How to get a motor dealer licence in Queensland
If you buy, sell or consign cars as a business in Queensland, you need a motor dealer licence from the Office of Fair Trading. Here’s what it takes, what it costs in 2026–27, and how long it runs.
- You need a licence to carry on the business of a motor dealer. Unlicensed dealing carries up to 400 penalty units or 2 years’ prison.
- You must be 18 or over, pass the required training units, and pass a suitability check.
- An individual licence costs $1,709 for 1 year or $3,205 for 3 years (2026–27).
- Apply online or on paper; processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Who needs a licence
Anyone who carries on the business of a motor dealer in Queensland must hold a motor dealer licence. Carrying on the business without one carries a maximum penalty of 400 penalty units or 2 years’ imprisonment.
Who can get one
You must be 18 or older and have completed the required training. You don’t have to redo the training if you held an equivalent licence in the past 2 years.
You must also be a suitable person. You’re not suitable if you’re an insolvent under administration, currently disqualified, or were convicted of a serious offence (one punishable by 3 or more years in prison) in the past 5 years. Your criminal history and character are also considered.
The training units
You need one of two sets of units from the current AUR training package. Older AUR99, AUR05 and AUR12 modules aren’t accepted, and neither are credit transfers.
| Set 1 | Set 2 |
|---|---|
| AURSCA007 | AURSCA007 |
| AURSCA003 | AURSCA103 |
| AURSCA005 | AURSCA105 |
| AURSLA001 | AURSLA001 |
| AURSCA010 | AURSCA010 |
| AURAMA005 or AURACA003 | AURAMA005 or AURACA103 |
| AURASA002 | AURASA102 |
| AURAFA003 or AURAQA001 | AURAFA103 or AURAQA001 |
| AURACA001 | AURACA101 |
What it costs (2026–27)
Fees rose 3.4% on 1 July 2026. These are the new-licence fees from the Office of Fair Trading.
| Item | 1 year | 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Individual motor dealer licence | $1,709.00 | $3,205.00 |
| Corporate motor dealer licence | $973.00 | $1,755.00 |
| Motor salesperson registration | $401.10 | $681.50 |
| Criminal history check (per person) | $47.35 |
How to apply
Apply online through the Queensland Government portal, or on paper using Form 1-1 (individual) or Form 1-2 (corporation), lodged in person or posted to the Industry Licensing Unit, Office of Fair Trading, GPO Box 3111, Brisbane. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, longer if the application is incomplete.
Places of business
There’s no “registered office” requirement. Instead you register every place of business when you apply. Each one needs a licensed person in charge, and one person can’t be in charge of two places unless they’re on adjacent blocks not separated by a public road.
Individual or corporate licence
- A company needs its own corporate licence.
- An individually licensed person must still be in charge of every place of business, and directors who act as dealers need individual licences.
- Every director and executive officer must pass the suitability check.
- If the company trades under a business name, the company must be registered with ASIC as the owner of that name.
Salespeople need their own registration
Anyone selling for you needs to be registered as a motor salesperson (Form 3-3, or online). Acting as a salesperson without registration carries up to 200 penalty units.
Questions dealers ask
How long does a QLD motor dealer licence last?
You can choose a 1-year or 3-year term when you apply.
How long does approval take?
The Office of Fair Trading says 4 to 6 weeks, longer if the application is incomplete.
Do I need a licence to sell cars on consignment?
Yes. Consignment selling is carrying on the business of a motor dealer, and you’ll also need a trust account for the money you hold.
Sources
Rules and fees change. Check the official source before you rely on anything here; this guide is general information, not legal advice.