Get Your California DMV Car Dealer License

Dealer 101® is a dealer training company, authorized by the California DMV (#CCC0052) to provide the required “Pre-License Training” for anyone looking to obtain a Wholesale or Retail Dealer License.

Occupational DMV Trainer #CCC0052

Contact Occupational DMV (Sacramento)
(916) 262-2563

After completing the online training, we’ll send your DMV Certificate of Completion on the same business day. Most people complete their training the same day they start.

You will be asked for your mailing address after completing the course.

We offer 3 delivery options:

1. Free – USPS 5-14 business days
2. $10 – Priority Mail 2-4 business days (with Tracking)
3. $39 – Overnight FedEx (with Tracking)

We offer 2 online DMV Approved training options with live customer support.

Both courses cover the same required information.

You can complete either course on any device (phone, computer, or tablet). 

1) Website Video Home Study (Online)

• Pre-recorded Video & Text
• Available 24/7 here at Dealer101.com
• Complete on your own schedule
• Taught by veteran dealers
• DMV Approved (Lic. #CCC0052)

2) Live Video Webinar (Online)

• One 6-hour live Video Class
• Wednesday or Saturday from 9am – 3pm
• Taught by veteran dealers
• DMV Approved (Lic. #CCC0052)

No. You cannot fail the pre-license training and you will have unlimited time to finish it.

To make it as easy as possible to get your California Dealer License, we have created several valuable resources including:

DMV Certificate of Completion
This is required to take the DMV’s 40-question Dealer License test and apply for your license.

Dealer-only Auction Directory
A list of the top Dealer-only auctions in California and across the United States.

DMV Practice Test
An online test to help you prepare for your visit to the DMV. Practice with our test and be confident you’ll pass the DMV test with ease.

Printable Study Guide
Packed with information including how to get your license, advertise, buy, sell and repair your vehicles. All the rules that affect California dealers.

DMV Application Forms
All the required forms to complete the DMV application process and get your dealer license. The forms are very straightforward.

And much more!
Our program is packed with many valuable resources.

1. Complete the online “Pre-License” training at Dealer101.com to receive your DMV Certificate
2. Schedule and Pass the Dealer License test at the Occupational DMV
3. Apply for your Dealer license

Our step-by-step guide is approved and required by the California DMV.

We make sure you don’t waste time or money and this process will guide you from beginning to end.

The only thing you need to get started with the DMV’s process is a California Drivers License or California ID.

STEP 1: Complete the Online Training

Start and finish today to receive your DMV Certificate of Completion.

• 100% online
• No tests or time limits
• Live chat, phone & email support
• DMV Certificates are mailed the same business day

STEP 2: Take the DMV Test

Pass the test at the nearest DMV Occupational Licensing office (locations provided in the training). To take the test you will need your “DMV Certificate” from us, California identification and a check for $16 to “DMV”.

Our program is designed to help you prepare for the test and easily pass.

• 40 multiple-choice questions
• 70% or better passes (28/40)
• Unlimited test attempts
• A practice test is included in our training

You can complete our online Practice Test test as often as you’d like, for free.

STEP 3: Apply for Your Dealer License

You can apply for your California Dealer License after completing the training and test.

All the required forms to complete the DMV Application process are included with the training.

• Application forms are provided
• We provide the steps to make it easy
• Live chat, phone & email support

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

Both Retail and Wholesale Dealers can:

• Buy vehicles anywhere in the USA or other countries
• Access Dealer-only auctions
• Drive vehicles with Dealer License Plates (Special Plates) for unlimited personal use without paying tax or registration
• Discounts on parts and service

Retail Dealer’s License

Only Retail can sell to the public (Craigslist, Offerup, Friends, Family, etc).

Retail can also sell vehicles to other Dealers, dealer auctions and export.

Retail dealers can also get the Broker Endorsement for $99/yr. Brokers get paid by other dealers by referring customers on new or used vehicle sales and leases.

A Retail Dealer License requires a small commercial office. In the training, we provide a Google map to help locate cheaper shared offices across California.

If you or someone you know already has a commercial office you may be able to use that as well.

Wholesale-only Dealers

Wholesale cannot sell to the public (Craigslist, Offerup, Friends, Family, etc).

Wholesale Dealers buy their cars anywhere just like Retail but can only sell vehicles to other licensed dealers, dealer auctions, and export.

The main benefit of a Wholesale Dealer License is that it’s half the cost and only requires a home (or garage) office to qualify.

In California, a “Broker” is not a license. It is an endorsement you can only add to a Retail license.

Retail dealers can check the box on the Application for a “Broker Endorsement”. It only costs $99/yr and it allows them to sell vehicles they currently don’t have in their inventory.

For example, they would contact other dealers on behalf of a consumer looking for a specific vehicle.

Brokers get paid by other dealers by referring customers on new or used vehicle sales and leases.

Yes. Dealers can easily change license types from Wholesale to Retail (or vice-versa) at any time. There is no need to repeat the training, test, or reapply to make that change.

Our DMV-approved course, the DMV certificate, and the test at the DMV are the same for both license types. This is why you can easily change license types at any time without starting over.

