SEPTEMBER 8, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced that auto dealers renewing their business licenses can go online to check the status of their applications.

"We are very pleased to provide this service to dealers because it lets them quickly determine the standing of their applications and follow up if there are questions or problems," Land said. "We have heard from many dealers and they love this online feature. The Web site lets them spend more time serving their customers and less time on the phone with us. That’s smart business for the Department of State and our customers."

Beginning today, the department is sending out more than 7,000 letters reminding dealers that their licenses expire on Dec. 31. This is the second year that the department has provided the Web service in conjunction with the mailed notices. To ensure timely processing, dealers are urged to have their renewal applications submitted by Nov. 1.

The licensed-dealer database is found on the department’s Web site, www.Michigan.gov/sos, by clicking on the "Services to Businesses" and "Automobile Dealers" buttons. The database provides the public with an up-to-date list of currently licensed auto dealers.

However, during the dealer license renewal period, modifications to the database allow dealers to check and see if and when their applications were received and whether their license has been mailed. The information, listed under the "Date" and "Renewal Status" columns, is updated daily. These two columns are activated only during the four-month renewal period from September through December.

Michigan law states that anyone in the business of buying, selling, brokering or otherwise dealing in at least five vehicles a year needs a dealer license. There are 10 different license classifications, including new vehicle, used vehicle, broker, wholesaler, vehicle scrap metal processor and automotive recycler.

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