Recreational vehicle dealer license

Recreational vehicle dealer license plate

The recreational vehicle dealer license, Recreational Vehicle Dealer Two Year License Application form, MV2187, allows a business to sell, offer to sell, negotiate the sale or lease (consumer lease) with an option to buy recreational vehicles. For purposes of dealer licensing, a recreational vehicle is a trailer (no engine), less than 45 feet long, designed to be towed by a motor vehicle and equipped and intended to be used for temporary human habitation.

• If your business will be selling motor homes (self-propelled by an engine) or other motor vehicles, you will need a to apply for a Motor Vehicle Dealer license.
• If your business will be selling mobile homes (travel trailers 45 feet long or longer) you will not need a motor vehicle dealer license. However, sale of mobile homes is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at (608) 266-2112.

To qualify for a Recreational Vehicle Dealer license, you must meet the following requirements:

1. A building with a business office to maintain books, records and files.
2. A display lot must be within the same block or directly across the street from the office. (optional)
3. A business sign and posted hours.
4. Local zoning and permit approval.
5. A sales tax seller permit number is required. To obtain one, contact the Department of Revenue at (608) 266-2776 or on their website under Sales and Use Tax.
6. A $50,000 surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit. For a list of insurance companies accepting applications for bond, see Insurance companies that accept applications for bonds.
7. A service department or written agreement with a nearby service facility.
8. At lease one licensed salesperson.
   • Note: a salesperson license exam is not required for recreational vehicle salespeople.
9. A two-year lease if you do not own the business real estate.
10. A manufacturer/distributor certification of dealer (franchise) if you will be selling new recreational trailers.
11. Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization. If your business is established as a corporation or a 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.
12. Dealer license fee, dealer plate fee, individual license fees, and fee to the Department of Financial Institutions.
13. You will required to comply with an inspection of the business location before the license is issued.
14. You must be at least 18 years old.
15. You must be of good character and must not have been convicted of a serious crime directly related to the sale of the motor vehicles.

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

1. RV Application MV2187
2. LFS181 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. Recreational Vehicle Dealer Business Facilities Statement MV3183
5. Recreational Vehicle Dealer Service Agreement MV2535
6. Recreational Vehicle Manufacturer/Importer/Distributor Certification of Dealer MV2137
   • This is a franchise agreement form and is required only for businesses intending to sell new creational vehicle trailers
7. Salesperson/Representative License Application MV2184(required, at least 1 salesperson)
8. $50,000 financial coverage
   • Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Irrevocable Letter of Credit MV1046 or Dealer Bond MV2511
9. Two-year lease if you do not own the business real estate
10. Articles of Incorporation document
    
11. Articles of Incorporation Document
    • Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization. If your business is established as a corporation or a 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.

How to renew and/or amend your current license

• Renew/Amend Dealer License FAQ

For more information:

• Field investigation offices
• 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 is now offering voluntary dealer training. As a new dealer applicant, you are encouraged to attend an upcoming training event.

*NEW* 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 listed below. You may also email the MV2199 Out of Business Dealer Statement form to dealerlicensingunit@dot.wi.gov, but you must still mail your dealer plates and credentials to the department.

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

Apply by mail

Apply by mail only - mail all original signed application forms to the following address:

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

Make your check payable to Registration Fee Trust.

Questions?