Retail Supply Dealer

HPDADD1008
Plan Review
Not Required
Inspection
Not Required
Renewal
Required
Fee
$197.61
Renewal fee
$174.36
Valid Period
1 year
Processing Time
1 hour
APPLY QUESTIONS
Houston Police Department

Physical Address:
1002 Washington Ave., Basement
Houston, TX 77002

Mailing Address:
PO Box 3408
Houston, TX 77253-3408

832.394.4801
8 am to 4 pm

About

The Retail Supply Dealer permit is for a business dealing in new automotive parts and accessories at retail prices only. For example: auto part stores, tire shops, radio shops that provide installation, and mobile tire mechanics.

After Approval

Permit must be kept on premises.

An annual, non-scheduled, unannounced inspection can be conducted at anytime to ensure compliance.

Renewal invoices are sent 30 to 45 days prior to expiration date.

Conditions & Exceptions

If the license is not renewed within 30 days after expiration, the applicant will have to re-apply and pay initial fee cost.

What You Need
  • Business license application
  • Copy of Certificate of Occupancy or Life Safety Inspection for your building
    • Additional information can be found here 
  • If applicant is a corporation:
    • Copy of Articles of Incorporation
    • Copy of Letter of Good Standing from the Texas Secretary of State
  • Copy of Assumed Name Certificate, if applicable
  • Local background check 
  • Method of payment: business check, cashier's check, and money order. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted in person only.

Apply in Person
  1. Bring the completed application, supporting documents and payment to the Houston Permitting Center. 
  2. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk and make your way to the basement.
  3. Scan your ticket at the reception desk to activate your place in line. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
  4. A local background check is conducted on all officers, partners, owners (licensees) and others who have a financial interest in the business.
  5. Pay the license fee at the Cashier's station located on the first floor, and bring the receipt back down to Auto Dealers station in the basement.
  6. The City of Houston Automotive Board reviews the application for each new business including consideration of the findings of a background check. Notice of an Automotive Board public hearing on the business application is published.
  7. Approval or denial is decided by the Board at the hearing.
    • If denied, applicant will be notified by letter.
    • If approved, license is processed and may be obtained in person at the hearing or mailed to address on file.
Apply by Mail
  1. Mail the completed application, required documents and payment (checks payable to the City of Houston) to:
    Houston Police Department
    Auto Dealers Detail
    PO Box 3408
    Houston, TX 77253-3408
  2. A local background check is conducted on all officers, partners, owners (licensees) and others who have a financial interest in the business.
  3. The City of Houston Automotive Board reviews the application for each new business including consideration of the findings of a background check. Notice of an Automotive Board public hearing on the business application is published.
  4. Approval or denial is decided by the Board at the hearing.
    • If denied, applicant will be notified by letter.
    • If approved, license is processed and may be obtained in person at the hearing or mailed to address on file.
What You Need
  • Invoice (mailed 30 to 45 days prior to expiration date)
  • Business license application
  • A local background check
  • Copy of the Certificate of Occupancy, if not already on file with Auto Dealers
  • Method of payment: business check, cashier's check, and money order. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted in person only.
Renew in Person
  1. Bring the invoice, completed application, Certificate of Occupancy (if needed), and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
  2. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk and make your way to the basement.
  3. Scan your ticket at the reception desk to activate your place in line. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
  4. A local background check is conducted on all officers, partners, owners (licensees) and others who have a financial interest in the business.
  5. If passed, pay the renewal fee at the Cashier's station located on the first floor.
  6. Bring the receipt back down to Auto Dealers station in the basement to receive the new license.

If the background check fails, contact Auto Dealers for next steps.

Renew by Mail
  1. Mail the completed application, invoice, Certificate of Occupancy (if needed), and payment to:
    Houston Police Department
    Auto Dealers Detail
    PO Box 3408
    Houston, TX 77253-3408
  2. A local background check is conducted on all officers, partners, owners (licensees) and others who have a financial interest in the business.
  3. If passed, the new license will be mailed to the address on file.

If the background check fails, contact Auto Dealers for next steps.

Conditions & Exceptions

Background check must be passed before permit or license can be issued.

If the license is not renewed within 30 days after expiration, the applicant will have to re-apply and pay initial fee cost.

What You Need
  • Invoice (mailed 30 to 45 days prior to expiration date)
  • Business license application
  • A local background check
  • Copy of the Certificate of Occupancy, if not already on file with Auto Dealers
  • Method of payment: business check, cashier's check, and money order. Cash and credit/debit cards are accepted in person only.
Renew in Person
  1. Bring the invoice, completed application, Certificate of Occupancy (if needed), and payment to the Houston Permitting Center.
  2. Obtain a numbered ticket from the Information Desk and make your way to the basement.
  3. Scan your ticket at the reception desk to activate your place in line. Please wait in the lobby until your number is called.
  4. A local background check is conducted on all officers, partners, owners (licensees) and others who have a financial interest in the business.
  5. If passed, pay the renewal fee at the Cashier's station located on the first floor.
  6. Bring the receipt back down to Auto Dealers station in the basement to receive the new license.

If the background check fails, contact Auto Dealers for next steps.

Renew by Mail
  1. Mail the completed application, invoice, Certificate of Occupancy (if needed), and payment to:
    Houston Police Department
    Auto Dealers Detail
    PO Box 3408
    Houston, TX 77253-3408
  2. A local background check is conducted on all officers, partners, owners (licensees) and others who have a financial interest in the business.
  3. If passed, the new license will be mailed to the address on file.

If the background check fails, contact Auto Dealers for next steps.

Conditions & Exceptions

Background check must be passed before permit or license can be issued.

If the license is not renewed within 30 days after expiration, the applicant will have to re-apply and pay initial fee cost.