Any person who engages in, conducts, or carries on the public business of buying, selling, offering for sale, consigning to be sold, trading or otherwise dealing with the public or operating as a public dealer in rebuilt parts and accessories, to include the following: Motors for motor vehicles, transmissions, differentials, generators, starters, carburetors, fuel pumps, shock absorbers, voltage regulators and distributors.

As of May 28, 2014, a change was made to the requirement for a Retail Supply Dealer(RSD) license. Convenience stores (as defined in Sec 28-401) that previously held an RSD license ONLY will no longer be required to obtain an RSD license. The definition of a convenience store as defined in Sec. 28-401 is any business that is primarily engaged in the retail sale of convenience goods, or both convenience goods and gasoline, and has less than 10,000 square feet of retail floor space. Convenience store does not include any business where there is no retail floor space accessible to the public.

Frequently asked questions

• What should I do if I am unsure if I need a RSD license?
  
  A. Contact Auto Dealers at 832-394-4800 to request for an officer to inspect your business to confirm as to whether a license is needed or not. There is no charge for this service.


• What if it is determined that I do not need a RSD license but, in the future, I decide to expand my automotive related business (i.e., vehicle repairs and/or buying and selling vehicle parts)?
  
  A. At this point, you will be required to obtain a RSD or other pertinent license. Failure to do so will result in citations. The required process is listed below.


• What if I currently hold an RSD license along with another automotive related license (i.e., automotive repair facility, motor vehicle dealer)? Do I still need the RSD license?
  
  A. Yes, the exception to the RSD requirement only applies to convenience stores with a single RSD license. All businesses holding multiple licenses still require the RSD license.

Fees: Initial application, Annual renewal • For fee schedules, go to www.houstoncityfees.org

Process:

• Application for Dealer License - Mail or present a fully completed application form.
• Attach copy of Certificate of Occupancy or Life Safety Inspection for your building
• If applicant is a corporation
  • Attach copy of Articles of Incorporation
  • Attach copy of letter of good standing from the Secretary of State
•  Attach copy of Assumed Name Certificate if applicable.
• Background check - A local background check is conducted on all officers, partners, owners (licensees) and others who have a financial interest in the business.
• Automotive Board review - The City of Houston Automotive Board reviews the application for each new business including consideration of the findings of a criminal background check.
• Notice of an Automotive Board public hearing on the business application is published.
• Approval or Denial is decided by the Board at the hearing