Occupational Licensing 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?
| 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 on the department's website.
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, - 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.
The department's Occupational Licensing and Disciplinary Guidelines are available on the department's website.
5. Where (and to whom) do I submit my application?
Use the following table to determine the appropriate submission.
|
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
|
|
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, 103, and 104
Driving School Certificate of Completions
Report of Sales books
Traffic Violator School and Mature Driver Improvement Course Completion Certificates
Must be ordered by completing the appropriate supply order form. 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.
7. How can I obtain information regarding the license status (i.e., current, revoked, probation) of an occupational licensee?
Available free of charge from the Occupational Licensing Information System: This system provides the business license status, ownership information, and history of disciplinary actions taken by the department
Request for information not available from the Occupational Licensing Information System include multiple record request, copies of documents, or certification of a search result. Request must be submitted in writing by using the Request for Occupational Licensing Information, form OL100, along with appropriate fees. Before sending the requested information, the department will block out residential addresses, Social Security numbers, and home telephone numbers on all copies provided to the requester.
8. Who handles consumer complaints against Occupational Licensees?
All consumer complaints must be submitted in writing as follows:
|
For... |
complete form... |
and submit complaint(s) to... |
|---|---|---|
|
Driving School
Traffic Violator School
|
Department of Motor Vehicles
|
|
|
Dismantlers Salespersons Vehicle Dealers Registration Services and other licensees |
the office, listed on the INV 172A**, nearest the licensee's place of business. These complaints are handled by the Investigations Division. |
|
|
Unlicensed activity by a school |
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.
** The INV 172 pamphlet, "Filing a Complaint with the Department of Motor Vehicles" contains the "Record of Complaint Form" (Form INV 172A) which includes a list of DMV Investigations District offices.
9. Whom can I call for further questions?
|
Occupational Licensing Categories: |
(916) Phone Number |
|---|---|
|
Administrative and Investigative Service Fees (ASF/ISF) |
229-3138 |
|
Dealer |
229-3126 |
|
Dismantler |
229-3126 |
|
Distributor
|
229-3126
|
|
Distributor Representative |
229-3128 |
|
Driving School
|
229-3126 |
|
Lessor-Retailer |
229-3126 |
|
Manufacturer, Remanufacturer
|
229-3126
|
|
Manufacturing Representative |
229-3128 |
|
Registration Service |
229-3126 |
|
Salesperson |
229-3128 |
|
Transporter |
229-3126 |
|
TVS
|
229-3126 |
|
Vehicle Verifier |
229-3128 |
|
Vessel Agent |
229-3128 |
|
OL Information Services: Certified documents licensee verification |
229-3151 |
