Dealer Forms in California

We've provided the basic forms you'll need to start and run your dealership. View the forms with Adobe Reader software.

Initial Applications

There are different applications for selling new cars, or exclusively used cars. Salespeople must also apply for their own licenses:

• New Car Dealer Application Checklist

• New Car Dealer Application Forms

• Used Car Dealer Application Checklist

• Used Car Dealer Application Forms

• Salesperson License Application Form

Renewals

A number of forms are required to renew your dealership license. They include:

• Dealer License Renewal Application Form

• Salesperson License Renewal Application Form

Additional Dealership Forms

Here are links to other frequently used forms.

Basic Forms

Basic forms that an automobile dealer will use frequently include the salesperson licensing forms and the other dealer forms, including:

• Corporate Officer or Director Change

• Application for Temporary Branch Location

• Statement of Lost, Stolen, or Surrendered Special Plates

Changing the Dealership

The California DMV has prepared a page with links to all of the information and forms you will need in order to make changes in your dealership such as a new franchise, additional plates, and other dealership changes. For example:

• Certificate of Proposed Franchise

• Application for Additional Special Plates

Vehicle Salespeople

Check out these helpful links to the forms required by the California DMV of vehicle salespeople. Salespeople are required to submit to a background investigation, file an application for a salesperson's license, and renew their license annually. Also, when a salesperson changes dealerships, he or she must notify the DMV by requesting a corrected license. Some forms:

• Salesperson License Application Form

• Application for a Duplicate or Corrected Vehicle Salesperson License

Where to Submit Forms

In most cases, you'll submit business-related forms to a DMV inspector office and not to the DMV. Inspectors are in charge of dealer licensing. Double-check the instructions on any form you fill out to make sure you're sending it to the right place.

Motor Vehicle Forms

When someone buys a car―new or used―from a dealership in California, the dealer typically takes care of all the title and registration paperwork. Here are the forms you might need:

• Application for Title or Registration

• Application for Duplicate Title

• Bill of Sale

• Lien Satisfied/Title Holder Release

• Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability

• Vehicle Emission System Statement (Smog)

The DMV also has more specialized forms that dealers use when buying or selling a vehicle. Registration and title forms are submitted to the regular DMV offices.

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