Helpful Links for CA Auto Dealer Applicants:
Motorsports Market Step by Step Guide
The Step by Step Guide is an additional resource we put together in response to the most frequently asked questions from our students and future dealers. A ‘how to’ that walks you through the CA used auto dealer license application process step-by-step, form-by-form, explaining in practical terms where to go, what to do, and how much it will cost for each step required to meet the DMV dealer license application requirements. The guide also contains a copy of a complete dealer license application that the DMV has already approved (our license), so you can see exactly what a successful application looks like. A great resource to help expedite you in successfully completing each step in getting your license and starting your business, the Guide has invaluable notes directly from our instructor Art on the process as a whole, such as how to find a location that passes zoning in your area, starting your bond search, and more.
The Step by Step Guide PDF $45, please email caitlin@motorsportsmarket.com to purchase your copy.
CA Used Retail Dealer License and Wholesale Dealer License Application Forms
Dealer Main Application Forms Packet – These are the official DMV forms you will need to apply for your wholesale, retail, or retail with the auto broker endorsement dealership license. These are PDF forms that you can fill out on-line and print.
Historically, dealer license applications were mailed in to the DMV.
In 2023, the CA DMV launched their Occupational Licensing Portals – also known as ‘DMX’, ‘Online Access Modules’, or ‘Occupational Licensing Online’.
This online system is still in a state of development, and we continuously update our courses with the most recent information from the DMV.
You will create your OL Portal, and that is where you will submit your auto dealer license application. Some paperwork – such as your Pre Licensing certificate, and Surety Bond certificate – will still be provided to you as a hard copy. You will upload a photo of that hard copy to your portal, and keep the phyiscal certificate for your records.
The DMV has ‘how to’ videos on their Occupational Licensing portal login page, which we suggest watching before you create your OL portal.
If you need assistance with your portal, you can contact Occupational Licensing at (916) 229-3126.
Used Dealer or Dealer Wholesale Only Application Checklist
This is a DMV provided checklist of the required forms and associated fees; Used Dealer or Dealer Wholesale Only Application Checklist.
Subscribe Here to Receive DMV Email Alerts
“You can now receive email alerts from the DMV that notify you immediately when a publication or update, which may impact you, your business, or customers, is placed on the department’s Internet website.” Sign Up Here
CA Auto Dealer Bond
We recommend Mike at Your Car Dealer Bond.
YourCarDealerBond.com
3560 Fremont Blvd. #242
Fremont, CA 94535
866-357-4405
Mike Ramos, President – mike@yourcardealerbond.com
CA Auto Dealer Insurance
Although the DMV does not require proof of insurance to issue your dealer license and dealer plates, you will need to get at least minimum liability insurance to cover your dealer plate(s) for when you use them to drive your vehicles. Proof of insurance will also be required by dealer auctions when you want to register to bid with them. You can check out a sample auto dealer insurance company, what they offer, and what they charge, at www.dealercover.com. Once you determine what level of coverage you would like and the typical cost for it, then contact your own insurance company to see if they offer similar products. If so, you may get a better rate as their pre-existing customer.
California Vehicle Code Book
This contains many of the laws regulating dealers, plus other auto-related laws such as traffic and speeding violations. Use this book to help run your dealership, and to defend against traffic tickets. You can purchase one at your local DMV, or view an online version here.
DMV Inspector’s Offices
DMV Inspector Offices by Location. This is the list of Inspector Offices locations and contact info. After attending Pre-Licensing, you will contact the Inspector nearest you to schedule your official DMV licensing exam. As of 2023, dealer applicants now schedule their exam in their OL Portal. Your exam will still be in person with your Inspector.
Documentation to be posted on your dealership wall:
Prospective Purchaser Inspection Notice.
Motorsports Market Online Course Book
This is our abbreviated online course book, which is free and always accessible on our website for review. Go to the Course Book.
Helpful Links for Licensed CA Auto Dealers:
OL 45 Form Application for Renewal of License
For licensed dealers, who need to renew their license. This form accompanied by a Continuing Education certificate and the DMV fees are required to renew a dealer license every two years. OL45 Form Application for Renewal of License.
Historically, dealer license renewals were mailed in to the DMV.
In 2023, the CA DMV launched their Occupational Licensing Portals – also known as ‘DMX’, ‘Online Access Modules’, or ‘Occupational Licensing Online’.
This online system is still in a state of development, and we continuously update our courses with the most recent information from the DMV.
You will create your OL Portal, and that is where you will submit your auto dealer license renewal. Some paperwork – such as your Continuing Education certificate, and Surety Bond certificate – will still be provided to you as a hard copy. You will upload a photo of that hard copy to your portal, and keep the phyiscal certificate for your records.
The DMV has ‘how to’ videos on their Occupational Licensing portal login page, which we suggest watching before you create your OL portal.
If you need assistance with your portal, you can contact Occupational Licensing at (916) 229-3126.
Unsure about the new online report of sale process?
Head to our DMV News page for a breakdown of Assembly Bill 516, the Business Partner Automation Program and Fairfax Imaging.
Certified Vehicle Registration Services
www.cvrreg.com is a subscription service available only to licensed dealers. Dealers can instantly check the California DMV’s database of vehicles for registration status, registration penalties owed, vehicle ownership and liens, accident history, salvage titles, Lemon Law titles, other branded titles and odometer history.
Dept. of Tax and Fee Administration
If you have dealer tax questions, you can learn more using the Tax Guide for motor Vehicle Dealers found on the California Dept. of Tax and Fee Administration website: https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/industry/used-vehicle-dealers.htm.
Submit questions to CDTFA here: “General, Non-Confidential Tax Questions Form” https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/email/.
Summary of Standard Documentation Required to Transfer (sell) Vehicles
General Sale Outline (from Motorsports Market Pre-Licensing Course Book)
DMV Vehicle Registration Procedures for Dealers and Registration Services
This is a great guide to preparing the DMV paperwork when you sell a vehicle. This page contains the DMV Handbook “Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual”.
DMV Vehicle Registration Resource Page.
CA Used Auto Dealer Contracts and Other Auto Dealer Forms
Below are two of the major form providers to dealers in California, these are the most popular with our students. You can go to their websites and obtain a free booklet showing you all the forms they have available.
BPI Auto Forms
Reynolds & Reynolds
