• Applying for a new license

MADA is happy to help with all your State of Michigan licensing needs.  Please click here and review the information then call our office at (800) 292-1923 for personal assistance with all your licensing needs.

• Renewing my license

Please click here for detailed information to help you renew your dealer, repair facility and installment seller licenses. As a benefit of your MADA membership, MADA encourages dealers to send their completed renewals to us so we can review the paperwork for accuracy and personally deliver all documents to the State of Michigan.

• Vehicle dealer surety bond

Pursuant to MCL 257.248(2), dealers are required to have a valid bond in the amount of $10,000 in order to receive a license or renewal from the State of Michigan. It must be renewed each year.

Note: MADA, through its agent, Dealers Insurance Agency (DIA), and underwritten by Merchants Bonding Company, offers dealer surety bonds for a very low annual cost. This rate is also available to new car dealers who own an independent used car dealership. Please contact Jean Quinn at (800) 292-1923 or jquinn@michiganada.org for more information.

• Restructuring and franchise changes

Please click here for various guidelines and sample letters you can download to assist when making franchise or other changes at your dealership. 

• Dealership name and/or address change

For a change of name only, you will need the Vehicle Dealer License Application change of name/address form along with a copy of your amended Articles of Incorporation. For change of address only, submit the Vehicle Dealer License Application change of name/address form, the Vehicle Dealer Zoning Certification, and you will need to submit a sketch that accurately describes the business location. This should include the office area located within the building, the location of the lot and the cross streets in detail. (See the Department of State's forms Web page.)

• Additional/replacement dealer plates

To receive additional/replacement plates, submit the Application for Additional/Replacement Plates/Tabs with the correct fees to MADA. (See the Department of State's forms page.)

• Temporary or off-site sales

Please note that Michigan no longer allows temporary/off-site sales out-of-county. To apply for a temporary sale in the same county, the following must be provided to the state at least 15 days prior to the sale:

• Vehicle Dealer Supplemental Location Application form (link)
• Michigan Vehicle Dealer Close Out Statement for Temporary Location form (link)
• Enclose either a franchise approval to sell new vehicles at the sale location, or self-certify that you have authorization to sell new vehicles at the sale location during the dates specified. If only selling used vehicles at the off-site location, you will need a letter signed by the owner stating that the dealership will only be selling used cars.   **Sample letters**

Forms are linked above, or contact Jean Quinn (jquinn@michiganada.org) for additional information.  For quick and efficient processing, please e-mail completed forms to Jean.

• Publications and forms from the Secretary of State's Web site

To find these forms, go to the Department of State's website at www.michigan.gov/sos, choose services for businesses, then click on automobile dealers, publications and forms.  Or click this direct link.

• Rules and regulations

• Federal compliance topics and resources