In class we will go into great detail, but in general, here's what you do. First you need to take the class and you will be issued a certificate at the end of class. Then you will make an appointment at the DMV to take a 40-question dealer test based on what you learned at the class. After the test, you will need to meet several requirements, most of which are common to starting any type of business. For example, you need a city business license (about $100). You need to get fingerprinted (about $50), you need to pay application fees to the DMV (about $200). You will need a Seller's Permit in order to charge your customers sales tax (this permit is free). You will need to get a $50,000 bond. (You don't need to pay $50,000 cash.) You simply pay a bond company a premium each year. Most dealers pay about $800 per year. In class, we can set you up with a reputable bond company if you wish. You will also need to decide what address to use to conduct business from. In some cases a home business is permissible but most cases require at least a small office, which many dealers obtain starting at $200 per month. In class, we will address all issues relating to where you are allowed to set up business. You also need to complete several miscellaneous forms for the DMV (not hard). In class we will show you what the forms are.
Do you offer the 4-hour Renewal course for continuing education?
No. WE ONLY OFFER THE CLASS FOR FIRST-TIME DEALERS.
Can I take the test without the class?
No. State law requires you take
the class before you are allowed to take
the test.
How long does it take to get licensed?
It takes about one month or less to get
your dealer license, depending on how
fast you meet the requirements and how
heavy the DMV caseload is. In
class we will go through all the details
so you can get licensed as fast as
possible.
Do all owners need
to take the class?
If it's a partnership, yes. If you
are setting up a Corporation or a
Limited Liability Company, only one
officer needs to attend, but we
recommend all officers come anyways to
learn the material, since violation of
certain laws will result in losing your
dealer's license.
How old do I need to be to get a dealer's license?
18.
What type of
identification do you need from me?
Bring Valid California Driver License or California Identification Card. (No out of state ID's, No Sales Licenses, NO military ID's, no passports.) Only Valid (not expired) California Driver License or California ID Cards are acceptable as per DMV policy. Note: Valid temporary "paper" California Driver License or California Identification cards are acceptable.
Is your school approved by the DMV?
Yes.
Is the class
offered online?
The 6-hour Prelicensing class is NOT
offered online anywhere. The DMV
only allows the 4-hour renewal course
online, which is only for active
dealers.
Will a criminal record hurt me?
Maybe. A big recent conviction of
dishonesty (burglary, theft, fraud, etc)
may hurt you. The DMV only wants
you to tell them of convictions that
happened in the past 10 years. If
you do have a conviction in the past 10
years and you are worried, our
advice is to still take the class and
then you will submit an
"abbreviated" application to
the DMV. In a couple weeks the DMV
will notify you whether your conviction
will hurt you or not. Taking the
class shows the DMV that you are serious
about getting a license and you are
motivated and willing to be an
honest dealer
Can I export
cars to Mexico or other countries?
Yes.
I only want to
sell one car at a time. Do I still
need to go through the whole process?
Yes. Remember, in class, our
instructors are trained to show you the
MINIMUM requirements so you can
accomplish a low-volume business model.