Bakersfield is California's gateway between the Central Valley and Southern California – a position that gives dealers here unique market advantages. The city's economy is driven by oil production, agriculture, and a fast-growing logistics sector, and all three of those industries generate heavy, consistent demand for trucks, SUVs, and commercial work vehicles. Pickup trucks dominate Bakersfield roads, and dealers who specialize in late-model diesel trucks, heavy-duty pickups, and ag-capable SUVs are well-matched to the local buyer base. The city is also one of California's fastest-growing metros, which means a steady pipeline of new residents entering the used vehicle market.
From a business setup standpoint, Bakersfield ranks among the most cost-effective California markets to open a dealership. Commercial real estate on major corridors like Auto Mall Drive, Rosedale Highway, and Ming Avenue is a fraction of what comparable space costs in Los Angeles or the Bay Area. Kern County's zoning for commercial vehicle sales is less complex than coastal cities, and the city's planning department has a reputation for being accessible to small business owners. Many new dealers in Bakersfield start with a wholesale license from a small commercial address, operate lean, and scale into a retail location once cash flow is established. The I-5 and Highway 99 corridors also mean Bakersfield dealers can access LA-area auctions and NorCal markets within the same day.
California Dealer Academy serves dealers throughout the southern Central Valley and Kern County. We know the Bakersfield DMV Occupational Licensing office, regional auction options, and the zoning considerations that apply to Kern County dealerships.
Call us at 559-508-8008 for a free phone consultation. We'll answer your questions about zoning, DMV requirements, and what type of dealer license makes the most sense for your goals.
Here are the official offices and links you'll need to start your dealership in the Bakersfield area:
Bakersfield Development Services / Planningopens in new window
Verify that your proposed location is properly zoned before signing a lease. Retail dealers typically need commercial or industrial zoning. Indoor display-only setups are often approved more easily.
Bakersfield Business License Officeopens in new window
All businesses operating within Bakersfield city limits must register for a business license through the City's Finance Department.
Kern County FBN Filingopens in new window
If your dealership will operate under a trade name (e.g., "Kern Valley Auto"), you must file a fictitious business name (DBA) statement with Kern County.
California Seller's Permit Registrationopens in new window
Dealers who sell vehicles are required to hold a California Seller's Permit issued by the CDTFA. Registration is free and can be completed online.
FTB Field Officesopens in new window
5060 California Avenue, Suite 1000If you plan to operate as a corporation or LLC, you'll need to register with the Franchise Tax Board. Sole proprietors can skip this step.
Bakersfield
1980 Business Center Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 395-2905
Visalia
1925 E. Acequia Avenue
Visalia, CA 93292
(559) 713-3800
Fresno
2550 Mariposa Mall, Suite 3080
Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 445-5700
Note: DMV Occupational Licensing is not at the standard DMV counter – enter through the main doors and proceed to the designated office area.
California Dealer Academy
1655 E 6th St #108, Ste A5A, Corona, CA 92879
☎ 559-508-8008
Our team is available by phone and in person to help you navigate the Bakersfield market.
Once you have your dealer license, you'll have access to wholesale dealer-only auctions where you can buy inventory at prices unavailable to the public. Here are the major auction houses serving the Bakersfield area:
3200 E. Brundage Lane
Bakersfield, CA 93307
Copart Bakersfieldopens in new window
Copart Bakersfield is a large local salvage and clean-title yard. Strong inventory of trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles – exactly the segments that move best in the Kern County market. Bid online or in person.
2601 S. Union Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93307
IAA Bakersfieldopens in new window
Insurance Auto Auctions Bakersfield offers total-loss and salvage vehicles from local insurers and fleet operators. A reliable source for parts vehicles and rebuilder units in the southern Central Valley.
4545 W. Herndon Avenue
Fresno, CA 93722
Manheim Fresno Auctionopens in new window
Manheim Fresno is roughly 90 minutes from Bakersfield and worth the drive for its weekly wholesale sales lanes with deep fleet, dealer trade, and off-lease inventory. Online bidding through OVE.com available.
