For many people, a car is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. Some people rely heavily on their cars to get to work or to take care of their families, while others use their cars purely for pleasure, spending hours ensuring they are shiny and clean. When purchasing a car, most people buy new or used vehicles from car dealers, who act as the middleman between the car manufacturer and the end consumer.

In Ontario, Canada, becoming a car dealer has several strict requirements. The governing body for car dealers is the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), which issues the required licenses for dealers. There are a series of requirements you must meet, in addition to applications and fees that need to be paid. Dealers are required to take an Automotive Certification Course. The goals of the OMVIC are to protect consumers and ensure fair and open competition for registered motor vehicle dealers.

Understand the Requirements

If you’re planning to open up as a sole proprietor, partnership, limited partnership or corporation, you’ll need to fill out the Business Application form. The processing fee is CAD$500 with an annual fee of CAD$250. If you’re looking to become a new salesperson or individual associated with a new dealer, then you’ll need to focus on the Individual Application. The processing fee is CAD$250 with a renewal fee of CAD$175 due every two years. With your Individual Application, you’ll also have to request a BackCheck report, which is pre-employment screening required by the OMVIC.

Complete the Course

All dealers and salespersons are required to complete OMVIC’s Certification Course, which is run by the OMVIC and the Automotive Business School of Canada at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. You have the option to take the course through correspondence or in person at the college, and there is a fee associated with the course separate from your application fee. There is a multiple-choice test at the end of the course which all dealers and salespersons are required to pass with at least a 60-percent grade. You have the option to wait to take the course until your application is ready for approval.

Send In and Track Your Application

Send in your completed paperwork and fees in person or by mail or courier. If you need to make any changes to your application, you have to do so within five business days. Once your application has been submitted, you can then check its status online.