How to Renew Your Michigan Auto Dealer License: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
If you operate a motor vehicle dealership in Michigan, keeping your dealer license current is essential. A dealer whose license has expired for more than 30 days must submit a new original dealer license application, and dealers with expired licenses cannot legally operate or complete dealer transactions through Secretary of State offices.
Fortunately, Michigan has an online renewal process through e-Services that allows eligible dealers to renew their licenses without starting the original licensing process over again.
This guide explains how to renew your Michigan auto dealer license, when to renew, what information you need, how the online process works, Class B training requirements, dealer bond and insurance considerations, dealer plates, late renewals, and common mistakes to avoid.
Important: Michigan's dealer renewal instructions were revised in August 2025. Requirements and procedures can change, so dealers should verify current requirements with the Michigan Department of State before submitting a renewal.
When Does a Michigan Auto Dealer License Expire?
Your Michigan dealer license expiration date is shown on your dealer license and renewal information.
Michigan provides a 30-day late renewal period after the license expiration date. However, dealers should not rely on this grace period.
If your license remains expired for more than 30 days, Michigan requires you to submit a new original dealer application rather than simply renewing the existing license.
Michigan specifically recommends completing your online dealer renewal at least 30 days before your expiration date to allow adequate processing time.
Why renewing early matters
A dealership with an expired license cannot continue operating as a licensed dealer.
Michigan states that dealers who have not renewed cannot operate, and Secretary of State offices will not accept transactions from dealers whose licenses have expired.
So even though there is a 30-day late renewal period, waiting until the last minute can create unnecessary problems.
Step 1: Check Your Michigan Dealer License Expiration Date
Before starting the renewal process, determine exactly when your dealer license expires.
Your expiration date can be found on your dealer license and renewal information.
Michigan recommends starting the renewal process well before that date. The state's dealer renewal instructions specifically recommend renewing online at least 30 days before expiration.
A good practice is to put your renewal deadline on your dealership's compliance calendar well in advance.
Step 2: Review Your Dealership Information
Before submitting the renewal, review the information associated with your dealership.
Michigan's online renewal process asks a series of Yes or No questions about whether information needs to be changed. If you are not making a change, you select "No" and continue. If information needs to be updated, you select "Yes" and complete the applicable section.
Information that may be updated during renewal includes:
Business contact information
Michigan No-Fault fleet insurance
Workers' compensation insurance, where applicable
Business hours
DBA information
Mailing address
Associated repair facility
Review your information carefully before submitting the renewal.
Step 3: Determine Whether You Need a New Dealer Bond
Michigan requires applicable Class A, B, and D dealers to maintain a $25,000 vehicle dealer surety bond under the state's current requirements.
Your bond should remain properly maintained throughout the licensing period.
The renewal process allows a dealer to update its surety bond information when necessary, including updating the bond to the current $25,000 requirement.
Don't wait until renewal to discover a bond problem
Before submitting your renewal, review:
Legal business name
DBA, if applicable
Business address
Surety company
Effective dates
Cancellation or expiration information
If your bond has been canceled or is no longer valid, you should address the issue before attempting to complete your renewal.
A dealer bond is not the same thing as insurance. The bond is a licensing requirement designed to provide protection under the applicable Michigan dealer bond requirements.
Step 4: Review Your Dealer Insurance
Dealers should also make sure their required insurance remains current.
Michigan requires new and used vehicle dealers to maintain Michigan No-Fault fleet-type insurance for dealer licenses that allow dealer plates.
During renewal, insurance information can be updated through the renewal process. Michigan's renewal instructions specifically identify fleet insurance and workers' compensation insurance as information that can be changed during renewal.
Before renewing, verify that your insurance information accurately reflects your dealership.
Depending on your operation, you should also review your broader commercial insurance program, including coverage for:
Garage liability
Dealer inventory/open lot
Commercial property
Employee exposures
Other dealership-specific risks
Renewing your dealer license does not replace the need to maintain appropriate insurance.
Step 5: Check Your Class B Dealer Training Requirements
If you operate a Class B Used Vehicle Dealer License, pay particular attention to Michigan's dealer training requirements.
Not every dealer class has the same training requirements.
Michigan states that Class B dealers must have a designated individual at each retail sales location complete the applicable dealer training requirements. That designated individual must complete training once every 24 months. The same individual cannot be designated for more than three retail locations.
What if you became a dealer before March 20, 2019?
