Motorcycle dealer license

A Motorcycle Dealer License is required to sell or lease (consumer leases) motorcycles to the general public. Individuals may sell up to five of their own motorcycles each year without a dealer license. Individuals may sell up to five motorcycles each year without a dealer license if the motorcycles are titled to them and were operated for personal use. However, if you acquire just one motorcycle with the intention of selling it, you must be licensed as a Motor Vehicle dealer.

If your business will sell mopeds only, and will not be selling cars, trucks or motorcycles, you will need a Moped dealer license instead.

If your business will be selling car or trucks in addition to motorcycles, you will need a Motor Vehicle dealer license instead.

To qualify for a Motorcycle Dealer license, you must meet all the following requirements:

1. A permanent business location—not a residence—with office space, an adjacent lot, and an indoor vehicle display area large enough to display or repair three motorcycles.
2. A business sign and posted hours.
3. Zoning and local permit approval for the location.
4. A sales tax seller permit is required. To obtain one, contact the Department of Revenue at (608) 266-2776 or on their Web site under Sales and Use Tax.
5. A $5,000 surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit. For a list of insurance companies accepting applications for bonds, see insurance companies that accept applications for bonds.
6. A service department or written agreement with a nearby service facility.
7. At least one licensed salesperson.
8. A two-year lease​ if you do not own the business real estate.
   
9. A manufacturer’s certificate of appointment (franchise) if you will be selling new motorcycles.
10. Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization. If your business is established as a corporation or limited liability company, the State of Wisconsin requires a photocopy of your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization as filed with the Department of Financial Institutions or the governing body in the state where the corporation was established.
11. Dealer license fee, dealer plate fee, individual license fees, and fee to the Department of Financial Institutions.
12. You will​ be required to comply with an inspection of the business location before the license is issued.
13. You must be at least 18 years old.
14. You must be of good character, and must not have been convicted of a serious crime directly related to the sale of motor vehicles

Required Application Forms / Documents / Fees (DOT/DFI):

1. Motor Vehicle Dealer Two Year License Application MV2186
   • Video tutorial: How to apply for a dealership license part 1
   • Video tutorial: How to apply for a dealership license part 2
2. LFS180 Form and Payment - print/complete/mail this form directly to the Department of Financial Institutions. Questions? Call DFI for assistance, 608-261-7578.

Mailing Address

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Licensed Financial Services Section
PO Box 7876
Madison, WI 53707-7876

3. Entity/Owner Statement MV2844
4. MC Business Facilities Statement MV3181
5. Motor Vehicle Dealer Service Agreement MV2085
6. Manufacturer/Importer/Distributor Certification of Dealer MV2131. This is a franchise agreement form and is required only for businesses intending to sell new motorcycles. Manufacturer may provide you with a similar franchise agreement form in place of the MV2131.
7. At least one licensed salesperson, Salesperson/Representative License Application MV2184
8. Buyer's License Application MV2941 (optional)
9. Salvage Buyer Identification (BID) Card Application MV2651 (optional)
10. $5,000 Financial Coverage
• Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Irrevocable Letter of Credit MV1046 or Dealer Bond MV2511
11. Lessor Bond form MV2509. Note: if yours business will be listed as the lessor on the title of any vehicle sold, you must submit this bond in addition to the Dealer Bond listed above.
• Video tutorial: Dealer financial requirements
12. Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization. If your business is established as a corporation or limited liability company, the State of Wisconsin requires a photocopy of your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization as filed with the Department of Financial Institutions or the governing body in the state where the corporation was established.
13. Application fees: dealer license, dealer plates, individual license(s)

How to renew and/or amend your current Motorcycle dealer license

• Renew/Amend Dealer License FAQ

For more information:

• Field investigation offices
• Motorcycle dealer license plate
• Retail motorcycle dealer license application instructions
• Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - motor vehicle business licenses
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation - eMV PARTNER
• Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - Tips and tools for dealers
• Wisconsin DMV Official Government Site - Dealer forms and publications

*NEW* The department offers voluntary dealer training. As a new dealer applicant, you are encouraged to attend an upcoming training event.

If your dealership is going out of business, please complete the MV2199 Out of Business Dealer Statement.

• Carefully complete all fields on the form, including signature and date on page 2. Please mail your dealer plates, licensing certificate and individual credentials, and the MV2199 Out of Business Dealer Statement to the mailing address below.
• You may also email the MV2199 Out of Business Dealer State form to dealerlicensingunit@dot.wi.gov.

*NEW* New dealer application (motorcycle dealer checklist) and dealer renewal application can now be emailed to DOT for processing: Application-Renewal Email Instructions.

Apply by mail - all required forms must be arranged in the order shown on the dealer checklist.

Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation
Dealer & Agent Section
P.O. Box 7909
Madison, WI 53707-7909

Make check payable to Registration Fee Trust.

Questions?