Occupational Licensing - General Frequently Asked Questions

General Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer

Listed below are the most frequently asked questions. This list is not all-inclusive nor is it intended to be. If you have any questions, please contact your local inspector or call (916)229-3127.

1. When am I required to have an occupational license?

Occupational license requirements
If you...	then you will need a...
provide driving instructions for compensation	Driving School Instructor application.
complete processing or file registration applications for compensation	Registration Service application.
sell new or used vehicles or vessels for compensation	Dealer or Salesperson application.
transport vehicles for compensation	Transporter application.
physically inspect (verify) vehicles for compensation	Vehicle Verifier application.
manufacture or remanufacture vehicles	Manufacturer or Remanufacturer application.
sell or register watercraft capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water	Vessel Agent application.
Sells or distributes new vehicles to dealers in this state and maintains representatives for the purpose of contacting dealers or prospective dealers in this state	Distributor application.
lessor or renter who sells previously leased or rented vehicles to the public (exceptions listed in CVC § 296)	Lessor-Retailer application.
would like to own a traffic school	Traffic Violator School Owner application.
would like to own a driving school	Driving School Owner application.

2. Where can I obtain a licensing package or other forms?

All forms and application packages are available by calling (916) 229-3178 in Northern California or (213) 744-7563 in Southern California. Information and forms are also available on the DMV web at www.dmv.ca.gov.

3. What is live scan, and who is affected by it?

Full details are at DMV's Live Scan site

4. Must I disclose a conviction on my personal history questionnaire form?

Yes, all misdemeanor or felony convictions must be disclosed. If you are not sure if your conviction is a misdemeanor or a felony, disclose the conviction anyway; since failure to disclose convictions can be grounds for license refusal.

All applications with arrest records are accepted; however, a temporary permit will not be issued.
The application, arrest report and court document(s), when provided are forwarded to OL for final review and approval.

5. Where (and to whom) do I submit my application?

Use the following table to determine the appropriate submission.

Occupational licensing application submission information
If your application is for a...	then submit your application to...
Dealer Dismantler Driving School Owner/Operator Lessor-Retailer Registration Service Transporter Traffic Violator School Owner/Operator	an OL inspector. Inspectors are available by appointment only.
Distributor Manufacturer Remanufacturer Distributor Representative Manufacturer Representative Vehicle Verifier	Department of Motor Vehicles Occupational Licensing P.O. Box 932342 MS L224 Sacramento, CA 94232-3420
Salesperson	a local DMV office.
Driving School Instructor	an office that handles the Driving School Program (see Driving School information)
Traffic Violator School Instructor	an office that handles the Traffic Violator School Program (see Traffic Violator School information)

6. Where can I obtain "Controlled Items"?

Request for accountable form numbers:

BOAT 102, BOAT 103, and BOAT 104
OL 237, OL 238, OL 392, OL 800, and OL 1001
REG 7 and REG 8

must be in writing:

on company letterhead and
signed by owner of record, identifying:
— business name
— license number
— the type of form and quantity
Mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Occupational Licensing
P.O. Box 932342 M/S L224
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420
or FAX letter to (916) 229-4728

Request for report of sales books:

Reg 42, Reg 51, Reg 396, Reg 397, Reg 397A and Reg 398

Must be ordered by mailing a completed supply order form to the department's Occupational Licensing Section in headquarters. Order forms are available on the department's website.

NOTE: A small emergency supply of report of sales books is available from the local DMV Inspector's Offices. Please call in advance to ensure that the Inspector is available in the office.

IMPORTANT: An authorization letter is required to obtain a book on behalf of an ownership. Photo identification is required (name to be matched to the authorization letter) for anyone picking up forms.

For the Traffic Violator School Safety Course Completion forms (OL 730) submit your request in writing to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Occupational Licensing
P.O. Box 825383, MS L224
Sacramento, CA 94232-5383
FAX to (916) 229-4729

NOTE: OL 730 certificates are sold for $1.50 each or in a book of 50 for $75.00. OL Inspectors do not have these certificates.

IMPORTANT Photo identification and a letter of authorization are required at field office locations (as listed on page 4) when obtaining certificates or forms on behalf of school ownership.

7. How can I obtain information regarding the license status (i.e., current, revoked, probation) of an occupational licensee?

If the requester...

then...

has a requester code

please call:

Occupational Licensing
Information Services (916) 229-3151

does not have a requester code and is not he applicant

submit a written request (form available on the Internet) and $5.00 per item to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Occupational Licensing Unit
P.O. Box 932342, MS L224
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420

Attn: Information Requests

is the applicant

please call:

Occupational Licensing
Information Services (916) 229-3151

8. Who handles consumer complaints against Occupational Licensees?

All consumer complaints must be submitted in writing as follows:

Consumer complaint submission instructions
For...	complete form...	and submit complaint(s) to...
Driving School Owners Operators Instructors Traffic Violator School	OL 620*	Department of Motor Vehicles Occupational Licensing Services and Support Driving School and Traffic Violator School Complaint Unit P.O. Box 932342 Sacramento, CA 94232-3420
Dismantlers Salespersons Vehicle Dealers Registration Services and other licensees	INV 172	the office, listed on the INV 172A**, nearest the licensee's place of business. These complaints are handled by the Investigations Division.
Unlicensed Activity	OL 620 or INV 172A	an Investigative Office (call for appointment). A letter and licensing information package will be sent to the unlicensed party. The information will be retained by the local investigations office.

* The Driving School and Traffic Violator School Complaint, form OL 620, is available on the department's website or by calling (916) 229-3154.

** The pamphlet, Filling a Complaint with the Department of Motor Vehicles, form INV 172, includes the Record of Complaint form INV 172A, is available on our website

9. Whom can I call for further questions?

Occupational Licensing contact phone numbers
Occupational Licensing Categories:	(916) Phone Number
Administrative and Investigative Service Fees (ASF/ISF)	229-3138
Dealer	229-3126
Dismantler	229-3126
Distributor	229-4025
Distributor Representative	229-3128
Driving School Owner, Operator, Instructor	229-3127
Lessor-Retailer	229-3126
Manufacturer, Remanufacturer	229-4025
Manufacturing Representative	229-3128
Registration Service	229-3126
Salesperson	229-3128
Transporter	229-3126
TVS Owner, Operator, Instructor	229-3127
Vehicle Verifier	229-3128
Vessel Agent	229-3126
OL Information Services: Certified documents licensee verification	229-3151
Supplies: emergency supply licensing package	(916) 229-3178 in Northern CA or (213) 744-7563 in Southern CA
OL 730 TVS completion form (FAX "written" request)	FAX 229-4729