Wholesale dealers cannot sell to the public.
Wholesale dealer plates are issued for use on Wisconsin highways. Dealers are responsible for knowing and complying with local and state regulations when operating vehicles outside Wisconsin. The use of dealer plates outside of Wisconsin is not advised.
Wholesalers can only use the Wholesale dealer plates for business purposes, not personal use.
Wholesale dealers can only sell, offer or negotiate sales of motor vehicles to licensed dealers only. Motor vehicle salvage pools, which sell salvaged vehicles to licensed dealers, are also licensed as motor vehicle wholesale dealers.
Requirements:
- A permanent business location with indoor office space.
- An outdoor vehicle display lot adjacent to the business office. The minimum size of the vehicle display lot must be equal to the size of a standard parking stall, in accordance with local or county zoning requirements.
- A $25,000 surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit. For a list of insurance companies accepting applications for bonds, see
insurance companies that accept applications for bonds
- Zoning and local permit approval for the location
- An outdoor sign showing business name
- A sign with your business hours posted on or next to the entrance door
- Posted notice that sales are restricted to licensed dealers only
- A valid lease for the business real estate during licensing period unless the license applicant owns it.
- Fees for a two-year wholesale dealer license, dealer plate fee, and representative license fee. (More information on fees follows.)
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Applicants need to attend a training course
Steps to apply for a wholesale dealer license:
- (See
wholesale dealer license application instructions.) Print the instructions for your reference while completing application forms online.
- Complete and print the dealer license application forms noted below. You may complete forms online before you print them.
- Mail your original completed and signed application forms and fees to the Dealer and Agent Section at the address below.
Forms to apply for a wholesaler dealer license:
- Wholesale Two-Year License Application
MV2860
- Entity/Owner Statement
MV2844 (If your business has more than one owner, print and submit a form for each owner, partner, LLC member or manager, corporate officer or shareholder.
- Wholesale Business Facilities Statement
MV3188
- Salvage Buyer Identification (BID) Card Application
MV2651 (optional)
- Articles of Incorporation Document
- Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Irrevocable Letter of Credit
MV1046
or - Dealer Bond
MV2511 and $25,000 bond
If you wish to sell or lease vehicles to the general public, you will need a retail dealer license. For information about applying for a retail dealer license, see
retail dealer license application instructions.
Forms to apply
Apply by mail only - forms must be arranged in the order shown on the
wholesale dealer checklist.
Mail all original signed application forms to the following address:
Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation
Dealer and Agent Section
PO Box 7909
Madison, WI 53707-7909
Questions?