How To Get A Car Dealer License

If you want to access dealer-only auctions and sell (or flip) even one vehicle in California for profit, you are legally required to have a dealer license. Dealer 101® is 5-Star rated and provides DMV Approved training programs. We've helped thousands of people just like you to get their California Dealer License. They can now access auctions and wholesale deals that are closed to the public. Learning how to get a vehicle dealer's license in California can be confusing and we can help. We put together this step-by-step guide that explains how easy it is to get your dealer's license in California. We cover all of these topics (and more), during our online courses.

1. Take The Required Dealer Pre-License Training Class (California DMV Approved)

California requires anyone wanting a Wholesale or Retail Dealer License to take a "Pre-Licensing Class". No industry experience or additional preparation is required. By completing the one-day (6 hours) training first, you can save a lot of wasted time and expense.

Our DMV Approved class is 100% online and led by an experienced Instructor and a Licensed Dealer. You can attend using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. No camera or microphone is required. After registering, you will receive your clickable link to join the class, a detailed course Dealer Study Guide. You will have a Chat where you can ask the Instructor any questions. After the class, you will receive a recording of the entire class that you attended. Your DMV Certificate of Completion will be sent to you, the following business day. We now offer two DMV-approved training options.

Online with an Instructor – attend a 6-hour "live" class on a Wednesday or Saturday
Online Self-Paced – complete the training on your own schedule, at any time of day

Get Started

2. Take the DMV Dealer Test

The California DMV requires that you pass an in-person, test at the DMV office.

If applying as a Corporation or LLC, one member must pass the test
If applying as an Individual, that one person must pass the test
If applying as a Partnership (without a Corporation or LLC), all partners must pass the test.

Schedule Your Test at the DMV Occupational Licensing office

Once you have your DMV Certificate of Completion from us, you can call your nearest DMV Occupational Licensing office to schedule your test. The DMV requires the Certificate as proof that you have completed your training and understand the DMV regulations and requirements.

Practice For Your Test at Dealer 101

We have an excellent (free) online Practice Test to ensure you're ready to visit the DMV. You can repeat our Practice Test as many times as you like, at no cost.

Take the Test at The DMV Occupational Licensing office

Make an appointment at your nearest California DMV Occupational Licensing Office. To pass, you will need a score of 70% or higher (28 correct answers from 40 multiple-choice questions). You are allowed 3 attempts to pass.

3. Decide on a Dealer License Type

California has two types of Dealer licenses for selling pre-owned vehicles; Retail and Wholesale .

Retail Dealers can access dealer-only auctions, sell to other Dealers -and- sell vehicles to the public. Retail Dealers are required to have an approved commercial office.
Wholesale Dealers can also access dealer-only auctions, sell to other Dealers but not to the public . Wholesale Dealers may work from a home office. Some Wholesale Dealers work in partnership with a Retail Dealer to sell through to consumers.

4. Name Your Business

You will need a business name for your license, bank account, and various permits. If you plan to operate your Dealership using a name other than actual Corporation, LLC, or personal name, you must file a Fictitious Name Statement (also known as a DBA) at your local County Recorder's office.

Find where to file your Fictitious Name Statement in your area

5. Decide – Corporation, LLC, or Sole Proprietorship?

You can apply for your Dealer License as a Corporation, LLC, or as a Sole Proprietorship (a private individual). If you decide to set up your Dealership as a Corporation or LLC, you need to supply the DMV with documents showing Officers that will be active in the operation of your Dealership.

Swyft Filings
Inc Authority

6. Open a Bank Account

Retail and Wholesale Dealers must open and maintain a bank account in the name of the dealership. The DMV will verify your bank account but not your balance or credit rating.

7. Get a Live Scan

"Live Scan" is a fingerprinting service where your fingerprints are sent to the Department of Justice for a criminal background check. The DMV requires this scan to uncover past criminal activities within the past 10 years that may prevent you from obtaining a license. If you're unsure if your background check will pass DMV standards, you can submit an Abbreviated Application for DMV review.

LiveScan forms and locations
Can I get a dealer license with a felony or misdemeanor?

8. Secure a Location (and your dealer address)

Retail and Wholesale licenses both require a physical place of business that houses your accounting and business records. At the DMV's discretion, a California DMV Inspector may visit your location to verify it is in compliance with the DMV's requirements.

Wholesale Dealers must have an office and it may be located in a residence or commercial location. The home office must be directly accessible from outside, on the ground floor. For example, walking through the kitchen to reach the office would be unacceptable.
Retail Dealers are required to have a commercial office dedicated to your dealer business, a two-foot square sign with your name and address posted permanently outside, and a display area. The display area must be large enough for at least one vehicle and reserved as a "Display Area Only".

9. Get a City Business License

If required in your area, you must obtain a Business License at your local city or town office's Tax or License division. This license may be called a Business License, Certificate of Occupancy License, or Tax Certificate.

Find where to apply for a Business License in your area

10. Get a Seller's Permit from the CDTFA

Both Retail and Wholesale California Auto Dealers must have a Sellers Permit from CDTFA. To obtain a Sellers Permit, you can walk in your local CDTFA office (California Department of Tax & Fee Administration) to obtain a Sellers permit, which allows you to collect taxes.

Learn more and apply online

11. Get a Dealer Bond

Each Dealer applicant must provide a valid Dealer Surety Bond that protects consumers and the State of California from Dealers should they fail to pay their DMV fees or remit sales taxes they collected. Retail Dealers must obtain a Bond with a $50,000 value. Wholesale and Motorcycle/ATV Dealers require a $10,000 Bond. The cost of the bond ranges based on your personal credit score. You can obtain a no-obligation Bond Quote using the links below.

Get a Quote for $50k Retail Bond (about $500 with acceptable credit)
Get a Quote for $10k Wholesale Bond (about $100 with acceptable credit)

12. Prepare & Submit Your Application

For either license type, you'll need to complete a " Used Dealer Application ". The DMV has a great Checklist that details everything you need to include with your application. We recommend that you drop off your completed application in person at your nearest DMV Occupational Licensing Office. You'll meet your local DMV Inspector(s) there and can set up an appointment for your location inspection. We have an excellent program that includes all the required DMV forms and step-by-step video instructions on how to complete them.

Application Forms & Instructions

13. Host the DMV Inspection

After reviewing your application, your Inspector will contact you to coordinate a meeting with you to inspect the premises. The Inspection usually takes only a few minutes. When the Inspector approves your location, they will hand you a Temporary Dealer License.

Summary

As you can see, it's not difficult to get a Car Dealer's License in California. It's a process that we have helped many people navigate to obtain their licenses and start their own businesses. Ready to get started? Register for one of our online, DMV Authorized, Dealer Pre-License courses .

Questions? Contact Us