Learn how to become licensed as a California auto dealer, and speak with an Single Source Insurance agent today about purchasing the bond you�ll need to operate as an auto dealer in California.�

What Are the Different Types of California Auto Dealer Licenses?

California�s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Occupational Licensing Office issues several types of motor vehicle dealer licenses. This article focuses on the most common type, for retail dealers selling used vehicles.

What Are the Steps in the Licensing Process?

The process for obtaining a used vehicle dealer retail license begins before you ever fill out an application. Here is an overview of what�s involved:

  1. Pass the DMV dealer license test, which can be taken at the nearest DMV Occupational Licensing office
  2. Establish a legal business entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation)
  3. Establish a bank account in the dealership�s name
  4. Undergo a fingerprint scan (Live Scan) for a criminal background check
  5. Secure a permanent business location that meets DMV requirements
  6. Depending on your business location, you may need to obtain a local business license
  7. Obtain a Seller�s Permit from your local California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA) office, which is required for you to collect taxes
  8. Purchase a $50,000 California auto dealer bond
  9. Once you�ve completed all of these steps and gathered the necessary documentation, you are ready to fill out a used vehicle dealer license application and submit it, with required documents and payment of fees to DMV
  10. After an inspection of your business premises, a DMV inspector will give you a temporary dealer license, to be followed by your permanent license, which will arrive in the mail

Why is a California Auto Dealer Bond Required?

A California auto dealer bond brings together three parties in a legally binding contract for the financial protection of the state and the public:

  • DMV is the �obligee� � the party requiring the bond.
  • The dealer is the �principal� � the party legally obligated to pay valid claims.
  • The bond�s guarantor is the �surety� � the party guaranteeing the payment of claims.

The bond is the principal�s pledge to 1) operate in compliance with all applicable laws and regulation, and 2) to compensate the injured party in the event of a legal or ethical infraction that results in a financial loss to the state or a customer.

How Are California Auto Dealer Bond Claims Paid?

Upon receipt of a claim, the surety first will make sure it�s legitimate, and if it is, will pay it, even though the legal obligation to pay claims belongs entirely to the principal. The principal must then repay that debt to the surety. Failing to reimburse the surety for a claim paid on the principal�s behalf can result in the surety taking legal action to recover the funds.

How Much Does A California Auto Dealer Bond Cost?

California auto dealer bonds are a bargain, considering that the annual bond premium is only a small percentage of the $50,000 bond amount. What a given applicant will pay depends on how risky the underwriters believe it is for the surety to count on being reimbursed for claims paid on behalf of the principal. The key measure for that is the individual�s personal credit score.

A high score correlates with a low risk level, while a low score signals a high risk level. Low risk typically means a low premium rate (no more than 3%), and high risk warrants a high interest rate (possibly 10% or even more).

Request a California Auto Dealer License

Request a convenient online quote today, or contact us to speak with one of our surety bond experts who can answer your questions about California auto dealer bonds.