How to Apply for a Registration Service 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 ownership structure, property, surety bond, and employee information.
• Personal identifying information, employment, education, and conviction history.
• 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.
• Completed Request for Live Scan Clearance (receipt) (DMV 8016) (PDF) for each person listed as owner to be uploaded. Out-of-state applicants must mail a completed Fingerprint Card (OL 1316). Contact DMV at (800) 777-0133 to request an OL 1316.
• Completed Property Use Verification for Registration Service License (OL 139) (PDF).
• Completed Appointment of Director as Agent for Service of Process (ADM 9050) (PDF).
• Photos of business office, signage, and location to be uploaded (refer to OL photography requirements).

Refer to the Registration Service Program Handbook (PDF) for more information about the inspection and requirements. 

Fees: Registration Service License

Processing Transactions

Before accepting transactions from the public for processing at DMV Industry Business Centers, you must submit these forms, along with a copy of your permit, to the DMV office manager:

• Registration Service Questionnaire (OL 607) (PDF).
• Industry Customer Employee Listing (FO 607A) (PDF).

Business Partner Automation (BPA) Program

Our BPA Program authorizes our partners to process and issue validated registration cards, full year registration stickers, and automobile, commercial, motorcycle, exempt vehicle license plates, and sequential Arts Council License Plates from their remote locations. 

Apply for the BPA Program

Registration Service Exclusions

• A person performing registration services on a vehicle acquired by that person for their own personal use or for use in the regular course of that person’s business.
• A person who solicits applications for or sells, for compensation, nonresident permits for the operation of vehicles within this state.
• An employee of one or more dealers or dismantlers, or a combination thereof, who performs registration services for vehicles acquired by, consigned to, or sold by the employing dealers or dismantlers.
• A motor club, as defined in California Insurance Code §12142.
• A person who performs registration services exclusively for vehicles registered pursuant to Article 9.5 (commencing with §5301) of Chapter 1 of Division 3 or Article 4 (commencing with §8050) of Chapter 4 of Division 3.
• A common carrier acting in the regular course of its business in transmitting applications. California Vehicle Code (CVC)  §505.2