Michigan has a specific rule for Class B dealers that held a valid license on or before March 20, 2019.
Those dealers are required to attend dealer training within the 90-day period following issuance of their next license renewal.
However, Class B dealers that have attended the required dealer training since March 20, 2019, are not required to repeat that training solely to satisfy that particular requirement.
Michigan's renewal process requires Class B dealers to certify that their dealership has met the applicable training requirements.
If you're unsure whether your dealership or designated employee needs training, check Michigan's current dealer training requirements before submitting your renewal.
Step 6: Make Sure Your e-Services Account Works
Michigan dealer license renewals are completed through the state's e-Services system.
The account manager must log in to the dealer account to begin the renewal.
If you've never established an account manager, Michigan provides instructions for setting up access.
If you already have a MiLogin for Business account, Michigan's renewal instructions specifically warn against creating a new account simply to complete the renewal.
If you've forgotten your password
Michigan's renewal instructions direct existing account managers to use the "Forgot your password?" option through MiLogin for Business.
For account or password issues that cannot be resolved through the normal process, Michigan provides additional account support.
Don't wait until the day your license expires to discover that you cannot access your dealer account.
Step 7: Log Into Michigan e-Services
Once you're ready to renew, log into your Michigan dealer e-Services account.
According to Michigan's renewal instructions:
Log into your account.
Locate "Additional Services..."
Select "Renew Dealer License."
From there, the system will guide you through the renewal questions and required information.
Step 8: Answer the Renewal Questions
Michigan's online renewal process uses a series of questions to determine whether information on your dealer license needs to be changed.
If something has changed, select Yes and provide the requested information.
If nothing has changed, select No and continue.
This is important because simply assuming that "nothing has changed" could result in outdated dealership information remaining on file.
Review everything carefully before moving through the renewal.
Step 9: Update Your Business Information if Necessary
Certain changes can be made during the renewal process.
Michigan currently allows renewal updates involving items such as:
Surety bond information needed to meet the current requirement
Business contact information
Business hours
DBA
Mailing address
Associated repair facility
However, not every change can be handled through the standard renewal transaction.
What Changes Cannot Be Made Through a Standard Renewal?
Michigan identifies several changes that cannot simply be handled through the normal online renewal.
These include:
Adding or removing a dealer class
Increasing the number of dealer plates
Removing supplemental locations
Certain salvage-agent changes
Michigan also recommends handling more complex changes separately from the renewal because they can delay processing.
These include:
Changing the business address
Adding or removing owners
Important: Don't move your dealership without approval
If you're changing your physical dealership location, don't assume that submitting a renewal with the new address automatically authorizes you to operate there.
Michigan's renewal instructions specifically state that a dealer cannot conduct business at a new address until that address is approved.
Step 10: Upload Required Documents
Depending on the information you're updating, Michigan may require supporting documents to be attached to your renewal.
Michigan's renewal instructions specify that attachments must be submitted as separate files with unique names.
Accepted file types include:
PDF
BMP
TIFF
PNG
JPG
JPEG
The maximum file size is 5 MB per attachment, and Michigan notes that PDF files are preferred.
If you're required to provide supporting documentation, make sure the documents are complete and legible before uploading them.
Step 11: Review Your Dealer Renewal Carefully
Before submitting your renewal, review the entire application.
Double-check:
Dealer name
DBA
Business address
Mailing address
Business hours
Ownership information
Repair facility
Dealer class
Retail locations
Training certification
Dealer plate information
Uploaded documents
A renewal is not the time to rush through the application.
If you discover a major business change, determine whether it should be handled separately rather than trying to force it into the renewal transaction.
Step 12: Submit the Renewal
At the end of the online renewal, you must select "Submit" to add the transaction to your cart.
Michigan's instructions recommend paying immediately after adding the renewal to the cart.
Don't assume that completing the information means your renewal has been submitted.
You need to complete the checkout/payment process.
Step 13: Pay the Renewal Fees
Michigan accepts the following payment methods for dealer renewals:
Visa
MasterCard
Discover
American Express
E-check
Michigan does not accept other payment arrangements or methods for the online renewal transaction.
If you use a credit card, a convenience fee may apply. Michigan's dealer FAQ currently identifies the convenience fee as 1.45% of the transaction amount when paying by credit card through e-Services.
Step 14: Save Your Confirmation and Receipt
After completing the payment process, save your renewal information.
Michigan specifically recommends selecting "Print Receipt" because the department states that it cannot reprint the receipt later.
Keep the confirmation with your dealership's licensing records.
It's also a good idea to save a digital copy in your dealership's compliance folder.
How Long Does Michigan Dealer License Renewal Take?
Michigan's dealer renewal instructions state that dealers should allow at least 15 business days for processing, although processing time can fluctuate depending on the department's workload.
This is another reason Michigan recommends renewing at least 30 days before expiration.
Don't submit multiple renewals
Michigan specifically advises dealers not to renew their license multiple times.
If your payment has already processed, Michigan has received the renewal and will process it in the order received. Submitting another renewal can create unnecessary confusion.
What Happens If Your Michigan Dealer License Expires?
This is one of the most important things for dealers to understand.
Michigan provides a 30-day late renewal period after expiration.
However, dealers with expired licenses cannot operate as licensed dealers during that period.
Michigan states that dealers who have not renewed cannot operate and that Secretary of State offices will not accept dealer transactions when the license has expired.
If the license remains expired for more than 30 days, the dealer must submit a new original dealer application.
That can mean going through a substantially more involved licensing process rather than simply completing a renewal.
Can You Renew a Michigan Dealer License After It Expires?
Yes, Michigan has a 30-day late renewal period.
However, allowing your license to expire creates operational problems, and late renewal should not be treated as an extension of your authority to operate.
Michigan's official renewal instructions recommend renewing at least 30 days before expiration.
If you're already past your expiration date, check your current status with Michigan before conducting dealer business.
What About Dealer Plates?
Dealer plates are handled through Michigan's dealer e-Services system.
Michigan identifies dealer plate transactions among the functions available through dealer e-Services, including:
Requesting dealer plates
Renewing dealer plates
Calculating plate and registration fees
However, a standard dealer license renewal does not necessarily allow every dealer-plate change.
For example, Michigan's renewal instructions state that increasing the number of dealer plates cannot be done through the standard renewal and requires the appropriate additional dealer plate application.
What Happens to Supplemental Locations?
Michigan's current dealer renewal instructions state that supplemental locations are automatically renewed with the dealer renewal.
If you need to close or remove a supplemental location, Michigan requires the appropriate supplemental-location closeout process rather than simply deleting it during the normal renewal.
Michigan Class B Dealer Renewal Requirements
If you operate a used vehicle dealership, your Class B license has additional training requirements worth paying attention to.
A Class B dealer must have a designated individual at each retail sales location who completes the applicable dealer training requirements.
The designated individual can be an:
Owner
Officer
Partner
General manager
Sales manager
Employee responsible for preparing dealer documents
The required continuing education training occurs once every 24 months.
A designated individual cannot be assigned to more than three retail locations.
Before renewing your Class B license, verify that your dealership has satisfied the applicable training requirements.
Does Every Michigan Dealer Need Training to Renew?
No.
Michigan states that the dealer training requirement applies specifically to Class B used or secondhand vehicle dealers.
Class B dealers should carefully review their training status before certifying the renewal.
If you're uncertain whether your designated individual needs continuing education, Michigan provides a training requirement flowchart and directs dealers to its dealer-training resources.
Michigan Dealer License Renewal Checklist
Use this checklist before submitting your renewal:
Before Renewal
Check your license expiration date
Review your dealership information
Confirm your business address
Confirm your mailing address
Review business hours
Review DBA information
Confirm insurance is current
Confirm dealer bond is current
Review repair facility information
Verify Class B training requirements, if applicable
Confirm e-Services access
During Renewal
Log into Michigan e-Services
Select "Additional Services"
Select "Renew Dealer License"
Answer the renewal questions
Update applicable information
Upload required documents
Review the application
Submit the renewal
Pay the required fees
Save your confirmation and receipt
After Renewal
Verify the renewal was processed
Save your renewed license
Update dealership compliance records
Confirm dealer plates are current
Continue required Class B training
Keep business information current
Common Michigan Dealer Renewal Mistakes
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Michigan recommends renewing at least 30 days before expiration. Waiting until the final few days can leave little time to correct an issue.
Letting the License Expire
An expired license means the dealership cannot operate as a licensed dealer.
Assuming the 30-Day Late Period Means You Can Keep Selling
The 30-day period allows for late renewal, but it does not mean an expired dealer can continue operating normally.
