses run for one year. (Louisiana Luminary)
Don't assume that because your dealership is still operating, your license is automatically current.
Make the expiration date part of your dealership's annual compliance calendar.
Step 2: Review Your Dealership Information
Before submitting your renewal, review all of the information the LUMVC has on file.
Check your:
Legal business name
Trade name
Physical address
Mailing address
Business telephone
Email address
Ownership information
Office hours
Salesperson information
The LUMVC's dealer application specifically requests dealership information such as the business name, physical address, mailing address, phone number, email address, and office hours. (Louisiana Luminary)
If something has changed, don't simply assume the renewal application is enough.
Louisiana rules require certain changes to be reported to the Commission. Changes involving address, ownership, or employment must be reported within the applicable timeframe, and other changes that make information on the application inaccurate must also be amended. (Louisiana Luminary)
Step 3: Make Sure Your $50,000 Dealer Bond Is Current
One of the most important renewal requirements is your Louisiana used motor vehicle dealer surety bond.
The LUMVC's dealer renewal requirements specify a $50,000 continuation certificate that must remain in force throughout the license period. (Louisiana Luminary)
Your renewal bond documentation should be checked carefully to make sure:
The bond amount is $50,000
The bond remains active for the renewal period
The dealership information is correct
The bond is held in favor of the State of Louisiana through the LUMVC
Any required changes are properly documented
If information on your bond needs to change, the LUMVC renewal requirements indicate that a Change Rider must be submitted. (Louisiana Luminary)
Don't wait until the last minute to renew your dealer bond.
Contact your surety bond provider before your dealer license expires and make sure your continuation certificate is ready.
Step 4: Renew Your Garage Liability Insurance
Your garage liability insurance is another important part of the Louisiana dealer renewal process.
The LUMVC's renewal requirements call for an Acord Certificate of Liability Insurance. The certificate holder must be listed as:
Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission 3132 Valley Creek DriveBaton Rouge, LA 70808
The renewal requirements also state that all insured salespersons should be listed and that the insurance should indicate no lapse in coverage. (Louisiana Luminary)
Before submitting your renewal, review your insurance certificate and make sure:
The dealership name is correct
The physical address is correct
Policy dates are current
Required coverage is shown
Salespersons are properly listed
LUMVC is listed as certificate holder
There is no lapse in coverage
If your dealership has changed locations or ownership, tell your insurance agent before requesting the renewal certificate.
Step 5: Make Sure Your Salesperson Licenses Are Current
Louisiana requires each dealership to have at least one salesperson. (Louisiana Luminary)
Salesperson licenses have a different renewal cycle than dealer licenses.
A dealer license is generally valid for two years, while salesperson licenses are valid for one year and expire December 31. (Louisiana Luminary)
Before renewing your dealer license, review your salesperson list.
Make sure:
At least one salesperson is properly licensed
Current salespersons are listed appropriately
Expired salesperson licenses are renewed
Former employees are properly removed
Insurance information is consistent with your salesperson records
A salesperson cannot simply continue working for the dealership if their license is no longer valid.
Step 6: Complete the Dealer Renewal Application
Once your supporting documents are ready, complete the applicable dealer renewal application.
The LUMVC provides a dealer renewal packet through its Forms & Requirements section. (Louisiana Luminary)
The Commission also provides an online licensing portal.
The current portal instructs dealers to use the Renewal Login and enter their dealer number without leading zeros and their driver's license number with leading zeros. (LUMVC Licensing Portal)
When completing your renewal, make sure the information is:
Complete
Accurate
Consistent with your dealer bond
Consistent with your garage liability insurance
Consistent with your business records
The LUMVC warns that incomplete or inaccurate information can delay the licensing process. (Louisiana Luminary)
Step 7: Submit Your Renewal Before the Deadline
Although your license expires December 31, don't make December 31 your renewal deadline.
The LUMVC rules state that renewal applications should be submitted by November 1. (Louisiana Luminary)
The Commission's renewal materials also advise dealers to allow approximately 14 business days for processing once all requirements and fees have been received. (Louisiana Luminary)
Submitting early gives you time to deal with a possible "sendback" request if something is missing.
A complete application submitted early is much safer than a rushed application submitted right before expiration.
Step 8: Pay the Required Renewal Fees
Your renewal must include the applicable licensing fees.
The LUMVC maintains a current Fee Schedule through its Forms & Requirements section. Because fees can change, dealers should verify the current fee before submitting their renewal. (Louisiana Luminary)
For paper renewals, the LUMVC renewal packet states that checks, money orders, and cashier's checks should be payable to the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission. (Louisiana Luminary)
If you're renewing online, follow the payment instructions provided through the current LUMVC licensing portal.
Step 9: Use the Online Renewal System
The LUMVC currently offers online renewal services through its licensing portal. (LUMVC Licensing Portal)
The portal specifically states that the website is open for renewals and provides a Renewal Login tab.
