Salvage Buyer Identification (BID) Card
Are you a veteran? You may qualify for a fee waiver for an initial license.
If you are a licensed dealer, wholesaler or salvage dealer or their employee, you may apply for the Salvage Buyer Identification (BID) Card. The BID card allows you to bid on vehicles at motor vehicle salvage pools (auctions that sell wrecked vehicles only). You may have more than one BID card, in order to buy salvage vehicles for more than one employer. However, you must submit a separate BID card application signed by each employer. Employees of dealers, wholesalers, and salvage dealers that are licensed out-of-state may also qualify for a Wisconsin BID card.
To qualify for a BID card, you must be at least 18 years old. You cannot have been convicted of a crime directly related to the sale of motor vehicles.
BID card users can only buy vehicles on behalf of their employer. They cannot use the BID card to buy vehicles for their own or other’s use.
BID cards expire on the same date as the employer’s dealer, wholesaler or salvage dealer license. For out-of-state card holders, the length of the licensure of salvage buyer identification cards has changed. Your Wisconsin credential now expires on the same date as your home state dealer license. This is a change from previous practice when all licenses expired on December 31st. The fee for a BID card expiring in one year or less is $6. The fee for a BID card expiring in more than a year is $12.
To apply for a new, renewal, or replacement BID card:
- Complete, print and sign the Salvage Buyer Identification (BID) Card Application form
MV2651. See the application instructions on the form MV2651 for more information.
- Have your employing dealer, wholesaler or salvage dealer sign the form.
- If you will be bidding on vehicles for more than one employer, you must submit a separate, signed application for each employer.
- If the employer is an out-of-state business, include a photocopy of the dealer, wholesaler, or salvage dealer license or other credential authorizing the business to operate in that state or jurisdiction. If the license is not in English, attach an English translation.
NOTE: All licenses are mailed to the dealer license credential address only. No faxes, emails or photocopies will be sent in lieu of the actual license.
The Dept. of Transportation’s Dealer and Agent Section has changed the length of licensure for buyer’s licenses and salvage buyer identification cards for out of state dealers. Your Wisconsin credential now expires on the same date as your home state dealer license, for a maximum of 12 months. This is a change from previous practice when all licenses expired on July 31st. Please note this change and ensure you include an updated dealer license with your next renewal application. Please contact the Dealer and Agent Hotline at (608) 266-1425 if you have questions relating to your Wisconsin credential.
For more information:
For more information or to request to have BID Card application materials mailed to you:
