April 17th, 2025 by Garrett Eddings
Does a Criminal Record Automatically Disqualify You? No, having a misdemeanor or felony does not automatically disqualify you from getting a dealer license in California. The DMV evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis. However, the type of...
Posted in: Education
April 14th, 2025 by Garrett Eddings
If you're looking to become a licensed car dealer in California, you're in the right place. At California Dealer Academy, we specialize in helping aspiring dealers navigate the licensing process with confidence and ease. Below, we’ve answered the...
Posted in: Education
April 8th, 2025 by Garrett Eddings
Tariffs on the Rise: What California Car Dealers Need to Know Automotive tariffs — import taxes placed on vehicles and vehicle parts — are making headlines again, and California, with its massive car market and reliance on imported vehicles, is likely...
Posted in: Education
April 7th, 2025 by Garrett Eddings
Want to Start a Dealership in California? Let Us Handle Everything. Starting a used car dealership in California is exciting — but let’s be real: it’s also complicated, time-consuming, and loaded with paperwork, inspections, and compliance...
Posted in: Education
March 7th, 2025 by Garrett Eddings
Insights from California Dealer Academy's 20+ Years of Experience At California Dealer Academy, we've helped hundreds of dealers navigate the complex landscape of California's automotive industry since 2008. One of the most common questions our founder,...
Posted in: Education
February 3rd, 2025 by Garrett Eddings
Manheim is one of the largest wholesale auto auction companies in the world, offering California auto dealers a vast marketplace to buy and sell vehicles efficiently. Registering with Manheim opens doors to thousands of vehicles weekly, exclusive dealer...
Posted in: Education
January 15th, 2025 by Garrett Eddings
Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) and Copart are two of the largest auto auction platforms specializing in salvage, clean-title, and used vehicles. For California dealers, these platforms present unique opportunities to diversify inventory, maximize profits,...
Posted in: Education
December 20th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
Getting a dealer license without a lot in California can be a complex process, but it's achievable with the right knowledge and preparation. This guide will walk you through the steps involved in obtaining a dealer license without a physical lot...
Posted in: Education
December 20th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
Are you considering a career as an auto broker in California? 2025 could be your year to break into this exciting and profitable industry. At California Dealer Academy, we've helped countless entrepreneurs navigate the path to becoming licensed auto...
Posted in: Education
December 13th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
As a licensed car dealer in California, one of the most exciting aspects of the business is attending wholesale auto auctions. These exclusive events are where dealers acquire much of their inventory, but before you can participate, you'll need to become...
Posted in: Education
November 1st, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
Table of Contents Introduction to CarMax Auctions Registration Process for California Dealers Navigating the CarMax Auction Portal Benefits of Buying from CarMax Auctions Financial Benefits for California...
Posted in: Education
October 25th, 2024 by admin
In California, navigating the complexities of vehicle registration and operation can present unique challenges for car dealerships. For many dealers, an often-underutilized asset can simplify much of this process: the dealer plate. These special plates,...
Posted in: Education
October 8th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
A Comprehensive Guide. The "Buy Here Pay Here" (BHPH) dealership model is a type of automotive dealership that offers financing directly to customers who might not qualify for traditional loans due to poor or limited credit histories. Unlike traditional...
Posted in: Education
September 12th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
Occupational licenses are essential for individuals and businesses operating in various sectors of the automotive industry in California. These licenses are required for those who want to work as dealers, salespersons, dismantlers, distributors, brokers,...
Posted in: Education
August 6th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
Exploring Salvage Vehicles in California: Why Some People Choose to Buy Them In car buying, salvage vehicles represent a unique niche that intrigues a specific group of buyers in California and beyond. These vehicles, typically categorized as salvaged...
Posted in: Education
July 15th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
The car market in July 2024 presents a mixed landscape for both new and used vehicles. Here are some key insights: New Car Market Prices and Inventory: The average price for new cars is around $49,000, having seen a slight decrease of 1% compared...
Posted in: Education
June 4th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
When it comes to purchasing a car, savvy buyers often look for ways to save money, and one of the best-kept secrets in the automotive industry is the dealer auction. Dealer auctions, which are typically closed to the public and accessible only to licensed...
Posted in: Education
May 7th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
Dealer plates, also known as special plates or temporary plates, play a crucial role in the automotive industry, especially in California. They serve multiple purposes, from facilitating test drives to legalizing the temporary use of vehicles that are...
Posted in: Education
April 2nd, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
To obtain a dealer's license from the California DMV, you'll typically need to pass a dealer education program and a test. The DMV offers practice tests specifically tailored for dealer applicants to help prepare for the exam. These practice tests cover...
Posted in: Education
March 14th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
In the vibrant landscape of California's automotive industry, retail car dealerships play a pivotal role. These establishments, governed by specific regulations and requirements, are essential for the buying and selling of vehicles within the state....
Posted in: Education
March 6th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
If you have a passion for cars and want to embark on a career in the automotive industry, becoming an autobroker in the state of California can be a lucrative and fulfilling option. Autobrokers act as intermediaries between car buyers and sellers, facilitating...
Posted in: Education
February 9th, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
Car dealer auctions play a pivotal role in the automotive industry, offering a dynamic marketplace where dealers can buy and sell vehicles to meet the demands of their customers. In California, a state known for its vibrant automotive culture, dealer...
Posted in: Education
February 2nd, 2024 by Garrett Eddings
The Evolution of Car Dealer Training in California: Navigating Compliance and Customer Service California, known for its vast automotive industry, has long been a hub for car dealerships. With the dynamic landscape of the automobile market, the role of...
Posted in: Education
December 8th, 2023 by Garrett Eddings
The Independent Auto Dealer Association of California (IADAC) stands as a cornerstone in the state's automotive industry, tracing its roots back to the early 1950s. Its inception arose from a collective need among independent auto dealers to unify,...
Posted in: Education
November 20th, 2023 by Garrett Eddings
A Beginner's Guide to Obtaining a License for Car Auctions Automobile auctions present a lucrative opportunity for individuals looking to purchase vehicles at competitive prices. However, before diving into this venture, securing a license is a prerequisite....
Posted in: Education
November 15th, 2023 by Garrett Eddings
Whether you're entering the automotive, motorcycle, or other vehicle sales business in California, understanding the importance of a Dealer Surety Bond is crucial. This bond is a legal requirement designed to protect consumers, guarantee financial...
Posted in: Education
November 8th, 2023 by Garrett Eddings
A seller's permit in California is an official document issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), formerly known as the Board of Equalization. This permit allows individuals and businesses to sell tangible personal...
Posted in: Education
October 18th, 2023 by Garrett Eddings
Operating within California's automotive industry presents lucrative prospects, but securing a dealer license is a crucial prerequisite. Fortunately, the digital age has streamlined this process, allowing aspiring dealers to obtain their licenses...
Posted in: Education
November 30th, 2022 by admin
If you're interested in selling cars in California, you'll need to obtain a car dealer license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). While having a car lot is one way to meet the DMV's requirements, it's not the only way. In fact,...
Posted in: Education
June 25th, 2022 by Garrett Eddings
The DMV requires that all used car dealers interested in pursuing a wholesale dealers license are required to take a prelicensing class with a certified used car dealer class. Ready to get started? Register for training today. What is a wholesale dealers...
Posted in: Education