To access the system, dealers are instructed to enter:
Dealer number without leading zeros
Driver's license number with leading zeros
The portal also provides license lookup and download functionality. (LUMVC Licensing Portal)
Online renewal can make the process easier, but make sure you follow the current instructions for your specific renewal.
Step 10: Understand the Late Renewal Rules
Waiting too long can make the renewal process more complicated.
The LUMVC's current renewal page states that renewals after May 1 require paper applications, initial requirements, and a $100 late fee. (Louisiana Luminary)
The Commission's renewal packet also identifies a $100 late fee for renewal applications submitted after the applicable deadline. (Louisiana Luminary)
More importantly, the LUMVC rules state that if an existing license has not been renewed, it expires December 31, and it is illegal to represent yourself as a dealer after that point. (Louisiana Luminary)
Don't assume that paying a late fee makes operating without a current license acceptable.
Renew before your license expires.
Step 11: Watch for a Sendback Letter
After you submit your renewal, the LUMVC may either process the application or send you a Sendback Letter requesting additional documents. (Louisiana Luminary)
A sendback doesn't necessarily mean your renewal has been denied.
It may simply mean something needs to be corrected or additional documentation is required.
For example, the Commission could need:
Corrected liability insurance documentation
Updated surety bond paperwork
Missing application information
Additional background information
Other supporting documents
Make sure the email address on your application is accurate.
The LUMVC states that communications and correspondence regarding the application will be delivered using the email address provided. (Louisiana Luminary)
Step 12: Check Your Renewal Status
Don't assume your renewal is complete simply because you submitted the application.
The LUMVC provides online license lookup and renewal services. (LUMVC Licensing Portal)
The Commission also asks dealers not to repeatedly call the office to check renewal status because this can slow the process. Instead, dealers can check their status through the website. (Louisiana Luminary)
Once your renewal is complete, save copies of:
Renewed dealer license
Renewal confirmation
Payment confirmation
Salesperson renewal documentation
Keeping these records organized will make your next renewal easier.
Step 13: Renew Your Louisiana Dealer Plates
Dealer license renewal and dealer plate renewal are connected, but dealer plates have their own requirements.
The LUMVC states that dealer inventory plates expire at the end of each year. During the license renewal process, dealers receive a new sticker for their current plate. (Louisiana Luminary)
The current LUMVC dealer plate information lists:
Initial plate: $15 per plate
Renewal: $15 per plate
Personalized renewal: $40 per plate
Convenience fee: $20 per plate
The Commission allows dealers to purchase up to three plates per dealer license plus one additional plate per licensed and insured salesperson. (Louisiana Luminary)
Importantly, the LUMVC says renewed plates or stickers will not be processed until the dealer receives the renewed dealer license. (Louisiana Luminary)
Step 14: Report Any Business Changes
Renewal is a good time to make sure the LUMVC's records accurately reflect your dealership.
Have you:
Changed your dealership address?
Changed ownership?
Changed your business name?
Changed your mailing address?
Changed your phone number?
Changed your email?
Added or removed employees?
If so, you may need to submit an Information Change Form rather than simply updating your renewal application.
The LUMVC provides an Information Change Packet specifically for these situations. (Louisiana Luminary)
Louisiana rules state that changes involving address, ownership, or employment must be reported within 10 days, while other changes that make information on the dealer application inaccurate must be amended within 30 days. (Louisiana Luminary)
What Happens If You Move Your Dealership?
Moving your dealership can affect several parts of your licensing and insurance documentation.
Louisiana rules require dealers to report a change of business address to the Commission and submit a picture of the new location. The rules also provide for a fee for a dealer business-location change. (Louisiana Luminary)
Your new location may also need to satisfy applicable zoning and dealership requirements.
Don't move your dealership and wait until your next renewal to notify the Commission.
Handle the change as soon as required.
What Happens If You Change Your Dealership Name?
A dealership name change can affect:
Business records
Signage
Commission records
The LUMVC provides an Information Change process for dealership information changes. (Louisiana Luminary)
It's important that the information on your bond and insurance matches your dealership's legal and licensing information.
Common Louisiana Dealer License Renewal Mistakes
Waiting Until the Last Minute
The biggest mistake is waiting until December to start.
Give yourself time to fix problems.
Letting Your Dealer Bond Lapse
Your $50,000 dealer bond needs to remain in force for the license period. (Louisiana Luminary)
Letting Insurance Expire
Your renewal requires current insurance documentation, and the LUMVC renewal requirements address lapses in coverage. (Louisiana Luminary)
Forgetting Salesperson Licenses
Dealer licenses and salesperson licenses don't have the same renewal period.
Salesperson licenses expire annually. (Louisiana Luminary)
Submitting Inaccurate Information
A wrong address, phone number, business name, or other inaccurate information can delay the renewal.
