How to get a dealer license in Wisconsin

A Motor Vehicle Dealer license is required to sell or lease vehicles to the general public. Individuals may sell up to five vehicles each year without a dealer license only if the vehicles are titled to them and were operated for personal use. If you acquire even one vehicle with the intention of selling it, you must be licensed (WisDOT).

• Motor vehicle dealer (retail): Selling or leasing new or used vehicles to the public. Selling new vehicles also requires a manufacturer certification (MV2131). Branch and sublot licenses cover extra locations in the same municipality.
• Wholesale dealer: Selling only to licensed dealers, never to the public. Salvage pools that sell to licensed dealers are also licensed as wholesale dealers. $25,000 bond or letter of credit.
• Auction dealer: Auction companies. They hold an auction dealer license (AUC) plus a wholesale, salvage pool or retail dealer license, depending on who owns and buys the vehicles.
• Salvage dealer (Types 1 to 4): Businesses that buy and resell vehicles for wrecking, dismantling, scrapping or recycling, including scavengers who haul vehicles to salvage yards. $25,000 financial coverage.
• Recreational vehicle dealer: Selling or leasing RV trailers under 45 feet long built for temporary living. Motor home sellers need a motor vehicle dealer license. $50,000 bond.
• Motorcycle dealer: Selling or leasing motorcycles to the public, with no cars or trucks. $5,000 bond.
• Moped dealer: Businesses that sell only mopeds.
• Manufacturer or distributor: Vehicle manufacturers, importers and distributors.
• Salesperson license (individual): Each person who sells for a dealer. Every retail dealer needs at least one, and new salespersons must pass an exam at a DMV service center.
• Buyer's license (individual, optional): Individuals who buy vehicles on behalf of a dealer.

Surety bond. A $50,000 surety bond (MV2511) or irrevocable letter of credit (MV1046) for a retail motor vehicle dealer. Bonds must be continuous. Wholesale and salvage dealers need $25,000, auction dealers $25,000 or $50,000 depending on license pairing, RV dealers $50,000, and motorcycle dealers $5,000. A dealer named as lessor on any title also needs a $60,000 lessor bond (MV2509) or a lessor insurance certification (MV2519).

Insurance. WisDOT's retail dealer requirements do not list dealer liability or garage insurance. A dealer that will be named as lessor on any vehicle title must file a Lessor Liability Policy of Insurance Certification (MV2519) or a lessor bond (MV2509).

Place of business. A permanent building that is not a residence, tent or temporary stand, with an office. A 12 x 20 foot area inside the building for vehicle display, repair and preparation. An outdoor display lot next to the office at least the size of one standard parking stall, unless all vehicles are displayed indoors. A repair shop on site or a written service agreement with a facility within 50 miles (MV2085). An exterior sign with the business name in letters at least 4 inches high, unless local rules require smaller, and business hours posted on or next to the entrance door. Local zoning approval, signed by the zoning authority on page 2 of MV2186. A two-year lease if the business does not own the property. Shared sites need a separate display lot and a diagram of the shared facilities. The location is subject to inspection, and credentials are withheld until it complies (MV3180).

Background check. No fingerprinting is listed. Applicants must be at least 18, of good character, and not convicted of a serious crime directly related to the sale of motor vehicles. The Entity/Owner Statement (MV2844) asks each owner about past convictions and pending criminal charges.

Pre-license education. Wisconsin does not require a pre-license course for this license.

1. Find a permanent business location (not a residence) with an office, a 12 x 20 foot indoor area, an adjacent outdoor display lot of at least one parking stall, a sign with 4-inch letters, and posted hours.
2. Get local zoning approval on page 2 of MV2186, and a two-year lease if you do not own the property.
3. Get a Wisconsin sales tax seller permit from the Department of Revenue.
4. Get a $50,000 dealer bond (MV2511) or irrevocable letter of credit (MV1046), and set up a service department or a service agreement (MV2085) within 50 miles.
5. Complete MV2186, MV2844 for each owner, MV3180, and MV2184 for at least one salesperson. New salespersons take the exam at a DMV service center.
6. Mail or email the packet in checklist order to the WisDOT Dealer and Agent Section with the fees (checks payable to Registration Fee Trust).
7. Mail form LFS180 and the $20 or $100 fee directly to the Department of Financial Institutions.
8. Pass the facility inspection. WisDOT withholds license credentials until the facility complies.
9. Consider WisDOT's voluntary 4-hour dealer training, which is free.

Official forms:

• Motor Vehicle Dealer Two Year License Application (MV2186)
• Entity/Owner Statement (MV2844)
• Business Facilities Statement (MV3180)
• Motor Vehicle Dealer Service Agreement (MV2085)
• Manufacturer/Importer/Distributor Certification of Dealer (new vehicles only), MV2131
• Salesperson/Representative License Application (MV2184)
• Dealer Bond (MV2511)
• Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Irrevocable Letter of Credit (MV1046)
• Lessor Bond (MV2509)
• DFI Motor Vehicle Dealer Two Year License Application (LFS180)
• Motor Vehicle Dealer Application Checklist and Mailing Instructions

Not for a retail license. WisDOT requires an outdoor display lot next to the office at least the size of one standard parking stall, unless all vehicles are displayed indoors, and wholesale dealers (who sell only to licensed dealers) need the same minimum outdoor lot.

WisDOT licenses auction companies separately, and auctions where licensed dealers sell to other licensed dealers need both an auction and a wholesale license. AuctionACCESS says its membership is restricted to licensed, credentialed vehicle dealers and their authorized representatives.

Dealer licenses last two years and expire at the end of the odd-numbered month closest to when they were issued. Dealer plates and individual licenses expire on the same date. WisDOT mails renewal forms about 45 days before expiration, at the start of the expiring month, and when the license expires. Renew with the pre-filled MV2713 by email or by mail to the Dealer and Agent Section, pay the same fees as a new license, and mail form LFS180 with the DFI fee to the Department of Financial Institutions.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm the details with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles, Dealer and Agent Section before you apply. Last verified October 20, 2026.

Planning the business side too? Read how to start a car dealership. Wisconsin is exempt from the FTC Used Car Rule and has its own window form rules. Our Buyers Guide page explains the exemption. Selling your own car instead? See how to sell a car in Wisconsin.