How To Get A Wisconsin Car Dealer License

how to get a wisconsin car dealer license

Interested in selling motor vehicles in the Wisconsin? First you’ll need to get your Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Dealer License.

Individuals can sell up to 5 vehicles a year without a dealer license as long as those vehicles are titled and registered in that individual’s name and are used for personal, family, or household use.

Not sure if you need a dealer license? Check out this post on selling cars without a license.

Step #1: Determine What Kind of License You Need

Wisconsin has many different vehicle licenses. The most common is the Wisconsin Retail Dealer License which allows a dealer to sell many different forms of motor vehicles. There are separate licenses for dealers wanting to just sell one specific type of vehicle, such as just motorcycles, just mopeds, or just recreational vehicles.

License types:

Buyer’s license
Manufacturer license
Moped dealer license
Motorcycle dealer license
Recreational vehicle dealer license
Representative license
Retail dealer license – allows you to sell vehicles to public
Salesperson license
Salvage Buyer ID (BID) card
Salvage dealer license
Wholesale auction dealer license
Wholesale dealer license – can only sell vehicles to other licensed dealers

Step #2: Complete Paperwork

Motor Vehicle Dealer Two Year License Application
Entity/Owner Statement for each individual with ownership interest
Business Facilities Statement
Salesperson Representative License Application

View instructions for how to complete your license application.

You might also need to submit the following paperwork, if applicable:

Motor Vehicle Dealer Service Agreement (if you don’t own and operate your own service department)
Buyer’s License Application (if you think you’ll send anyone to auction to bid at wholesale auctions)
Salvage Buyer Identification (BID) Card (if you plan to rebuild or salvage parts)
Copy of lease (if you do not own your business)
Manufacturer/Importer/Distributor Certification of Dealer (if you are selling new cars)

Step #3: Purchase Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond

You will need to purchase a Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond before you can get your Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Dealer License.

Free Wisconsin Dealer Bond Quotes

About the Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond:

A Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond protects your customers from fraud or misrepresentation during a business sale. It is a requirement to get licensed.

Wisconsin has set the bond amount at $50,000. You will not need to pay the full amount to get bonded. Instead, you’ll just pay a portion of it. The rate you’ll pay is based off your personal credit score. Those with good credit might only need to pay 1-4% of the total bond amount (so $500 – $2,000). Those with bad credit will have to pay more.

Have bad credit? We can still get you bonded. Check out our bad credit options.

Not sure how to get an Auto Dealer Bond? Use this interactive tool to help you out.

Step #4: Pay Fees

Dealer fees can be found here.
DMV customer service can accept cash, checks, or debit cards.

Step #5: Submit Paperwork

Mail your paperwork and proof of bond to the address below.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Dealer & Agent Section
4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Room 201
PO Box 7909
Madison, WI 53707-7909

Step #6: Wait

Once the Wisconsin Department of Transportation receives your Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Dealer License Application, they will begin reviewing it for completeness. They will also conduct any necessary background checks, if applicable.

If your WI Dealer License Application is not complete, the Department of Transportation will contact you by phone or letter to obtain the missing information needed to finish processing your application.
If your WI License Application is complete, you won’t face any delays in the processing time.

Once your application is approved, you will receive your dealer and salesperson license, dealer plates, and a video tape and resource guide containing the rules and regulations involved in being a motor vehicle dealer in Wisconsin.

For further information contact:

Email: dealers.dmv@dot.wi.gov
Call: (608) 266-1425
Fax: (608) 267-0323

View our FREE EBOOK: “The Ultimate Guide To Car Dealer Licensing”