No. California doesn't issue a separate "rebuilder license." Vehicle Code §543.5 defines a salvage vehicle rebuilder as someone who rebuilds a total loss salvage vehicle for resale, and says that definition doesn't exempt rebuilders from licensing. In practice, rebuilding salvage cars to sell means you're buying vehicles to resell, which requires a dealer license. If you want to buy wrecked cars for parts, that's a dismantler license, a different DMV license.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice. Ask DMV Occupational Licensing which license fits your exact business.
In this article
- Which license fits what you want to do
- Rebuilding for yourself vs for resale
- Rules when a rebuilder sells
- Frequently asked questions
Which license fits what you want to do
| You want to | License | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rebuild salvage cars and sell them | Dealer license. Retail to sell to the public, or wholesale to sell to dealers | Vehicle Code §§285, 543.5, 11700 |
| Buy or sell nonrepairable vehicles to dismantle them, or deal in used parts | Dismantler license ($100 application, $1, $104 per plate) | DMV dismantler license page |
| Rebuild one car for yourself and register it in your name | No license | Vehicle Code §543.5 |
DMV's Occupational License Lookup lists dealers, dismantlers, remanufacturers and other license types, and has no "rebuilder" category.
Rebuilding for yourself vs for resale
Vehicle Code §543.5 says a person who rebuilds a salvage vehicle (or one reported for dismantling) for their own use and registers it in their own name isn't a salvage vehicle rebuilder. Rebuild a car and sell it, and you're in the business of selling vehicles. See How many cars can you sell without a dealer license?
Rules when a rebuilder sells
- Safety certificate: a salvage rebuilder selling a total loss salvage vehicle must give the buyer "a valid vehicle safety systems certificate of compliance" at or before delivery, unless the sale is to a dealer or for wrecking (Vehicle Code §24007(d)).
- Re-registration: the car must go through DMV's revived salvage process, including brake and lamp inspections and a DMV or CHP inspection. See How do you sell a rebuilt or revived salvage title car?
- Dealer disclosures: a dealer must check NMVTIS before offering a used car for retail sale and post a warning sticker if it shows a salvage or other brand (Vehicle Code §11713.26).
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to rebuild salvage cars in California?
Not to rebuild one for yourself and register it in your name. To rebuild and sell salvage cars, you need a dealer license.
What's the difference between a dismantler and a dealer?
A dismantler buys nonrepairable vehicles to take apart and deals in used parts. A dealer buys and sells vehicles, including repaired salvage vehicles.
How do I get licensed to rebuild and sell cars?
Get a California dealer license: a DMV-approved course, the DMV exam, a bond, an approved location and an application. A wholesale license lets you sell to other dealers; retail lets you sell to the public.
Related questions
- Can you sell a car with a salvage title in California?
- What do you need to get a dealer license in California?
- Salvage and dismantler dealer licenses
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Next step: Auto dismantler license guide · Start the 6-hour dealer course for $99
Resources
- California Vehicle Code §543.5, salvage vehicle rebuilder (Opens in new window)
- California DMV: Dismantler license (Opens in new window)
- California Vehicle Code §24007 (Opens in new window)
- DMV Occupational License Lookup (Opens in new window)
Sources: Vehicle Code §543.5 (Opens in new window) · DMV dismantler license (Opens in new window) (updated April 2, 2026) · Vehicle Code §24007 (Opens in new window) · DMV Occupational License Lookup (Opens in new window) (license categories). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice.