{"id":1589,"date":"2020-03-09T10:46:53","date_gmt":"2020-03-09T17:46:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-dealer-license\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T08:29:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T15:29:17","slug":"vehicle-dealer-license","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licenses\/vehicle-dealer-license\/","title":{"rendered":"Vehicle Dealer License"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-columns content-columns colums-1-3-2-3\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-column col\">\t<nav class=\"nav-left\" aria-label=\"Secondary Navigation\">\n\t\t<ul class=\"nav-left-children\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licenses\/vehicle-dealer-license\/dmv-dealer-education-providers\/>Dealer Education Providers<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licenses\/vehicle-dealer-license\/buy-sell-procedures-for-new-vehicle-dealers\/>Buy\/Sell Procedures for New Vehicle Dealers<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licenses\/vehicle-dealer-license\/autobrokers-endorsement\/>Autobroker&#8217;s Endorsement<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/nav>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-column col\">\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\">You need a vehicle dealer license to sell new or used vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\">See the full list of <a href=\"\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/#products\">product types that currently require an occupational license<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-container shadow-box\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resources for Vehicle Dealers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Use these resources to help you apply for your vehicle dealer license:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/new-dealer-application-check-list-ol-248a-pdf\/\">New Dealer Application Check List (OL 248A) (PDF)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/used-dealer-or-dealer-wholesale-only-application-checklist-ol-248b-pdf\/\">Used Dealer or Dealer Wholesale Only Application Checklist (OL 248B) (PDF)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/handbook\/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2\/\">Vehicle Industry Procedures (VIP) Manual (formerly the Dealer&#8217;s Handbook)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licenses\/vehicle-dealer-license\/autobrokers-endorsement\/\">Autobroker&#8217;s Endorsement<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/guide-for-licensed-vehicle-dealers-and-lessor-retailers-pdf\/\">Guide for Licensed Vehicle Dealers and Lessor-Retailers (PDF)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licensure-product-list\/\">Occupational Licensure Product List<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licenses\/vehicle-dealer-license\/buy-sell-procedures-for-new-vehicle-dealers\/\">Buy\/Sell Procedures for New Vehicle Dealers<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Apply for a Vehicle Dealer License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/login\/\">Apply for your license and pay your fees online<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To apply for your license, complete and submit the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you deal new vehicles, complete all forms in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/new-dealer-applications-forms-packet-ol-248n-pdf\/\">New Dealer Applications Forms Packet (OL 248N) (PDF)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you deal used vehicles (dealer-wholesale only), complete all forms in the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/used-dealer-applications-forms-packet-ol-248u-pdf\/\">Used Dealer Applications Forms Packet (OL 248U) (PDF)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/live-scan-fingerprinting\/\">Live scan fingerprint<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/request-for-live-scan-clearance-receipt-dmv-8016-pdf\/\">Request for Live Scan Clearance (receipt) (DMV 8016) (PDF)<\/a> for each person listed under ownership on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/application-for-original-occupational-license-ol-12-pdf\/\">Application for Original Occupational License (OL 12) (PDF)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fingerprint card (ADM 1316) (out-of-state applicants only). Fingerprint cards may be obtained by calling Occupational&nbsp;Licensing (OL) at (916) 229-3126.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Certificate of Completion, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licenses\/vehicle-dealer-license\/dmv-dealer-education-providers\/\">Dealer Education Program<\/a> (used vehicle dealers and wholesale-only dealers).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of successfully passing the used dealer test administered by&nbsp;DMV&nbsp;(used vehicle dealers and wholesale-only dealers).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Each applicant may make 3 attempts to pass the test. If an applicant fails the test, they <strong>must<\/strong> pay a $16 fee and wait one week to re-test. After the third attempt, if the applicant does not pass, they must take the dealer education program again and the testing process starts over with another 3 attempts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Letter of Authorization (New trailer dealers only. Required for each line).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Copy of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdtfa.ca.gov\/services\/permits-licenses.htm\" target=\"_blank\">California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)&nbsp;Resale Permit<\/a>&nbsp;(enables you to collect sales tax).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Photographs of the business location (refer to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licensing-photography-requirements\/\">OL photography requirements<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collect your paperwork and fees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After DMV processes your application, you\u2019ll receive an email instructing you to schedule an inspection of your business location. <strong>Once you receive that email<\/strong>, you\u2019ll need to create a DMV online account and select a time slot for an inspection. The email you receive will provide the information you need to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"soft-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"soft-cta__info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Need help? These step-by-step guides can help you use DMV&#039;s online inspection scheduling service:<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Create your DMV Account<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/account-setup-inspections-pdf\/\">Setting Up an Account Guide (PDF)<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/wQE4kAoW6o4\">Setting Up an Account YouTube Video<\/a><br><strong>Schedule an Inspection<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/scheduling-an-inspection-pdf\/\">How to Schedule an Inspection Guide (PDF)<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/1UQDPUGuOJM\">How to Schedule an Inspection YouTube Video<\/a><br><strong>View your Inspection Report and Upload a Photo<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/view-inspection-report-upload-photo-pdf\/\">How to View Your Inspection Report Guide (PDF)<\/a><br><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/b7GPXW_O5Ps\">How to View Your Inspection Report YouTube Video<\/a><br><br>Please note that this inspection tool supports these browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari (iOS\/OS X).<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;OL inspector will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inspect the main business office where you conduct business.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The office of the principal place of business and each location of the dealership must be established to the extent that its construction is not temporary, transitory, or mobile in nature (a trailer coach office is acceptable if it is not part of the dealer&#8217;s vehicle inventory for sale while it is being used as an office and otherwise meets the requirements of the&nbsp;<em>California&nbsp;Vehicle Code <\/em>[CVC]). The place of business is a place actually occupied either continuously or at regular periods by the dealer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspect all books and records pertinent to the business.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspect the display area (not required if wholesale only). <cite class=\"dmv-citation\"><em>California Vehicle Code<\/em> (CVC&nbsp;\u00a711601(a), (c))<\/cite>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The display area of the principal place of business must be of sufficient size to physically accommodate vehicles of a type for which the dealership is licensed to sell.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The display area must be clearly for the exclusive use of the dealer for display purposes only.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional display areas are permitted within a radius of 1,000 feet from the principal place of business and any licensed branch location without being subject to separate licensing. However, such display areas must also meet the signing requirement as identified in&nbsp;CVC&nbsp;\u00a7\u00a711709 (a). Title 13, 270.08, 270.08 (a)&nbsp;and&nbsp;270.08 (b).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspect signs (not required if wholesale only dealer).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Signs must be of a permanent nature, erected on the exterior of the office or on the display area, and be constructed or painted and maintained so as to withstand reasonable climatic effects and be readable as provided for in CVC \u00a7\u00a7 11709. CCR, Title 13,&nbsp;270.06. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A temporary sign or device may suffice when a permanent sign is on order. Evidence of such order must be submitted to DMV prior to issuance of a temporary permit or license. <cite class=\"dmv-citation\"><em>California Vehicle Code<\/em> (CVC \u00a711709(a))<\/cite><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>$175 non-refundable application fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$1&nbsp;family support program&nbsp;fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$70 fee for each branch location (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$92 fee for each dealer plate&nbsp;(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/ol_platecountyfees-pdf\">plus county fees (PDF)<\/a>, if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$94 fee for each motorcycle plate (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/ol_platecountyfees-pdf\">plus county fees (PDF)<\/a>, if applicable)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This figure will vary depending on the county where your business is located<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dealer plates are not required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$425 new motor vehicle board fee, per location (new automobile, commercial, motorcycle,\u00a0ATV, motorhome, and recreational trailer dealers only)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$100 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licenses\/vehicle-dealer-license\/autobrokers-endorsement\/\">autobroker endorsement<\/a> fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$42 fee for each person submitting ADM 1316&nbsp;Fingerprint Card&nbsp;(out-of-state applicants only)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$16 examination fee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Application Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a look at the applicable checklist to make sure you completed all the application steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/new-dealer-application-check-list-ol-248a-pdf\/\">New Dealer Application Check List OL (248A) (PDF)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/used-dealer-or-dealer-wholesale-only-application-checklist-ol-248b-pdf\/\">Used Dealer or Dealer Wholesale Only Application Checklist (OL 248B) (PDF)<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Renew a Vehicle Dealer License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/login\/\">Renew your license and pay your fees online<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To renew your license, complete and submit the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Proof of continuing education (required every two years).