Dealers · licensing · California
How to get a dealer license in California.
What it takes to get a used car dealer license in California, with a link to the official page for every fact.
Checked October 10, 2026 against the official pages linked below. Licensing agency: California DMV, Occupational Licensing.
The requirements
| Licensing agency | California DMV, Occupational Licensing · source |
|---|---|
| Surety bond (used dealer) | $50,000 (motorcycle-only $10,000) · source |
| Pre-licensing education | Required — dealer education program + DMV written exam (used & wholesale-only); 4 hrs continuing ed every 2 years · source |
| Place of business | Non-temporary office actually occupied; display area sized for vehicles, exclusive to dealer (not required wholesale-only); permanent exterior sign; DMV inspection · source |
| License fee | $175 application + $1 family support fee (+ $16 exam, $92/dealer plate) · source |
Steps
- Start with the licensing agency, California DMV, Occupational Licensing: read its dealer page and get the current application.
- Complete the pre-licensing education: dealer education program + DMV written exam (used & wholesale-only); 4 hrs continuing ed every 2 years.
- Set up your place of business: Non-temporary office actually occupied; display area sized for vehicles, exclusive to dealer (not required wholesale-only); permanent exterior sign; DMV inspection.
- Buy a surety bond: $50,000 (motorcycle-only $10,000).
- Submit the application with the fee: $175 application + $1 family support fee (+ $16 exam, $92/dealer plate).
Built from the facts above. Insurance, background checks and zoning rules may also apply; the agency's page has the full list.
Planning to finance your own deals?
In-house financing can need its own license in some states. This summary has no note on one for California; ask the state's financial regulator before you write your first contract.
This is a summary, not legal advice. The agency's own page governs. All states