How to Get Your Wyoming Dealer License in 7 Easy Steps

If you plan to sell or exchange three or more vehicles within any 12 months in Wyoming, state law requires you to obtain a Vehicle Dealer License. To do this, you must apply through the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and renew your license annually to remain in compliance.

While Wyoming offers several types of dealer licenses, the core application requirements are largely the same across the board. Use the following step-by-step guide to navigate the Wyoming dealer licensing process with confidence.

1. Determine Your Dealer License Type

The WYDOT issues four types of vehicle dealer licenses. These are:

• New Vehicle Dealer
• Used Vehicle Dealer (12 or more retail sales per year)
• Used Vehicle Dealer (fewer than 12 retail sales per year)
• Wyoming Based Manufacturer

When completing your license application, simply check the box corresponding to your business type.

2. Register Your Business With The State

Before applying for a vehicle dealer license in Wyoming, you must register your business and obtain a Sales and Use Tax License from the Department of Revenue.

Register your business entity by visiting the Wyoming Secretary of State website. The registration fee is $100 for a limited liability company, profit corporation, or limited partnership. If you file online, a $3.75 convenience fee will also apply.

Next, visit the DOR website to complete the Sales and Use Tax License application. There is a $60 non-refundable fee for this license.

Lastly, apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A FEIN is required for federal tax purposes and is necessary to complete your dealer license application.

3. Secure a Permanent Business Location (not applicable to manufacturers)

If you plan to sell new or used vehicles in Wyoming, you must establish a permanent business location that meets the following requirements:

• Be located in a permanent structure that is not primarily used as a residence
• Be leased or rented (ownership or a lease agreement is required)
• Store daily inventory records on-site
• Have sufficient space to display at least five vehicles (required for dealers expecting to sell 12 or more vehicles per year)
• Have an exterior sign displaying the business name, permanently affixed and clearly visible from the road
• Have a landline telephone located inside the building, with the number listed in a local directory

When submitting your license application, you must attach a zoning approval letter confirming that the location complies with all applicable city or county zoning regulations. You must also include clear photos of the dealership, including the vehicle display area, business sign, and building exterior.

4. Undergo a Criminal Background Check

All new applicants must complete a state and national criminal background check. Each business owner needs to fill out the License Background Check Questionnaire. 

They must also submit fingerprint cards along with a $39 processing fee (paid with certified funds to “Attorney General – DCI”). Your local law enforcement agency can take your fingerprints, and you can get the cards from the WYDOT.

The background check usually takes at least 30 days. Your Wyoming car dealer license won’t be issued until the background check is complete and the application is approved.

5. Obtain the $25,000 Surety Bond

To become licensed as an auto dealer in Wyoming, you must secure a $25,000 surety bond, valid for one year. Don’t worry, obtaining one is easy and usually takes just one day.

The Wyoming dealer license bond must be issued by a corporate surety licensed to do business in the state. Give the form included in your application package to your bonding company to complete. Make sure the principal’s name and the business name (or DBA) match exactly with what is listed with the Wyoming Secretary of State. 

For more information about bonding requirements, refer to the official guide provided by the WYDOT.

Note: If you are a new applicant, do not have the bond executed until you receive notice from the WYDOT that your application has been approved.

6. Prepare All Necessary Documentation

Before starting your license application, it’s important to gather all the required documents in advance. Having everything ready will make the submission process smoother and help avoid delays. 

Here’s what you’ll need to include:

• A copy of your Articles of Incorporation or Organization from the Wyoming Secretary of State (if you are a Corporation, LLC, or LP)
• IRS documentation showing your FEIN
• A copy of your Sales & Use Tax License from the Department of Revenue
• Color photos of your dealership building, sign, and vehicle display area (if applicable)
• A zoning approval letter from the local authorities
• A copy of your lease or rental agreement for the business location
• A completed background check questionnaire and fingerprint cards
• Copies of franchise or dealer sales and service agreements (for new vehicle dealers only)

Start gathering these documents early, as some may take time to obtain. Avoid waiting until the last minute to prevent delays in your application process.

7. Complete and Submit the Dealer Application

The final step is submitting the official paperwork. All vehicle dealers must fill out Form MV-422: Vehicle Dealer and Manufacturer Application.

Manufacturers must submit written approval from the city or county confirming that vehicle production is allowed at their business location. Photos of the facility are also required.

All dealers selling more than 12 vehicles per year, as well as all manufacturers, must pay a $100 license fee. Dealers selling fewer than 12 vehicles per year must pay a $25 license fee.

Once licensed, you may apply for either demo/manufacturer plates (for a $25 fee) or full-use plates (for a $125 fee).

Be sure to review everything carefully before submission. Forms containing missing, inaccurate, or incomplete details will be returned for correction.

When you’re ready with your application, mail all documents to the following address:

Wyoming Department of Transportation
ATTN: Motor Vehicle Services
5300 Bishop Blvd.
Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Car Dealer License in Wyoming?

The total cost to get licensed as a car dealer in Wyoming typically ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on your credit and business setup. Here’s a breakdown of the main fees:

• • Business registration: $100 (plus a $3.75 online filing fee)
  • Sales & Use Tax License: $60
  • Fingerprint processing: $39 per owner
  • Surety bond premium: Starts from $250 with good credit
  • Dealer license fee:
    • $100 if you plan to sell 12 or more vehicles per year
    • $25 if you plan to sell fewer than 12

• $100 if applying as a manufacturer

• Dealer plates (optional):
  • Demo/manufacturer plate: $25
  • Full-use plate: $125

To keep costs lower, maintain good credit, and ensure your paperwork is accurate to avoid delays or extra fees.

Important Update for Wyoming Dealers: New Trailer Sales Authorization Requirement 

Starting July 1, 2025, all applicants for a Wyoming dealer license who intend to sell new trailers must submit a Sales Authorization Agreement from the trailer’s manufacturer or distributor. This new requirement applies only to new trailers, not to house trailers or semitrailers as defined under Wyoming law.

If the trailer manufacturer does not operate under a formal franchise agreement, the authorization must clearly state that the dealer is permitted to sell the specific make of trailer. This document must be included with your initial license application and renewed annually.

Aside from this, Wyoming’s dealer regulations have remained largely unchanged over the past few years.

FAQs

When do I need a vehicle dealer license in Wyoming?

Under Wyoming law, you must obtain a dealer license if you plan to sell or exchange more than three motor vehicles within any 12 consecutive months. Selling without a license beyond this limit is considered illegal.

Can you operate as a vehicle dealer in Wyoming without a lot?

In most cases, a vehicle dealer cannot legally operate in Wyoming without a physical lot. State law requires most dealers to maintain a permanent business location that meets specific standards.

However, if you’re applying as a Used Vehicle Dealer planning to sell fewer than 12 vehicles per year, Wyoming offers more flexibility. While a full display lot may not be required, you must still have a physical business address with an office, business signage, and zoning approval.

Additionally, Wyoming-based vehicle manufacturers do not need a lot, but you still must have a compliant permanent business location.

When do I need to renew my Wyoming dealer license?

A Wyoming vehicle dealer or manufacturer license is valid for one year. The license’s effective and expiration dates will match those of the surety bond on file. You must renew both before they expire to avoid any disruption to your business operations.

How long does it take to get a Wyoming dealer’s license?

The Wyoming Department of Transportation does not specify an exact processing time for dealer license applications. However, if your application is complete and accurate, you can typically expect approval within 6 to 8 weeks.

Once you are approved, you should submit your $25,000 surety bond, and only then is your license officially issued.

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