Ignoring a Sendback Letter
If the LUMVC requests additional documents, respond as quickly as possible.
Forgetting Dealer Plates
Dealer plates expire annually, so don't overlook them after completing your dealer license renewal. (Louisiana Luminary)
Louisiana Dealer License Renewal Checklist
Before submitting your renewal, use this checklist:
Dealer License
☐ Confirm expiration date
☐ Complete renewal application
☐ Verify business information
☐ Pay applicable renewal fees
☐ Submit renewal before the deadline
Dealer Bond
☐ Confirm $50,000 bond coverage
☐ Obtain continuation certificate
☐ Verify effective dates
☐ Verify dealership information
☐ Obtain a Change Rider if required
Insurance
☐ Obtain current Acord certificate
☐ Verify coverage
☐ Verify policy dates
☐ List required salespersons
☐ List LUMVC as certificate holder
☐ Make sure there has been no lapse in coverage
Salespersons
☐ Confirm at least one salesperson
☐ Renew expired salesperson licenses
☐ Remove former employees when required
☐ Verify insurance information
Business Information
☐ Verify physical address
☐ Verify mailing address
☐ Verify phone number
☐ Verify email address
☐ Report applicable business changes
Final Steps
☐ Submit renewal
☐ Pay fees
☐ Monitor email
☐ Respond to any sendback request
☐ Confirm license status
☐ Renew dealer plates as applicable
How Long Does Louisiana Dealer License Renewal Take?
The LUMVC advises dealers to allow approximately 14 business days for processing after all required documents and fees have been received. (Louisiana Luminary)
That doesn't necessarily mean every renewal will take exactly 14 business days.
If your application is incomplete or the Commission needs additional documentation, the process may take longer.
That's why submitting your renewal well before the December 31 expiration date is so important.
Do You Have to Take the Dealer Education Seminar Again?
The LUMVC's educational seminar requirements primarily address new applicants and existing licensees who have been found guilty of violations of the Commission's laws, rules, or regulations. (Louisiana Luminary)
Therefore, a routine renewal does not automatically mean that every dealer must retake the four-hour seminar.
However, if the Commission requires you to attend because of a violation or another applicable circumstance, follow its instructions.
Keep Your Louisiana Dealer License Active
Renewing your Louisiana dealer license should be treated as an ongoing compliance process—not something you handle at the last minute every two years.
Keep your:
Dealer license
Salesperson licenses
Business information
Dealer plates
current and accurate.
Start preparing early.
Review your documents.
Submit your renewal before the deadline.
And confirm that your license has been renewed.
A few hours of preparation can help you avoid a much bigger problem later.
Need Help With Your Louisiana Dealer Bond or Insurance?
Your dealer license renewal is also a good time to make sure your dealer bond and insurance are current.
All American Bonds and Insurance helps independent auto dealers with:
With more than 10 years of experience, we help independent dealers across the country with their bonding and insurance needs.
All American Bonds and Insurance
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Don't wait until your license is about to expire. Get your bond and insurance handled early and keep your dealership operating without unnecessary interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do you have to renew a Louisiana dealer license?
Louisiana used motor vehicle dealer licenses are generally two-year licenses that expire December 31. Salesperson licenses expire annually on December 31. (Louisiana Luminary)
When should I renew my Louisiana dealer license?
The LUMVC rules state that renewal applications should be submitted by November 1. Dealers should begin preparing even earlier to allow time for corrections or missing documentation. (Louisiana Luminary)
Can I renew my Louisiana dealer license online?
Yes. The LUMVC currently provides an online licensing portal with a dedicated Renewal Login for dealers and salespersons. (LUMVC Licensing Portal)
Do I need to renew my Louisiana dealer bond?
Your $50,000 dealer bond must remain in force throughout the license period, and the renewal requirements call for a continuation certificate. (Louisiana Luminary)
Do I need insurance to renew my Louisiana dealer license?
Yes. The LUMVC renewal requirements call for an Acord Certificate of Liability Insurance with the required information and coverage. (Louisiana Luminary)
Do salesperson licenses need to be renewed?
Yes. Salesperson licenses are one-year licenses and expire December 31 each year. (Louisiana Luminary)
What happens if I miss my Louisiana dealer license renewal?
The license expires December 31 if it has not been renewed, and Louisiana rules state that it is illegal to represent yourself as a dealer after the license expires. Late renewals may also require a $100 late fee and additional documentation. (Louisiana Luminary)
How long does Louisiana dealer license renewal take?
The LUMVC advises allowing approximately 14 business days for processing after all requirements and fees have been received. (Louisiana Luminary)
Do Louisiana dealer plates need to be renewed?
Yes. Dealer inventory plates expire at the end of each year. The LUMVC provides an annual renewal process, and renewed plates or stickers are processed after the dealer receives the renewed dealer license. (Louisiana Luminary)
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