You need a vehicle lessor-retailer license if you sell previously leased or rented vehicles to the public, unless you sell to:
- An individual who has leased the vehicle for at least one year.
- A buyer for agricultural, business, or commercial purposes.
- A government agency.
How to Apply for a Vehicle Lessor-Retailer License
To apply for your license, submit the following:
- Application for Original Occupational License, Part C (OL 12).
- Original Application for Occupational License, Part A (OL 21A).
- Surety Bond of Motorcycle Dealer, Motorcycle Lessor-Retailer, or Wholesale-Only Dealer (Less Than 25 Vehicles per Year) (OL 25B) or
Lessor-Retailer Surety Bond (OL 25C) or Deposit Agreement and Assignment (OL 25E). - Application for Occupational License Personal History Questionnaire, Business Licensing Unit (OL 29B) for each person listed under ownership on form OL 12.
- Live scan fingerprint and Request for Live Scan Clearance (DMV 8016) for each person completing form OL 29B.
- Fingerprint card (ADM 1316) (out-of-state applicants only). Fingerprint cards may be obtained by calling Occupational Licensing (OL) at (916) 229-3126 or from a DMV inspector office.
- Appointment of Director as Agent for Service of Process (ADM 9050).
- Photographs of the business location (refer to OL photography requirements).
- Copy of articles of incorporation, corporate minutes, or other document filed with the Secretary of State, which identifies the officers, shareholders, and managers with 10 percent or more interest in the business (corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership owned businesses only).
- Copy of your city and/or county business license.
- Copy of Board of Equalization resale permit (enables you to collect sales tax). For more information, view your California seller’s permit.
- Copy of your fictitious name statement.
Once you have completed these forms and collected all documents, call a local OL inspector for further instructions before mailing in your application packet. After OL has approved your completed application, we will schedule an appointment for inspection. At the inspection, an OL inspector will:
- Inspect the main business office where you conduct business, whether or not retail sales are made from this location (business inspection within California only).
- Inspect all books and records pertinent to the business (California Vehicle Code (CVC) §11601(a), (c)).
- Collect your paperwork and fees.
You will also need to undergo a background investigation.
Fees
- $175 nonrefundable application fee
- $1 family support program
- $70 for each branch location (if applicable)
How to Renew a Vehicle Lessor-Retailer License
To renew your license, complete a Renewal Application (OL 45). Mail your application and fees to the address on the form.
Fees
- $125 renewal application fee
- $1 family support program
- $70 for each branch location (if applicable)
How to Modify a Vehicle Lessor-Retailer License
To modify an existing license, complete and submit the relevant form(s):
To avoid processing delays, submit your modification at your local OL inspector office.
Fees
- $70 name change fee
- $70 address change fee
- $70 add a branch fee
- $70 officer change fee
Lessor-Retailer Licensing Authority
CVC §§286 (i) and (j), 373, 11600 et seq. The CVC is available for purchase from DMV.
California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Chapter 1.
California Business and Professions Code §§9889.50-9889.53, and 17500.5.
California Civil Code §§2981-2984.4.
California Government Code §6157 (a) – (d).
California Health and Safety Code §§43150-43156, 43200-43213, and 43600-43660.
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Questions?
Contact us if you have any questions about applying for occupational licenses. We are here to help!
Vehicle Lessor-Retailer Program Handbook
The Vehicle Lessor-Retailer Program Handbook contains helpful information about applying for a license, vehicle lessor-retailer requirements, and more.
Guide for Licensed Vehicle Dealers and Lessor-Retailers
This guide contains additional information for vehicle lessor-retailers, including laws and regulations, permits and licenses, records, supplies, and more.