Vehicle Distributor License

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You need a vehicle distributor license if you sell or distribute new vehicles to California dealers or you maintain representatives who contact dealers or prospective California dealers, and you’re not a vehicle manufacturer. You need a license if you sell or distribute:

  • New vehicles
  • New trailers
  • New off-highway motorcycles
  • New all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)

See the full list of product types that currently require an occupational license.

How to Apply for a Vehicle Distributor License

To apply for your license, submit the following:

Once you have completed these forms and collected all documents, submit your paperwork and fees to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Occupational Licensing Branch
PO Box 932342 MS L224
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420

Fees

  • $100 non-refundable application fee
  • $1 family support program
  • $50 for each branch location (if applicable)
  • $92 for each auto plate (plus county fees, if applicable)
  • $94 for each motorcycle plate (plus county fees, if applicable)
  • $42 for each person submitting ADM 1316, Fingerprint Card (out-of-state applicants only)

How to Renew a Vehicle Distributor License

To renew your license, complete a Renewal Application (OL 45). Mail your application and fees to the address on the form.

Fees

How to Modify a Vehicle Distributor License

To modify an existing license, complete and submit the relevant form(s):

Mail your completed form and fees to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Occupational Licensing Branch
PO Box 932342 MS L224
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420

Fees

  • $50 name change fee
  • $50 address change fee
  • $50 add a branch fee
  • $70 officer change fee

Vehicle Distributor Licensing authority

California Vehicle Code (CVC) §29, 296, 297, 320 (a), 3000 et seq., and 11700 et seq. The CVC is available for purchase from the DMV.

California Code of Regulations Title 13, Chapter 1.

California Government Code §6157 (a) – (d).

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