A registration service is a DMV-licensed business that processes vehicle registrations, transfers, renewals and related paperwork for the public for a fee (Vehicle Code §505.2). To get licensed, you apply to DMV Occupational Licensing with the Application for Occupational License for Registration Service (OL 601), a registration service surety bond (OL 605), a personal history questionnaire (OL 29B) and Live Scan fingerprints for each owner, proof that your business location is zoned for the use, a sign showing your exact firm name, and the application fee. A dealer license isn't a registration service license, and a registration service can't buy or sell cars.

Educational information only. This article is not legal advice. Confirm current forms and fees with DMV Occupational Licensing.

In this article

What a registration service can do

  • Process registration applications, transfers, renewals, lien sales and dismantler documents for the public (VC §505.2)
  • Optionally join DMV's Business Partner Automation program to issue registration cards, stickers and plates on site (separate application)
  • Not covered: buying or selling vehicles. That takes a dealer license. Dealer and dismantler employees handling their employer's vehicles aren't registration services.

Application checklist

From DMV's Registration Service Application Checklist (OL 599):

  1. Registration Service Application Checklist (OL 599)
  2. Application for Occupational License for Registration Service (OL 601)
  3. Registration Service Surety Bond (OL 605)
  4. Personal History Questionnaire, Part B (OL 29B), for each owner
  5. Driver license or ID copy and a verifiable Social Security number
  6. Property Use Verification (OL 139), signed by your local zoning official
  7. Appointment of Director as Agent for Service of Process (ADM 9050), for each owner
  8. Live Scan request (DMV 8016), for each owner. See What is Live Scan?
  9. Entity documents for corporations, LLCs and LLPs; fictitious name statement; signed lease; business license; photos of the location
  10. Before serving the public at DMV field offices: OL 607 and OL 607A

Fees and bond

ItemAmount in DMV's Registration Service Program Handbook (OL 306)
Application fee (non-refundable)$150
Family Support Program fee$1
Each branch location$70
Surety bond$25,000 (VC §11402; 13 CCR §330.08)
Live ScanDOJ fee plus the operator's rolling fee
RenewalEvery two years; renewal and branch fees apply

The handbook is dated 2013, so confirm current amounts with DMV before you apply.

Location and records

  • An established place of business where your books and records are kept (VC §§320(c) and 11406)
  • A sign with your exact firm name (13 CCR §330.24 and following)
  • Zoning approval; a home-based office needs a home occupation permit
  • Client, vehicle, fee and employee records kept as the regulations require (13 CCR §330.50 and following)

From experience (Garrett Eddings, professional opinion): Registration services and dealers work hand in hand. If you're a dealer, a good registration service saves you DMV lines. If you're thinking about running one, know that it's a paperwork-accuracy business, and DMV audits it like one.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a license to be a registration service in California?

Yes. DMV Occupational Licensing licenses registration services under the Vehicle Code.

How much is the bond for a registration service?

DMV's handbook lists a $25,000 surety bond (form OL 605). Confirm the current amount with DMV.

Can a registration service sell cars?

No. Buying and selling vehicles requires a dealer license.

Resources

Sources: DMV OL 306 (rev. 5/2013; fees, bond, location, records, renewal) · DMV OL 599 (rev. 6/2014; checklist) · Vehicle Code §§505.2, 11400 and following. Verified 2026-10-16.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. DMV's handbook may not reflect current fees; confirm with DMV Occupational Licensing. The instructor note reflects one instructor's professional opinion.