Forgetting Class B Training
Class B dealers must satisfy the applicable designated-individual training requirements.
Failing to Update Insurance
Make sure the insurance information associated with your dealership is accurate and current.
Moving Without Approval
A dealer cannot conduct business at a new address until the new location has been approved.
Submitting Multiple Renewals
Michigan specifically advises against submitting the renewal multiple times after payment has processed.
Forgetting to Save Your Receipt
Michigan says it cannot reprint the renewal receipt later, so save it immediately after completing the transaction.
How to Keep Your Michigan Dealer License in Good Standing
Renewing your license is only one part of maintaining compliance.
Michigan dealers should maintain a system for monitoring:
Dealer license expiration
Insurance expiration dates
Dealer plate renewals
Class B training deadlines
Business hours
Business address
Ownership information
Repair facility information
Dealer records
Temporary registrations
Vehicle titles and registrations
Michigan's dealer e-Services system also provides access to several dealership functions, including dealer license renewal, dealer plate transactions, training registration, temporary registrations, and certain electronic lien and title transactions.
Creating a dealership compliance calendar can help prevent missed deadlines.
Do You Need a Michigan Dealer Bond for Renewal?
For applicable Class A, B, and D dealers, Michigan requires a $25,000 vehicle dealer surety bond under its current bonding requirements.
If your bond needs to be updated to meet the current $25,000 requirement, Michigan's renewal process allows that type of bond update.
If you are unsure whether your existing bond meets Michigan's current requirements, it's a good idea to review it before submitting your renewal.
Get Help With Your Michigan Dealer Bond and Insurance
Renewing your Michigan dealer license is much easier when your dealership's bond and insurance are already in order.
All American Bonds and Insurance specializes in helping auto dealers with the bonding and insurance requirements associated with operating a dealership.
We can help with:
If your Michigan dealer license is coming up for renewal, don't wait until the last minute to review your bond and insurance.
All American Bonds and Insurance / QUICKERBONDS
📞 844-321-2663📧 info@quickerbonds.com🌐 QUICKERBONDS.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Renewing a Michigan Dealer License
How do I renew my Michigan auto dealer license?
Michigan dealer licenses can be renewed online through e-Services. The account manager logs in, selects Additional Services, and then selects Renew Dealer License.
How early should I renew my Michigan dealer license?
Michigan recommends renewing your dealer license online at least 30 days before it expires to allow sufficient processing time.
What happens if my Michigan dealer license expires?
Michigan allows a 30-day late renewal period, but dealers with expired licenses cannot operate. If the license remains expired for more than 30 days, a new original dealer application is required.
Do Class B Michigan dealers need training to renew?
Yes. Class B dealers have specific dealer training requirements. A designated individual at each retail sales location must complete applicable dealer training, generally once every 24 months.
Can I change my dealership address when I renew?
Michigan allows some information changes during renewal, but a business address change is considered a more complex change and is encouraged to be submitted separately. A dealer cannot conduct business at a new address until it has been approved.
Can I update my dealer bond during renewal?
Michigan's renewal process allows dealers to update their surety bond when necessary to meet the current $25,000 requirement.
Can I increase my dealer plates during renewal?
No. Michigan's renewal instructions state that increasing the number of dealer plates cannot be completed through the standard renewal transaction. The appropriate additional dealer plate application must be used.
How long does Michigan dealer renewal take?
Michigan recommends allowing at least 15 business days for processing, although processing times can vary depending on workload.
What payment methods can I use for Michigan dealer renewal?
Michigan accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and e-checks for dealer renewals.
Should I save my renewal receipt?
Yes. Michigan specifically advises dealers to select Print Receipt because the department states that it cannot reprint the receipt later.
Final Thoughts
Renewing your Michigan auto dealer license doesn't have to be complicated, but it does need to be handled before your license expires.
The basic process is to review your expiration date, verify your dealership information, make sure your dealer bond and insurance are current, confirm any applicable Class B training requirements, log into Michigan e-Services, complete the renewal questions, submit any required documents, pay the renewal fees, and save your confirmation.
The biggest mistake is waiting until the last minute. Michigan recommends renewing at least 30 days before expiration, and processing can take at least 15 business days.
If your Michigan dealer bond or dealership insurance needs to be updated before renewal, All American Bonds and Insurance can help.
📞 844-321-2663 | 📧 info@quickerbonds.com | 🌐 QUICKERBONDS.com
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