Dealer Licensing in Wisconsin
Thinking of a career as a car dealer? Before you put out any cars for sale, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) Dealer and Agent Section has a few requirements you must meet—namely, setting up a proper car dealership and obtaining a retail dealer license. We’ll go over these requirements and more on this page.
WI Retail Dealer Licenses
You’re legally allowed to sell up to 5 motor vehicles annually as long as:
- You own the vehicles (i.e. they’re titled and registered in your name and you operated them for personal use).
- You did not acquire any of the vehicles for the purpose of selling them.
However, if you want to go into business buying, selling, or otherwise dealing with motor vehicles—even if you obtain just 1 motor vehicle for the purpose of selling it—you must obtain a retail dealer license.
In Wisconsin, a retail dealer license is your basic new and/or used car dealer license, and allows you to deal in motor vehicles with the public.
Other Types of Licenses
Aside from standard retail dealer licenses, Wisconsin also issues other kinds of motor vehicle-related licenses, which include:
- Buyer’s License.
- Manufacturer License.
- Moped Dealer License.
- Motorcycle Dealer License.
- Recreational Vehicle Dealer License.
- Representative License.
- Salesperson License.
- Salvage Buyer ID (BID) Card.
- Salvage Dealer License.
- Wholesale Auction Dealer License.
- Wholesale Dealer License.
If you’re applying for any of these licenses, carefully read the application instructions provided on each license type’s page. Some of the requirements are different from those for basic retail dealer licenses.
Requirements for WI Car Dealerships
Your car dealership must meet Wisconsin’s business facility requirements, meaning it must have a/an:
- Permanent building that:
- Is not a residence.
- Has an office space inside.
- Has an area of at least 12 feet by 20 feet for vehicle display, preparation, and repair within the building.
- Repair shop on the property OR a service agreement with a nearby repair shop (you must attach a copy of the service agreement to your dealer license application).
- Outdoor display lot adjacent to the office OR all vehicles displayed indoors.
- Sign describing hours of operation posted on or beside the entrance.
- Exterior sign showing the business name in letters, unless prohibited by local zoning ordinances.
ADDITIONALLY, you must own or lease the premises and your dealership must comply with all local building code, zoning, and permit requirements.
Your dealership could be inspected at any time, so make sure your facilities are up to state standard to avoid any future setbacks.
NOTE: If there are other motor vehicle businesses sharing your premises, the vehicle display lots must be completely separate and you must submit a lease agreement AND a diagram showing how the premises are shared with your dealer application.
Apply for Wisconsin Retail Dealer License
Once your car dealership meets Wisconsin’s business location requirements, you can submit the following to the DOT’s Dealer and Agent Section:
- 2 copies of the Motor Vehicle Dealer Two Year License Application (Form MV2186), completed.
- A completed:
- Motor Vehicle Business Facilities Statement (Form MV3180).
- This statement outlines the business facility requirements. You must check off each requirement and attach additional documents (when applicable).
- Entity/Owner Statement (Form MV2844).
- 1 statement from each owner, partner, corporate officer, and shareholder.
- Salesperson/Representative License Application (Form MV2184)—each person who makes or approves retail sales contracts must have a salesperson license.
- Your dealership must have at least 1 licensed salesperson.
- Motor Vehicle Business Facilities Statement (Form MV3180).
- Proof of your $50,000 surety bond OR letter of credit—whichever applies:
- Dealer Bond (Form MV2511).
- Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Irrevocable Letter of Credit (Form MV1046).
- A Motor Vehicle Dealer Service Agreement (Form MV2085) IF you have a service agreement with a nearby repair shop as opposed to having on-site vehicle repair facilities.
- Your sales tax seller permit from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR).
- IF you:
- Are applying to be a franchise dealer (i.e. sell new cars): Manufacturer/Importer/Distributor Certification of Dealer (Form MV2131).
- Rent the business facilities: Your lease agreement with the property owner.
- Plan to employ or contract others to purchase motor vehicles from wholesale auctions or other dealers: Buyer’s License Application (Form MV2941).
- Plan to bid on vehicles for sale at salvage pools: Salvage Buyer Identification (BID) Card Application (Form MV2651).
- Payment for the applicable fees.
- Because fees can vary, the Dealer and Agent Section recommends referring to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Two Year License Application (Form MV2186) for your specific fees; however, note that you must include 2 checks made payable to the:
- “Department of Financial Institutions” for your dealer finance license
- “Registration Fee Trust” for you dealer and salesperson licenses and plates.
- Because fees can vary, the Dealer and Agent Section recommends referring to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Two Year License Application (Form MV2186) for your specific fees; however, note that you must include 2 checks made payable to the:
Visit the DOT’s website to download all necessary forms.
Mail everything to:
Dealer and Agent Section
P.O. Box 7909
Madison, WI 53707
You’ll receive your dealer and salesperson licenses, dealer plates, and educational resources once the Dealer and Agent Section processes your application and conducts any required background checks.