Citrus Heights is one of the most densely populated suburban cities in the Sacramento metro area — a community of nearly 87,000 residents that borders Sacramento to the west, Roseville and Rocklin to the north, and Folsom to the east. That positioning puts Citrus Heights dealers squarely in the path of one of Northern California's largest and most active used-vehicle markets. The city's middle-income demographic drives consistent demand for reliable used cars, SUVs, and trucks — vehicles that fuel a steady, sustainable dealership business.
From a business-formation standpoint, Citrus Heights offers practical advantages for new dealers. Commercial lease rates in this area are lower than Sacramento's more central submarkets, and the city has dedicated commercial corridors — particularly along Sunrise Boulevard, Auburn Boulevard, and Greenback Lane — where retail dealership zoning is well-established. Wholesale operations and indoor showrooms have even greater flexibility. The City of Citrus Heights Planning Division handles zoning verification and can confirm dealership suitability for any parcel address before you commit to a lease.
California Dealer Academy has worked with dealers throughout the Sacramento region, and Citrus Heights is one of our most active markets. We know the Sacramento DMV Occupational Licensing offices, the auction options available to local dealers, and the specific regulatory steps that apply in Sacramento County. Whether you're planning a retail lot on Sunrise or a wholesale operation in a commercial suite, we can help you get licensed efficiently.
Call us at 916-610-3169 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 Citrus Heights area:
Citrus Heights Planning Divisionopens 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.
Citrus Heights Business Licenseopens in new window
All businesses operating within Citrus Heights city limits must obtain a general business license through the City's Finance Department before beginning operations.
Sacramento County FBN Filingopens in new window
If your dealership will operate under a trade name (e.g., "Sunrise Auto Group"), you must file a fictitious business name (DBA) statement with Sacramento 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
3321 Power Inn Rd, Suite 250If 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.
Sacramento OL – Florin Rd
9401 Florin Rd
Sacramento, CA 95829
(916) 255-4054
Rancho Cordova OL
11268 Trade Center Dr
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
(916) 255-4054
Roseville OL
300 Taylor St
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 774-4960
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
☎ 916-610-3169
Our team is available by phone and in person to help you navigate the Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights area:
7301 UPS Ave
Sacramento, CA 95828
Copart Sacramentoopens in new window
Copart Sacramento handles a large volume of salvage, repo, and clean-title vehicles from throughout the Sacramento region. Citrus Heights dealers can reach this yard quickly via Highway 50 or I-80. Online bidding available.
8803 Fruitridge Rd
Sacramento, CA 95826
IAA Sacramentoopens in new window
Insurance Auto Auctions Sacramento carries total-loss, repo, and fleet vehicles from Northern California insurers and fleet operators. Accessible from Citrus Heights via I-80 or Highway 50. Licensed dealers can bid online or on-site.
8643 Folsom Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95826
Manheim California Auctionsopens in new window
Manheim's Sacramento-area operations run regular wholesale sales with deep inventory from dealer trades, fleet, and off-lease sources. One of the key regional wholesale venues for Sacramento-area dealers. Online bidding through OVE.com.
9200 E. Stockton Blvd
Elk Grove, CA 95624
ADESA Sacramentoopens in new window
ADESA Sacramento in Elk Grove is one of the Sacramento region's largest wholesale auction venues, with weekly sales drawing dealers from throughout Northern California. Access inventory in person or via ADESA DealerBlock online.
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 Citrus Heights 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), Citrus Heights city business license fees, any zoning permits, and your required pre-licensing education course ($99–$148). The Sacramento metro area offers competitive commercial lease rates, making it feasible to start a dealership here without reaching the top of this cost range.
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 Citrus Heights 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 Sacramento OL – Florin Rd office or Rancho Cordova OL — the nearest offices serving Citrus Heights — 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 Citrus Heights.
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. Residential zones in Citrus Heights are not approved for dealer license addresses. You need a commercially or industrially zoned address for DMV approval. Citrus Heights and the surrounding Sacramento metro area have plentiful commercial and light-industrial space along Sunrise Boulevard, Auburn Boulevard, and Greenback Lane — making it practical to find a compliant dealer location at a reasonable cost.
Citrus Heights zoning for dealerships typically falls under General Commercial (CG) or Light Industrial designations. Retail lots with outdoor vehicle display require commercial or industrial zoning and DMV-compliant signage. Wholesale-only operations have the most flexibility. Check with the City of Citrus Heights Planning Divisionopens in new window to verify that your specific parcel qualifies before signing a lease.
Citrus Heights dealers have convenient access to Sacramento-area auction facilities. Copart Sacramento and IAA Sacramento are both accessible via I-80 or Highway 50. ADESA Sacramento in Elk Grove and Manheim Sacramento are the region's primary wholesale auction venues. Online platforms including OVE.com and ADESA DealerBlock allow local dealers to bid on national inventory without leaving the office.
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 used car lot on Sunrise Boulevard, a wholesale operation in a Citrus Heights commercial suite, or a dealership serving Sacramento County's growing suburban communities – California Dealer Academy has the course and the expertise to get you licensed.