Application Requirement for Registration Service License
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Purpose
The purpose of this page is to assist the prospective registration service by describing the requirements to obtain a registration service license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
What is a Registration Service?
A "registration service" is a person
engaged in the business of processing for the public applications
for registration, transfer of ownership, registration renewals,
conducting lien sales, and processing dismantler documents.
CVC §
505.2
and
11400
et seq., and CCR,
Title
13, § 330.00 et seq.
Background Investigation
A background investigation is conducted on all applicants. Failure to disclose convictions or providing incorrect information on the application may result in the refusal or denial of your license. The department may refuse to issue a license to any applicant who has been convicted of a crime or committed any act or engaged in any conduct involving moral turpitude which is substantially related to the qualifications or duties of the licensed activity. A conviction based on plea of nolo contendere is a conviction within the meaning of this section. Persons previously working under a license issued by DMV, which was revoked or suspended for cause may also be denied a license. CVC § 11405 . In addition, the California Code of Regulations (CCR) and other sections of the California Vehicle Code provides guidelines used by the department in determining whether a license should be issued. CCR, Title 13, Chapter 1.
Requirements for a Registration
Service License
CVC §
11400
et seq. and CCR.,
Title
13, § 330.00 et seq.
Every applicant for a registration service’s license must:
- File an application with the department. CVC § 11401 et seq. and CCR, Title 13, § 330.00 et seq.
- Pay all required fees. CVC § 11409 et seq.
- Provide proof of surety bond ($25,000 bond executed). CVC § 11402 et seq, CCR § 330.08
- Execute and file with the department an instrument designating the director as agent of the applicant for service of process. CVC § 11403 et seq.
Click on the following links for the fees, forms and additional information related the Registration Service License.
Registration Service Program Handbook (PDF).
Registration Service Exclusions.
Registration Service License application fees.
Registration Service License application forms.
Registration Service License renewal fees.
Fees to change an existing Registration Service License.
Form(s) to change an existing Registration Service License.
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.
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