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Registration Service Licensing Information

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Registration Service Program Handbook (PDF).

Registration Service License Forms

An application for a registration service license consists of the following forms:

The following documents are also required as part of the application package:

  • Photograph(s) of business location, refer to Photograph Procedures.
  • Corporation, Limited Liability Company or Limited Liability Partnership owned businesses only: A copy of Articles of Incorporation, Corporate Minutes or other document filed with the Secretary of State, which identifies the officers, share holders and managers with 10% or more interest in the business is required.
  • Copy of your Business License.
  • Copy of your Fictitious Name Statement
  • Signed copy of lease or rental agreement.

Additional Items 

The following items are also needed as part of the application package.  After you have arranged an appointment with an Occupational Licensing Inspector he or she will conduct the following inspections to ensure your registration service meets the requirements:

"Established Place of Business" Inspection

  • The business location where the books and records pertinent to the type of business are kept designated at the principal place of business by the holder of the applicant for a registration service license.  CCR, Title 13, § 330.00 (d) and 330.48 et seq., and 330.50 et seq.,  and CVC § 320 (c) , 1670, 11406 et seq. and 11407 et seq.

"Sign" Inspection

  • Sign or device shall provide information relating to the licensed entity by its exact firm name as shown in departmental records at the registration service's place of business.
  • Sign must be permanent in nature, displayed on the office door, building directory, when there is such a directory, and at the principal place of business or any branch office receiving clients which is located in a building housing more than one business.  CCR § 330.24 et seq.

Property Use Verification

  • Business location shall be located in an area approved for the operation of a Registration Service. Contact your local or city property use office to determine the appropriate property use.
  • If applying for a license to conduct business from your residence, you must obtain a home occupation business license from your local city or county business license office.

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Business Records Inspection

Business Records shall include all of the following information:

  • Name, address and license number of registration service
  • Name and address of every employee who performs registration work
  • Name and address of each client for whom registration work was performed
  • Identity of every vehicle by year, make, type, license number, and vehicle identification number on which registration work was performed
  • Amount of registration fees or payments collected for each vehicle on which registration work was performed, including the method of payment to the registration service
  • Amount of registration fees or payments submitted to the department for each vehicle on which registration work was performed, including the date and method of payment of the refund or additional charge by or to the client, the registration service, or the department
  • Amount of any refunds or additional charges on registration fees or payments collected for each vehicle on which registration work was performed, including the date and method of payment of the refunds or additional charge by or to the client, the registration service, or the department.
  • Name, signature, or initials of each employee performing work on each transaction and the date the work was done
  • Cost to each client for the registration work performed on each of the client's vehicles

In lieu of above information, a registration service may retain a copy of the listing sheet approved by the department for transmitting registration documents to the department

Registration Service Orginal License Fees

  • $150 Non-refundable application fee
  • $1 Family Support Program fee
  • $70 For each branch location (if any)

The Family Support Program fee is paid on original, renewal, and reinstatement applications.

Registration Service License Renewal Forms and Fees

Form

Fees

  • $1 Family Support Program fee
  • $15  Renewal application fee
  • $70  Renewal of branch location (each location)

The Family Support Program fee is paid on original, renewal, and reinstatement applications.

Registration Service License Modification Forms and Fees

Froms

Fees

  • $70  Name change
  • $70  Address change

Registration Services Exclusions

  • A person performing registration services on a vehicle acquired by that person for his or her own personal use or for use in the regular course of that person's business.
  • A person who solicits applications for or sells, for compensation, nonresident permits for the operation of vehicles within this state.
  • An employee of one or more dealers or dismantlers, or a combination thereof, who performs registration services for vehicles acquired by, consigned to, or sold by the employing dealers or dismantlers.
  • A motor club, as defined in Section 12142 of the Insurance Code.
  • A person who performs registration services exclusively for vehicles registered pursuant to Article 9.5 (commencing with Section 5301) of Chapter 1 of  Division 3 or Article 4 (commencing with Section 8050) of Chapter 4 of Division 3.
  • A common carrier acting in the regular course of its business in transmitting applications.  CVC Section 505.2

Registration Services Authority

California Vehicle Code. Sections 320 (c), 505.2, and 11400 et al. The California Vehicle Code is available for purchase from the Department of Motor Vehicles.

California Code of Regulations. Title 13, Chapter 1.

Government Code. Section 6157 (a) - (d).

Application Questions and Submission Information

Please refer to the Registration Service Program Handbook (PDF).

 

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