Both Wholesale and Retail get auction access, dealer plates, and discounts on parts.

A Retail Dealer License costs less than $1,000/yr and a Wholesale Dealer License is about $500/yr.

Our Pre-License training covers all of this in detail with a step-by-step process to get it done but let’s take a look at the costs involved.

You can start with one license and change license types later.

Retail Dealer License Cost

Retail Total = About $900/year

• $125 for our Pre-Licensing course (Includes DMV Certificate)
• $16 for the test at the Occupational DMV
• $500+/yr for a “$50k Dealer Bond” (based on credit check)
  $175 for the DMV Application

Optional Retail Costs

• $100/yr per Dealer Plate
• $100/yr Autobroker Endorsement (Retail Only)
• Autobrokers get paid by other dealerships for referring customers

Retail Office Requirements

• Small/basic commercially zoned office
• Our course provides you with a Google Map to help locate low-cost “shared” dealer offices across California.
• One display area (can be one parking spot or a garage)
• Already have an office? That may work as well

Wholesale Dealer License Cost

Wholesale Total = About $500/year

• $125 for our Pre-Licensing course (Includes DMV Certificate)
• $16 for the test at the Occupational DMV
• $100/yr flatrate for a “$10K Dealer Bond” (No credit check)
• $175 for the DMV Application

Optional Wholesale Costs

• $100/yr per Dealer Plate

Wholesale Office Requirements

• Home or garage office with access from outside

Yes, you can. A Wholesale Dealer License only requires a home office and a Retail Dealer License requires a small commercial office with only 1 parking spot. Our program helps you with locating a low-cost office.

Not sure what license is best for you?

You can easily change license types at any time without taking the course or test again. The DMV Certificate we send you and the test at the DMV is the same for both license types.

Wholesale Office Requirements

You can get a “Wholesale Dealer License” with a home office or garage.

Retail Office Requirements

A Retail Dealer License requires a small commercial zoned office (not a residence). A small office with (1) parking spot or a garage can meet the DMV requirements.

NOTE: Our course includes a Google Map of low-cost “shared” dealer offices across California.

Zero. Selling even a single vehicle for profit in California requires a Dealer License.

Licensed California Dealers can sell as many (or few) vehicles for profit.

Dealers also have access to dealer-only auctions that are closed to the public where you can purchase vehicles directly from consumers, banks, manufacturers, and other dealers.

With a California Dealer License, you can buy, sell, lease, rent, and broker unlimited vehicles.

You also get custom Special License Plates (Dealer Plates) with your license. This means you can drive your inventory vehicles for unlimited personal use without paying sales tax and registration fees.

No. By law, only licensed Dealers can purchase vehicles from true “Wholesale” or Dealer-only auctions such as Manheim, Adesa, Copart or IAA where the prices are significantly lower.

You may purchase vehicles from “Public” auctions at higher prices. Unlicensed buyers must pay the full sales tax and DMV fees.

You can add multiple people to your Dealer License depending on how you apply.

Anyone listed on the Dealer Licence gets the privilege of driving all inventory vehicles for personal use without paying sales tax and DMV fees.

Individual / Sole Proprietor 

If you apply as an individual or sole proprietor then you will be the only one on the license.

LLC or Corporation

If you apply as an LLC or Corporation, you will be able to add multiple people to the license either when you’re applying or after you get your license.

Note: It’s important to choose wisely because you cannot change from an Individual or Company after getting your license. You would need to reapply for a new Dealer License.

When a Dealer purchases a vehicle for resale, they must attach their Dealer plate to the rear of the vehicle. They may then operate those vehicles for unlimited business or personal use.

Do Car Dealers have to pay sales tax and DMV fees on vehicles?

Dealers are not required to transfer titles or pay sales tax or DMV fees when a vehicle is purchased for resale.

The Dealer plates may also be used for other business reasons including:

• Salesperson or Employees of a Dealer, acting within their job duties
• Drivers for special event purposes, carrying a letter of authorization from the Dealer
• A prospective buyer or lessee, to test drive a vehicle.

You could have 100 cars, 1 Dealer Plate, and drive all of them. There is no time limit or restrictions on how long you can keep your vehicles.

You could even transfer your current personal vehicles to your dealership.

This alone makes having a Dealer License worth it.

Other purchases such as repair parts can also be purchased tax-exempt if they are being used on a vehicle you have in your inventory.

Yes, you can get a dealer license with a Felony or Misdemeanor conviction in California.

The DMV does not require you to report convictions that occurred more than 10 years ago.

There is no requirement to disclose traffic offenses, including DUI convictions.

Not disclosing a prior felony conviction on your application could result in a lifelong license ban.

The DMV rates prior felony convictions as A, B, or C and will issue a Dealer License when the required time has elapsed.

A = After 5 ½ years from conviction, will issue a “probationary license”
B = After 3 years from conviction, will issue a license
C = After 1 year from conviction, issue a license

You can learn more here
https://dealer101.com/vehicle-dealer-license-with-felony-california-dmv/