You need a driving school owner license if you own a driving school that offers motor vehicle instruction in exchange for compensation. A driving school must have a licensed owner, operator, and instructor to be authorized to give instruction.
How to Apply for a Driving School Owner License
All occupational license applicants must create an online account and apply online – how-to videos and a quick start guide are available. If you experience technical issues or get locked out of your account, see technical support.
Have the following information and supporting documents ready to upload:
- Business ownership structure, financial institution, location, and surety bond information.
- Personal identifying information, employment, education, and conviction history.
- Property ownership or rental agreement document.
- Secretary of State (SOS) Statement of Information (Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Partnership/Limited Partnership) document.
- If “doing business as,” a copy of the fictious name statement is required.
- Completed Request for Live Scan Clearance (receipt) (DMV 8016) (PDF) for each person listed as owner (original application only). Out-of-state applicants must mail a completed Fingerprint Card (ADM 1316). Contact DMV to request an ADM 1316.
- Completed Driving School Insurance Certificate (OL 207) (PDF) including information for all vehicles used.
- Completed OL 140, Property Use Verification For a Driving School or Traffic Violator School License (PDF).
- Completed Safety Inspection Report, Vehicle Used for Instruction (OL 221A) (PDF).
- Completed Safety Inspection Report for Motorcycle Used for Instruction (OL 211) (PDF).
- Completed Certificate of Compliance, California Labor Code 3700 (OL 4002) (PDF).
- Completed Driving School Vehicles No Longer Used for Behind-the-Wheel Instruction (OL 206) (PDF) for any vehicles no longer being used.
- Photos of business office, signage, and location (refer to OL photography requirements).
Application and fees are valid for one year from submission date. If the application is not completed within the year, new application and fees will be required.
Fees: Driving School Owner License
- $150 nonrefundable application fee
- $1 family support program
- $70 for each branch location (if applicable)
- $50 for book of 25 student licenses (if you plan to issue student licenses)
- $42 out-of-state fingerprint card processing fee (per each card submitted)
- $50 renewal application fee
- $1 family support program
- $50 for each branch location (if applicable)
- $70 name change fee
- $70 address change fee
- $70 add a branch fee
- $70 officer charge fee
- $15 duplication or replacement fee
- No fee to “add classroom”
Contact DMV if you are unable to submit online or additional information is required pertaining to Occupational Licensing.
Driving School Owner Licensing Authority
California Vehicle Code (CVC) §§223, 310.6, 310.8, 311, 320 (a), 1651, 1670, 1671, and 11100 to 11114.
California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Chapter 1.
California Education Code §§41913-41919, 51220, and 51852.
California Government Code §6157 (a) – (d).
California Labor Code §3700.
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Driving School Program Handbook
The Driving School Program Handbook contains helpful information about applying for a license, requirements, fees, and more.
Driving Schools
Learn more about driving schools, driving school licenses, and requirements.