241 E. Gardena Boulevard
Gardena, CA 90248
Manheim Los Angeles Auctionopens in new window
Bakersfield's position on the I-5 / Highway 99 corridor puts Manheim LA in Gardena within about 2 hours. One of California's largest wholesale auctions with thousands of vehicles per week and online bidding.
California requires all new dealer license applicants to complete a 6-hour pre-licensing course through an approved provider. California Dealer Academy is state-approved. Complete the course online at your own pace – no classroom commute required.
In the course you'll learn:
Already have your license? California requires dealers to complete continuing education before each renewal. Our renewal course is quick, fully online, and satisfies the DMV requirement.
Skip the guesswork. Our Deluxe Dealer Package guides you 1-on-1 through every step – from zoning research and DMV paperwork to bond, signage, and opening day. Ideal for first-time dealers in the Bakersfield market.
Total startup costs typically range from $1,200 to $2,800. This includes the DMV application fee ($175 for used vehicle dealers), a $10,000 surety bond (annual premium roughly $100–$200), Bakersfield city business license fees, any zoning permits, and your required pre-licensing education course ($99–$148). Bakersfield's commercial real estate costs are among the most affordable in California, which can significantly reduce overall startup expenses.
Not necessarily. Wholesale dealer licenses do not require a display lot – only a commercial address that passes a DMV inspection. Wholesale dealers sell only to other dealers, not the public. Retail licenses require an approved lot or indoor showroom that meets Bakersfield zoning and signage requirements.
Plan for 45–90 days from start to finish. The pre-licensing class takes 1–2 days online. Zoning and location approval typically takes 3–6 weeks. After DMV paperwork is submitted to the Bakersfield Occupational Licensing office, your dealer plates and license typically arrive within 2–4 weeks.
A retail dealer license allows you to sell vehicles directly to the public and requires an approved display lot and DMV-compliant signage. A wholesale dealer license allows you to buy and sell only to other licensed dealers – no public sales. Wholesale licenses have fewer location requirements, making them a popular starting point in Bakersfield.
Yes. California law requires all new dealer applicants to complete a 6-hour pre-licensing education course through a DMV-approved provider before the DMV will issue a license. California Dealer Academy is state-approved. The course is available online for $99 (self-paced) or $148 with a live Saturday webinar session.
Generally no. Bakersfield residential zones are not approved for dealer license addresses. You need a commercially or industrially zoned address for DMV approval. Bakersfield has a wide range of affordable commercial properties available throughout the city, making it practical and inexpensive to secure a compliant dealer address here compared to most California markets.
Bakersfield's zoning for dealerships is more flexible than coastal California – a genuine cost advantage for new dealers. C-2 General Commercial and light industrial zones are typically approved for retail dealerships. Wholesale-only operations that don't display vehicles have the most flexibility. Verify zoning through the City of Bakersfield Planning Divisionopens in new window before signing a lease.
PRO TIP: Bakersfield's Auto Mall Drive corridor and the areas along Rosedale Highway and Gosford Road have established commercial zones that are well-suited to dealership operations – and available at prices that make business plans work.
Bakersfield dealers have excellent access to both Central Valley and LA-area auction markets. Copart Bakersfield and IAA Bakersfield operate locally. Manheim Fresno is about 90 minutes north. And Bakersfield's location on the I-5 / Hwy 99 corridor puts Manheim Los Angeles (Gardena) and ADESA Los Angeles (Palmdale) within a 2-hour drive – plus online bidding through OVE.com and ADESA DealerBlock for national access.
At California Dealer Academy, we can help you with something as basic as completing your application to doing it for you from start to finish.
Feel free to call the owner directly to get more information.
Garrett Eddings 760-681-1757
Whether you're planning a truck-focused retail lot in Bakersfield, a wholesale operation near the Auto Mall, or a dealership serving Kern County's oil and agricultural communities – California Dealer Academy has the course and the expertise to get you licensed.