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Occupational Licensing Login & Support (California DMV)

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Table of Contents

The California DMV Occupational Licensing Department oversees a variety of vehicle-related licenses essential for various business operations within the state.

With over 27 million licensed drivers and 31 million vehicles, California has diverse opportunities for businesses that provide services to meet the needs of California drivers. Whether you want to become a licensed vehicle dealer or need information on other occupational licenses, this guide will provide comprehensive insights and support.

The DMV Occupational Licensing (OL) protects consumers by licensing and regulating these businesses and professions.

What is a California DMV Occupational License?

An Occupational License is a permit issued by the DMV that permits someone to work in or start a vehicle-related business.

Industry licenses under Occupational Licensing now include ATV schools, dismantlers, vehicle distributors, driving schools, vehicle lessor-retailers, manufacturers, registration services, remanufactures, traffic violator schools, transports, and vehicle dealers.

Online Access

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently introduced a significant change for the Occupational Licensing Department by going paperless. Their new system replaces paper-based forms and processes, greatly reducing processing time. Online credit card payments are now accepted, and physical checks by mail are no longer required or accepted.

Individuals and businesses can submit applications and renew or modify their current licenses online.

How to Login

Visit the Occupational Licensing Online Portal to login to access your existing OL license or create a new account.

Start an Application Online

The new online process makes starting an Occupational License application easier than ever. You can complete the entire application online without the need to mail in physical documents. This new approach simplifies the application process, allowing quicker responses and ensuring all your information is securely submitted and easily trackable.

If you need help obtaining a used vehicle Dealer License, we have a comprehensive step-by-step guide to complete the vehicle dealer application checklist.

Dealer License Application Help

Occupational License Lookup (Status)

The Occupational License Status Lookup is a great tool for anyone looking to see their current DMV Occupational License status or use it to find a wholesale or retail vehicle dealer near you. This page offers a helpful way to search for and verify status across several business categories.

To use the Occupational License Lookup (OLL), choose the business category of the license type you wish to look up. Then, enter the business name, city, and/or zip code, or the business’s occupational license number for the most accurate results.

When you perform a search, you can expect to see various details depending on the license type. These may include fields such as Business Name, License Number, Address, Phone Number, License Status, and more. The amount of information provided can vary, but it typically offers a comprehensive overview of the business’s licensing status.

Support Phone Numbers

The DMV no longer accepts walk-ins or direct calls to its local offices. Instead, the DMV Occupational Licensing department offers direct phone numbers for support and licensing to help you apply for a new license and manage or modify your existing licenses. This centralized approach ensures that the support team is focused solely on assisting you, providing more efficient and dedicated service.

  • Application Technical Support: (877) 563-5213
    Get help with issues related to an application, modifying an existing license, creating an account, or logging in.
  • Business Licensing Unit: (916) 229-3126
    Support for vehicle dealers, lessor-retailers, dismantlers, registration services, transporters, and driving and traffic violator school owners, operators, or instructors.
  • Individual Licensing Unit: (916) 229-3128
    Support for salespersons, representatives, vehicle verifiers, vessel agents, and employer testing program participants.
  • OL Compliance: (916) 229-3154
    For manufacturers or distributors, traffic violator school oversight, contract management, legislation/regulation review, industry memo coordination, ignition interlock manufacturer approval, OL application form coordination, OL web page content management, and products requiring licensure.

For additional contact options, visit the Vehicle Industry Services Contact Information page.

OL Inspector Field Offices

OL Inspector Field Offices across California assist with inspections, compliance checks, and support for vehicle industry businesses. Walk-ins are not allowed, so be sure to call ahead. Appointments to schedule a dealer exam must be made using your online application. Below is a list of OL Inspector Field Offices where you can find assistance:

Designated Service Locations (DSLs)

Vehicle Industry License Types

Occupational Licensing for the Vehicle Industry ensures that vehicle industry service providers such as manufacturers, distributors, and salespeople are properly licensed, monitored, and regulated. The list below outlines the various types of businesses and professions that require a license from the Occupational Licensing (OL) department.

These businesses and professions include:

  • Dismantlers: A dismantler license is required to buy, sell, or deal in nonrepairable vehicles for dismantling purposes.
  • Distributors: To sell or distribute new vehicles, trailers, off-highway motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles, a distributor license is needed.
  • Lessor-Retailers: Selling previously leased or rented vehicles to the public requires a vehicle lessor-retailer license.
  • Manufacturers: A manufacturer license is necessary to produce vehicles or off-highway motorcycles that require registration or identification and to modify commercial vehicles into housecars.
  • Registration Services: If your business processes public applications for vehicle registration, transfer of ownership, registration renewals, lien sales, or dismantler documents, a registration service license is required.
  • Remanufacturers: Producing vehicles using used or reconditioned parts necessitates a vehicle remanufacturer license.
  • Representatives: Working for a manufacturer or distributor to negotiate sales, promote vehicles to franchisees, or engage with prospective franchisees requires a vehicle representative license.
  • Salesperson: Selling vehicles, vehicle contracts, or supervising vehicle sales or contracts for a dealer requires a vehicle salesperson license.
  • Transporters: Moving vehicles to deliver them to dealers, manufacturer sales agents, purchasers, or a new location, as requested by the owner, requires a vehicle transporter license.
  • Vehicle Dealers: Selling new or used vehicles requires a vehicle dealer license.
  • Vehicle Verifier License: This license is necessary for submitting proof of vehicle identification to the DMV or an authorized representative for vehicle registration or ownership transfer purposes.

Benefits

Holding an occupational license signifies that your vehicle industry business meets the high standards established by California State law and the Vehicle Code. This license enhances your credibility, ensuring that customers and partners can trust in the quality and legality of your services. For example, having a used vehicle dealer license grants you access to exclusive dealer-only car auctions and builds customer trust, knowing that you are a licensed and regulated business. It provides peace of mind and contributes to a fair and competitive market environment.