MADA spent the past several months in communication with DVS, asking the department to interpret the new dealer license background check law consistent with how it was conveyed to lawmakers and stakeholders: applying only to initial applications. We appealed to legislators and agency leadership, demonstrating that the plain reading and legislative intent clearly did not support requiring fingerprinting all dealer license renewals.
After much back and forth, MADA finally received good news in early February. In a formal letter, DVS announced they will require fingerprint-based background checks only in the following situations:
- New dealer license applications received after January 1, 2026
- Renewal applications ONLY IF more than one year has elapsed since the applicant last applied for a license (meaning non-expired dealer license renewals will NOT be subject to fingerprinting).
MADA appreciates DVS changing course and we are pleased with this outcome. We also appreciate our members’ patience during this challenging rollout of the new law. For more detailed information on the updated background check requirements, DVS has also updated its dealer licensing website.
