Applying for a new license

MADA is happy to help franchised new car and truck dealers (Class A) with their State of Michigan licensing needs. Please review the following information then call our office at (800) 292-1923 for personal assistance with all your licensing requirements. Please allow 30-45 days for application review and processing.

Open a new dealership

• Regulated by the Secretary of State
• MADA can provide all the forms necessary to open a car or truck dealership that will comply with the State of Michigan.
• A pre-license inspection of the business location will be conducted by the State of Michigan before issuing a new or used dealer license. The business address must meet the established place of business requirements.
• Dealer License Application – complete packet with instructions
  • Zoning & municipality approval (pg 18-19)
  • Vehicle dealer license application (pg 22-25)
  • Designated branch office form (pg 21)
  • Repair facility agreement (pg. 27)
  • Repair facility registration application (pg 30-33)
  • Fingerprint background check request, in-state and out-of-state (pg. 34-35)

  Vehicle dealer surety bond: Please email news@michiganada.org for information about obtaining your bond through MADA’s Dealers Insurance Agency.

  • Please also review the State of Michigan Dealer Manual.
  • Sales /Tax License – new business registration details
  • Computerized Vehicle Registration / CVR (optional) – electronic vehicle titling and registration through
    • CVR works with the Secretary of State to provide a fast, accurate, automated process to register and title vehicles.
    • Call MADA at (800) 292-1923 for information about signing up.

    Installment seller (finance) license

    • Regulated by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services
    • Submit an Installment Seller License Application, along with a sample of each Sales Finance Company contract(s) you will be using.
    • Sample letter to the state:
      • Permission to use name

      Articles of Incorporation

      When applying for a new business name, you must file the articles with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). There will be a fee for this filing, made payable to the State of Michigan.

      • Regulated by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
      • Articles of Incorporation Form (for Corp and LLC)
      • Certificate of Assumed Name Form

      Supplemental location license

      • Regulated by the Secretary of State
      • You must complete a supplemental location license application (AR-0066) for each additional location at which you wish to operate. A supplemental location must be in the same county and must have the same classification as your main location.
      • Sample letters to the state:
        • Request to sell vehicles at supplemental location
        • Permission to house records for sup. lot at the main business location

        (517) 351-7800 P.O. Box 2525
        East Lansing, MI
        48826-2525