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/renewal-application-ol-45-pdf\/\">Renewal Application (OL 45) (PDF)<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/50000-bond-exemption-application-ol-56-pdf\/\">$50,000 Bond Exemption Application&nbsp;(OL 56) (PDF)<\/a> (wholesale-only dealers, if applicable).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/report-or-replace-lost-stolen-or-surrendered-occupational-license-special-plates-ol-247-pdf\/\">Report Or Replace Lost, Stolen, Or Surrendered Occupational License Special Plates (OL 247) (PDF)<\/a> (required if not renewing all plates).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/continuing-education-exemption-application-ol-257-pdf\/\">Continuing Education Exemption Application (OL 257) (PDF)<\/a>&nbsp;(wholesale-only dealers, if applicable).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Mail your application and fees to the address on&nbsp;form&nbsp;OL 45.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>$125 renewal application fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$1&nbsp;family support program&nbsp;fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$92 fee for each dealer plate (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/ol_platecountyfees-pdf\">plus county fees (PDF)<\/a>, if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$94 fee for each motorcycle plate (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/ol_platecountyfees-pdf\">plus county fees (PDF)<\/a>, if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$425 new motor vehicle board fee, per location (new automobile, commercial, motorcycle, ATV, motorhome, and recreational trailer dealers only)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$75 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/occupational-licenses\/vehicle-dealer-license\/autobrokers-endorsement\/\">autobroker endorsement<\/a> fee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Modify a Vehicle Dealer License<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/occupational-licensing\/login\/\">Modify your license and pay your fees online<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To modify an existing license, complete and submit the relevant form(s):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/ownership-changes-pdf\/\">Ownership changes (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/dealer-and-lessor-retailer-license-modification-pdf\/\">All other changes (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>$70 name change fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$70 address change fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$70 add a branch fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$70 officer change fee<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Permits and Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-business-partner-automation-program\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tBusiness Partner Automation Program\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-1570\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-1570\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-69384\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-69384\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Participation in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/business-partner-automation-program\/\">Business Partner Automation&nbsp;Program<\/a> is mandatory for new vehicle dealers and optional for used vehicle dealers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program authorizes our partners to process and issue validated registration cards, full year registration stickers, automobile, commercial, motorcycle, exempt vehicle license plates, and&nbsp;sequential Arts Council License Plates&nbsp;from their remote locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/business-partner-automation-program\/\">Apply for the&nbsp;Business Partner Automation&nbsp;Program<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-national-motor-vehicle-titling-information-system-nmvtis\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tNational Motor Vehicle Titling Information System (NMVTIS)\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-76401\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-76401\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-41443\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-41443\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>New and used vehicle dealers must obtain a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vehiclehistory.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NMVTIS report<\/a>&nbsp;for any used vehicle offered or displayed for sale, and must display a warning on the vehicle when the report indicates the state has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-registration\/titles\/branded-titles\/\">branded the title<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-department-of-consumer-affairs-bureau-of-automotive-repair\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tDepartment of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Automotive Repair\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-32496\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-32496\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-32756\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-32756\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Dealers who will be providing automobile servicing and repair are required to file an application with their local&nbsp;Bureau of Automotive Repair&nbsp;office. The application process takes approximately six to eight weeks and includes a fee.