Dealer Licensing
Authorization. Section 248 of the Michigan Vehicle Code provides
that any person, partnership, or corporation engaging in business as any
type of vehicle dealer in Michigan must be licensed by the Michigan Department of State. The Dealer
Program Section oversees this licensing activity. Other auto-related
businesses, such as motor vehicle repair facilities and automotive
mechanics, are also licensed by the Department of State.
The Michigan Department of State
licenses nine types of dealers, including new vehicle dealers, used vehicle
dealers, vehicle brokers, and various types of salvage/scrap dealers.
Applicants must complete a form AR-0032, Original Vehicle Dealer License
Application, to obtain a dealer license.
License Expiration. Dealer licenses expire each
December 31 and must be renewed annually. Form AR-0033, Vehicle Dealer
License Renewal Application, is mailed to the dealer's licensed location
each September. This license renewal application should be completed and
returned with the required fee before November 1. Early submission will
ensure that the renewal will be processed before the December 31 expiration
date.
Unrenewed License. After
December 31 of each year, dealers who have not renewed their licenses may
not operate legally. Secretary of State branch offices will not accept
transactions from dealers whose licenses have expired.
Classifications
Record Keeping
Application Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions