You need a dismantler license if you:

• Buy, sell, or deal in vehicles that are nonrepairable for the purpose of dismantling them.
• Buy or sell the integral parts or component materials of nonrepairable vehicles.
• Deal in used motor vehicle parts.

This does not include occasional vehicle dismantling by dealers whose principle business is buying and selling new and used vehicles, or by owners who dismantle three or fewer personal vehicles within a 12-month period.

Do you know all there is to know as a dismantler? Check out the Dismantler’s Handbook of Registration Procedures.

How to Apply for a Dismantler License

All occupational license applicants must create an online account and apply online – how-to videos and a quick start guide are available. If you experience technical issues or get locked out of your account, see technical support.

When applying, have the following information and supporting documents ready to upload:

• Business structure, ownership, property, and financial information.
• Personal identifying information, employment, education, and conviction history.
• Copy of your California seller’s permit from California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
• Copy of your Franchise Tax Board identification number.
• Copy of your State Water Resource Control Board storm water permit.
• Copy of your California Environmental Protection Agency identification number.
• Completed Zoning Verification for Vehicle Dismantler’s License (OL 62) (PDF).
• Completed Request for Live Scan Clearance (receipt) (DMV 8016) (PDF) for each person listed as owner. Out-of-state applicants must mail a completed Fingerprint Card (ADM 1316). Contact DMV at (800) 777-0133 to request an ADM 1316.
• Secretary of State (SOS) Statement of Information (Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Partnership).
• If “doing business as”, a copy of the fictious name statement is required.
• Photographs of the business location (refer to OL photography requirements).

Fees: Dismantler License

Advertising Requirement

Licensed dismantlers cannot advertise their services without indicating their occupational license or permit number in the advertisement.

Automobile Dismantler Exclusions

The term “automobile dismantler” does not include any of the following:

• The owner of any premises on which two or more unregistered and inoperable vehicles are held or stored, if the vehicles are used, or intended to be used, for restoration or as replacement parts or otherwise in conjunction with any business of a licensed dealer, manufacturer, or transporter, or in conjunction with the operation and maintenance of any fleet of motor vehicles used for the transportation of persons or property.
• The owner of any premises or property used in conjunction with any agricultural, farming, mining, ranching, or motor vehicle repair business.
• Any person engaged in the restoration of vehicles of the type described in California Vehicle Code (CVC) §5004 or in the restoration of other vehicles having historic or classic significance.
• The owner of a steel mill, scrap metal processing facility, or similar establishment purchasing vehicles of a type subject to registration, not for the purpose of selling the vehicles, in whole or in part, but exclusively for the purpose of reducing the vehicles to their component materials, if either the facility obtains, on a form approved or provided by the department, a certification by the person from whom the vehicles are obtained that each of the vehicles has, except as provided in CVC §9564, been cleared for dismantling pursuant to CVC §5500 or CVC §11520 or the facility complies with CVC §9564.
• Any person who acquires used parts or components for resale from vehicles which have been previously cleared for dismantling pursuant to CVC §5500 or CVC §11520.

Nothing above permits a dismantler to acquire or sell used parts or components during the time the dismantler license is under suspension.