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-bureau-of-security-and-investigative-service-repossession-agency\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tBureau of Security and Investigative Service, Repossession Agency\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-50953\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-50953\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-53261\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-53261\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>Pursuant to <em>&nbsp;Business and Professions Code <\/em>(BPC) \u00a77502, no person will engage within this state in the activities of a repossession agency (as defined in \u00a7\u00a77500.1 and 7500.2) unless the person holds a valid repossession agency license or is exempt from licensure pursuant to \u00a7\u00a77500.2 or 7500.3.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exemptions and Exclusions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-vehicle-dealer-license-exemption\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tVehicle Dealer License Exemption\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-80126\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-80126\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-52305\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-52305\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>A dealer who does not have an established place of business in California, but who is currently authorized to do business in this state and who has an established place of business as a vehicle dealer in another state, is not subject to licensure under this article if the business transacted in California is limited to the importation of vehicles for sale to, or the export of vehicles purchased from, persons licensed in California under&nbsp;CVC \u00a7\u00a711700 et seq., 11700.1.<\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion-block js-accordion-block\" id=\"acc-vehicle-dealer-license-exclusions\">\n\t<button class=\"accordion-block__header\" type=\"button\">\n\t\tVehicle Dealer License Exclusions\n\t\t<span class=\"accordion-block__icon\">\n\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-plus\" height=\"14\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-19375\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-expand-accordion-plus-19375\">Expand Accordion Plus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-plus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t<svg class=\"icon icon-minus\" height=\"2\" width=\"14\" aria-hidden=\"false\" aria-labelledby=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-69376\" role=\"img\">\n\t\t<title id=\"title-collapse-accordion-minus-69376\">Collapse Accordion Minus<\/title>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/svg\/svg-sprite.svg?ver=1775060513#icon-minus\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/button>\n\t<div class=\"accordion-block__content\">\n\t\t\n\n<p>The term &#8220;vehicle dealer&#8221; does not include any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Insurance companies, banks, finance companies, public officials, or any other person coming into possession of vehicles in the regular course of business, who sells vehicles under a contractual right or obligation, in performance of any official duty, or in authority of any court of law, if the sale is for the purpose of saving the seller from loss or pursuant to the authority of a court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persons who sell or distribute vehicles of a type subject to registration for a manufacturer to vehicle dealers under this code, or who are employed by manufacturers or distributors to promote the sale of vehicles dealt in by those manufacturers or distributors. However, any of those persons who also sell vehicles at retail are vehicle dealers and subject to this code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persons regularly employed as salespersons by vehicle dealers licensed under this code while acting in the scope of that employment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persons engaged exclusively in the bona fide business of exporting vehicles or of soliciting orders for the sale and delivery of vehicles outside the territorial limits of the United States, if no federal excise tax is legally payable or refundable on any of the transactions. Persons not engaged exclusively in the bona fide business of exporting vehicles, but who are engaged in the business of soliciting orders for the sale and delivery of vehicles, outside the territorial limits of the United States are exempt from licensure as dealers only if their sales of vehicles produce less than 10 percent of their total gross revenue from all business transacted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persons not engaged in the purchase or sale of vehicles as a business, who dispose of any vehicle acquired and used in good faith, for their own personal use, or for use in their business, and not for the purpose of avoiding the provisions of this code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persons who are engaged in the purchase, sale or exchange of vehicles, other than motorcycles subject to identification under this code, which are not intended for use on the highways.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persons temporarily retained as auctioneers solely for the purpose of disposing of vehicle stock inventories by means of public auction on behalf of the owners at the owner&#8217;s place of business, or as otherwise approved by&nbsp;the department, if intermediate physical possession or control of, or an ownership interest in, the inventory is not conveyed to the persons as retained.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Persons who are engaged exclusively in the business of purchasing, selling, servicing, or exchange racing vehicles, parts for racing vehicles and trailers designed and intended by the manufacturer to be used exclusively for carrying racing vehicles. A &#8220;racing vehicle&#8221; is defined as a motor vehicle of a type used exclusively in a contest of speed or in a competitive trial of speed which is not intended for use on the highways.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any person who is a lessor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any person who is a renter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any salvage pool.