The Easiest way to Get your California DMV Vehicle 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. The DMV does not provide their own education.

Occupational DMV Trainer #CCC0052

Dealer 101® & DMV Support
(619) 333-0701

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

With a California Dealer License, you can buy, sell, lease, rent, and broker unlimited vehicles. Licensed California Dealers can sell as many (or few) vehicles as they desire for profit, without limits.

You may sell any vehicle -if- you first pay the sale tax, DMV fees, and transfer the title into your name -and- you do not intend to make a 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.

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.

After completing the online training, you will be emailed your DMV Certificate of Completion no later than the next day.

Most people complete their training the same day they start.

We offer 3 delivery options:

1. Free Email Delivery – Next Day
2. $10 – Priority Mail 2-4 business days (with Tracking)
3. $39 – Overnight FedEx (with Tracking)

USPS & FedEx orders will also be emailed a copy of the Certificate the next day.

This training is 100% online with live customer support and is approved by the California DMV.

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

• Live Phone and Chat support
• Includes short Video & Text lessons
• Available 24/7 here at Dealer101.com
• Complete on your own schedule
• Taught by experienced dealers
• DMV Approved (Lic. #CCC0052)

The training is required and the first step to getting your dealer license.

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.

Online Course Access
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 Steps
All the required forms to complete the DMV application process and get your dealer license. The forms are very straightforward.

Live Support
Access to direct Dealer 101® and DMV phone support.

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.

You don’t need anything to get started.

STEP 1: Complete the DMV Vehicle Dealer Pre-License Education Program

• $125 including your DMV Certificate
• 24/7 Instant Online Access
• Free Next-day Certificate Delivery
• Self-paced & Guaranteed to Pass
• Dealer Friendly Landlord Map
• Dealer 101 & DMV Support: (619) 333-0701

STEP 2: Apply for your Vehicle Dealer License (California DMV)

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

• Our step-by-step guide makes it easy
• Online, paperless application
• 24/7 Instant Online Access
• Dealer 101 & DMV Support: (619) 333-0701

STEP 3: Become a Licensed California Vehicle Dealer

• No tax or registration on resale vehicles
• Accepted by all USA Dealer auctions
• Buy & sell to all 50 states
• Rent or Lease your Vehicles
• Export to buyers in other countries

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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/