Vehicle Manufacturer License

Truck Side

You need a vehicle manufacturer license if you produce vehicles or off-highway motorcycles subject to registration or identification under the California Vehicle Code (CVC), or if you permanently alter commercial vehicles into housecars.

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

How to Apply for a Vehicle Manufacturer License

Apply for your license and pay your fees online.

To apply for your license, submit the following:

Once you have completed these forms and collected all documents, mail your application materials and fees to:

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

Fees

  • $100 nonrefundable 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)

Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin

Every vehicle must come with a Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (MCO/MSO). This may be prepared at a factory, an assembly plant, or a business authorized by the manufacturer. All MCO/MSOs, except those for off-road equipment, should be produced in an identical format, and must include:

  • The manufacturer’s name and address.
  • The make, identification number, body type, year model, and vehicle series or model name.
  • The date and to whom ownership was transferred from the manufacturer and the signature of the manufacturer’s agent (a signature stamp is acceptable).

For more information about obtaining MCO or MSO documents, visit the Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration websites.

How to Renew a Vehicle Manufacturer License

Renew your license and pay your fees online.

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

Fees

  • $85 renewal application fee
  • $1 family support program
  • $92 for each auto plate (plus county fees, if applicable)
  • $94 for each motorcycle plate (plus county fees, if applicable)
  • $85 renewal fee for each branch location (if applicable)

How to Modify a Vehicle Manufacturer License

Modify your license and pay your fees online.

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 Section
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 Manufacturer Licensing Authority

California Vehicle Code (CVC) §§29, 320 (a), 389, 672, 3000 et seq., and 11700 et seq. The CVC is available for purchase from DMV.

California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Chapter 1.

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

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