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any yacht broker who is subject to the Yacht and Ship Brokers Act <cite class=\"dmv-citation\">Article 2 (commencing with&nbsp;<em>\u00a7<\/em>700) of Chapter 5 of Division 3 of the <em>Harbors and Navigations Code<\/em><\/cite> and who sells boat trailers in conjunction with the sale of a vessel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any licensed automobile dismantler who sells vehicles that have been reported for dismantling as provided in<em> <\/em>CVC \u00a711520.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Director of Corrections when selling vehicles pursuant to&nbsp;\u00a72813.5 of the&nbsp;California Penal Code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any public or private nonprofit charitable, religious, or educational institution or organization that sells vehicles if all of the following conditions are met:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The proceeds of the sale of the vehicles are retained by that institution or organization for its charitable, religious, or educational purposes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The vehicles sold were donated to the institution or organization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They meet all of the applicable equipment requirements of&nbsp;CVC&nbsp;Division 12 (commencing with&nbsp;\u00a724000) and have been issued a certificate pursuant to&nbsp;\u00a744015 of the <em>Health and Safety Code<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The institution or organization has qualified for state tax-exempt status under&nbsp;\u00a723701d of the&nbsp;<em>Revenue&nbsp;and Taxation Code<\/em>, and federal tax-exempt status under&nbsp;\u00a7501&nbsp;(c)(3) of the <em>Internal Revenue Code<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any motor club, as defined in&nbsp;\u00a712142 of the <em>Insurance Code<\/em>, that does not arrange or negotiate individual motor vehicle purchase transactions on behalf of its members but refers members to a new motor vehicle dealer for the purchase of a new motor vehicle and does not receive a fee from the dealer contingent upon the sale of the vehicle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"soft-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"soft-cta__info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Vehicle Dealer Licensing Authority<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t<p><em>California Vehicle Code <\/em>(CVC) \u00a7\u00a720, 285 &#8211; 286, 320(a), 426, 3000 et seq., 5753, 8803, 11700 et seq. The CVC is available for purchase from DMV.<br><br><em>California Code of Regulations<\/em> \u00a7\u00a7Title 13, Chapter 1.<br><br><em>California Civil Code <\/em>\u00a7\u00a72981-2984.4.<br><br><em>California Government Code<\/em> \u00a7\u00a76157 (a) &#8211; (d).<br><br><em>California Health and Safety Code<\/em> \u00a7\u00a743150-43156, 43200-43213, and 43600-43660.<br><br><br><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dmv-spacer-block spacer-box\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-dmv-illustration aligncenter is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/wp-content\/themes\/dmv\/dist\/images\/illustrations\/checklist.svg\" class=\"dmv-illustration\" width=\"251\" height=\"226\" aria-hidden=\"true\" alt=\" \"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Need something else?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"featured-tiles-block full-width full-width--slant\">\n\n\t<div class=\"container container--full\">\n\t\t\n\n\t<div class=\"content-tile\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Questions?<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Contact us if you have any questions about applying for occupational licenses. We&#8217;re here to help!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__ctas\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/vehicle-industry-services\/contact-vehicle-industry-services\/\">Contact us<\/a><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t<div class=\"content-tile\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Vehicle Industry Procedures (VIP) Manual (formerly the Dealer&#039;s Handbook)<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Information and requirements for vehicle transactions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__ctas\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/handbook\/vehicle-industry-registration-procedures-manual-2\/\">See the manual<\/a><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n\t<div class=\"content-tile\">\n\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__info\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Guide for Licensed Vehicle Dealers and Lessor-Retailers<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>This guide contains additional information for vehicle dealers, including laws and regulations, permits and licenses, records, supplies, and more.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-tile__ctas\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dmv.ca.gov\/portal\/file\/guide-for-licensed-vehicle-dealers-and-lessor-retailers-pdf\/\">See the guide (PDF)<\/a><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Need something else?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":21814,"menu_order":15,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"dmv_page_popups":[],"dmv_ribbon_color":"#EEF6FB","dmv_top_illustration":"car_front_back.svg","dmv_page_title":"","dmv_page_subtitle":"","dmv_exclude_from_search_results":true,"dmv_allowed_editors":[],"dmv_display_translate_button":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1261],"tags":[6408,6405,6411,6417,6426,6423,2517,2529,2469,6420,6414,3756],"dmv_task":[10],"dmv_functional_page_type":[64,69,70],"dmv_content_type":[],"class_list":["post-1589","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-vehicle-dealer-license","tag-apply-for-vehicle-dealer-license","tag-dealer-education-program","tag-dealer-license","tag-dealer-license-exclusions","tag-dealer-license-exemption","tag-modify-a-vehicle-dealer-license","tag-ol-248n","tag-ol-248u","tag-ol-45","tag-renew-a-vehicle-dealer-license","tag-resources-for-vehicle-dealers","tag-used-vehicles","dmv_task-licensing","dmv_functional_page_type-informational","dmv_functional_page_type-instructional","dmv_functional_page_type-resource-portal"],"featured_image_src":null,"yoast_head":"<!-- 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