You need a vehicle distributor license if you sell or distribute new vehicles to California dealers or you maintain representatives who contact dealers or prospective California dealers, and you’re not a vehicle manufacturer. You need a license if you sell or distribute:

• New vehicles
• New trailers
• New off-highway motorcycles
• New all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

See the full list of product types that currently require an occupational license.

How to Apply for a Vehicle Distributor License

To apply for your license, submit the following:

• Application for Original Occupational License, Part C (OL 12).
• Original Application for Occupational License, Part A (OL 21A).
• Application for Occupational License Personal History Questionnaire, Part B, Business Licensing Unit (OL 29B) for each person listed under ownership on form OL 12.
• Corporate Declaration/Limited Company Declaration (OL 107) (required for Corporation, Limited Liability Company or Limited Liability Partnership).
• Live scan fingerprint and Request for Live Scan Clearance (receipt) (DMV 8016) for each person completing form OL 29B.
• Fingerprint card (ADM 1316) (out-of-state applicants only) along with Request for Exemption from Mandatory Electronic Fingerprint Submission Requirement (BCII 9004) (for out of state applicants only). Fingerprint cards may be obtained by calling Occupational Licensing (OL) at (916) 229-3126 or from a DMV inspector office.
• Brochure or drawing of the manufactured product (include product name).
• A 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or VIN sample configuration from the Society of Automotive Engineers. If this is a new product to California, provide a copy of the assignment of ID and testing approval or waiver from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• List of authorized or enfranchised dealers. Enfranchised auto, commercial, and motorcycle dealers are appointed using a Certificate of Proposed Franchise (OL 124). All other authorizations must be on company letterhead and signed by a person listed in the application documents.
• Letter of appointment from manufacturer.
• Photographs of the business location (refer to OL photography requirements).
• Statement of Information (SI 550) or Statement of Information LLC (LLC 12) filed with the Secretary of State (corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership owned businesses only).
• If your firm is incorporated in a state other than California, provide:
  • Articles of incorporation.
  • Certification from incorporating state’s Secretary of State that the corporation is in good standing.
• If your firm is located in the state of California, provide a copy of the:
  • Fictitious name statement.
• List of authorized representatives. All representatives must apply for a license using an Application for Representative License (OL 16R) and pay a $51 licensing fee.

Fees

• $100 non-refundable application fee
• $1 family support program
• $50 for each branch location (if applicable)
• $92 for each auto plate (plus county fees, if applicable)
• $94 for each motorcycle plate (plus county fees, if applicable)
• $42 for each person submitting ADM 1316, Fingerprint Card (out-of-state applicants only)

How to Renew a Vehicle Distributor License

To renew your license, complete a Renewal Application (OL 45). Mail your application and fees to the address on the form.

Fees

• $85 renewal application fee
• $92 for each auto plate (plus county fees, if applicable)
• $94 for each motorcycle plate (plus county fees, if applicable)

How to Modify a Vehicle Distributor License

To modify an existing license, complete and submit the relevant form(s):

• Ownership changes
• All other changes

Fees

• $50 name change fee
• $50 address change fee
• $50 add a branch fee
• $70 officer change fee