Yes. Anyone who sells vehicles, sells vehicle contracts or supervises sales for a dealer needs a DMV vehicle salesperson license (Vehicle Code §§675 and 11800). You apply on form OL 16S, complete Live Scan, and pay a $50 application fee plus $1. The license is valid for three years. Dealer owners selling only for their own licensed dealership don't need one.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice.
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Salesperson license at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Anyone selling or supervising sales of vehicles or contracts for a dealer |
| Form | OL 16S, Application for Salesperson License |
| Background check | Live Scan using DMV form 8016 ($32 DOJ fee plus the site's fee) |
| Fee | $50 application plus $1 Family Support Program fee. Renewal is also $50 plus $1 |
| Term | 3 years (Vehicle Code §11814). Late renewals aren't accepted |
| Temporary permit | Lets you work up to 120 days while DMV investigates (Vehicle Code §11803) |
| More than one dealer | Not allowed unless the dealers have identical ownership (Vehicle Code §11806(g)) |
| Address change | Report it to DMV in writing within 5 days (Vehicle Code §11812(c)) |
Who doesn't need one
Vehicle Code §675(b) excludes licensed dealers who sell only for their own dealership. That covers sole owners, partners, corporate stockholders who are also directors, and LLC members who are also managers. Sell for someone else's dealership and you need a salesperson license.
Convictions
DMV can refuse a salesperson license for a criminal conviction, and a no-contest plea counts as a conviction. Disclose everything on the application. See Does a criminal record disqualify you?
Frequently asked questions
Can a car salesperson work for two dealerships in California?
Not unless both dealerships have identical ownership and structure. Working for more than one dealer otherwise is grounds for denial, suspension or revocation under Vehicle Code 11806(g).
How long is a California salesperson license good for?
Three years (Vehicle Code 11814).
Can you work while your salesperson license is pending?
Yes, on a temporary permit valid for up to 120 days once DMV accepts your application (Vehicle Code 11803).
Related questions
- What is Live Scan, and what shows up on it?
- What does a dealer license let you do?
- How do you look up a California dealer license number?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Next step: How to get a car sales license in California · DMV forms for dealers
Resources
- DMV: Vehicle Salesperson License (Opens in new window)
- DMV Vehicle Salesperson License Handbook (Opens in new window)
Sources: DMV: Vehicle Salesperson License (Opens in new window) (OL 16S, fees; updated May 24, 2023) · DMV Vehicle Salesperson License Handbook (OL 303) (Opens in new window) · Vehicle Code §675 (Opens in new window). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax or financial advice.