Renewing your license

The state sends license renewal applications approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date. Please be aware of your expiration dates to ensure your licenses are renewed on time. Dealer, repair facility and installment seller licenses can now be renewed online. If you have any questions, contact the MADA office at (800) 292-1923.

Go to:   Dealer license and plates   —   Repair facility license   —   Installment seller (finance) license

Dealer license and dealer plates / tabs

  • Regulated by the Secretary of State | Michigan Department of State (MDOS) 
  • All dealer licenses expire on December 31. Dealers can choose to renew for 1-4 years at a time. (All fees paid up front, no refunds.)
  • MDOS opens the e-Services renewal portal in mid-September. Renewals are processed electronically.
  • To renew, log in to your account at CARS e-Services (Business Services >> Dealer Services)
    Select the license number you wish to renew.  Once processed and renewed the expiration date will be updated.
  • Dealers will receive a new wall license upon renewal.
  • New tabs for dealer plates will be processed and mailed to dealerships.
    • Dealers with 19 or fewer dealer plates: these tabs are generally mailed within a week of the license renewal date.
    • Dealers with 20+ dealer plates: these tabs are held and processed in bulk; they are generally mailed by Feb. 1st.
    • For licenses in the middle of a multi-year renewal cycle, tabs are processed in bulk. These tabs are generally mailed by Feb. 1st – regardless of the number of dealer plates in inventory.

Dealers must also have an active $25,000 surety bond to renew. (Option to purchase this bond through MADA).

Repair facility license

  • Regulated by the Secretary of State | Michigan Department of State (MDOS) 
  • The repair facility license renews on its anniversary date. (Check the date on your wall license.)
    • Beginning July 2026, facilities earning $300,000+ can renew for 1-4 years. (All fees paid up front, no refunds.)
  • To renew, log in to your account at CARS e-Services (Business Services >> Repair Facility Services)
    Select the license number you wish to renew. Once renewed the expiration date will be updated.
  • Repair facilities will receive a new wall license upon renewal.

Installment seller (finance) license

  • Regulated by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS)
  • All installment seller (finance) licenses expire on June 30.
  • DIFS emails renewal information in April. Renewals are processed electronically.
  • These licenses display an effective date – not an expiration date. A new wall license will not be emailed unless changes are made to information on the license.

NOTE: Financial partners and auctions may require proof of renewal. Click here to check your renewal status. Search by company name then open the page for your dealership. The license renewal date will be listed next to the current calendar year.

DIFS may review dealer files to ensure dealers are using the appropriate business name on bank contracts. Most dealers who require a permission letter already have one on file and will not need a new letter – unless of a name change. If you are unsure if you need a letter or already have one on file, please contact MADA.  * Sample permission letter *

LARA Business Entity Search

DIFS may also review corporate and dba names associated with a dealership prior to renewing a license. MADA suggests that dealers check their corporate and dba names to make sure they are active and renewed with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).