Guides
The short, honest explainers behind the checkers — auctions, bonds, premises, and the two mistakes that create unlicensed dealers.
Dealer auctions are license-gated. How AuctionACCESS and the Manheim, ADESA and ACV registration chain actually works — and why the license comes first.
A $50,000 dealer bond does not cost $50,000. How surety bond premiums work, what moves them, and the questions to ask a surety — educational, not advice.
Every state inspects the place, not just the paperwork. The anatomy of a compliant dealer lot and office — display, signage, records, hours — and what fails inspections.
Over your state's private-sale limit? What unlicensed dealing actually risks, what not to do next, and the legal route: licensing, done in the right order.
Selling a car on an open title — never titled in your name — is illegal in nearly every state at any volume. What it is, why it exists, and the legal alternative.
Retail sells to the public; wholesale sells to dealers. The real differences — lot rules, bonds, the California home-office path — and how to choose.