Fontana is one of the fastest-growing cities in California, and its position at the intersection of the I-10 and I-15 freeways makes it a genuine logistics and commerce hub for the entire Inland Empire. The city's working-class, vehicle-dependent population drives sustained demand for used cars – and that demand creates a strong market for new dealerships at every price point. Whether you're planning a retail lot or starting as a wholesale dealer buying at auction, Fontana's economic fundamentals are favorable for the auto business.
Commercial and industrial real estate in Fontana remains substantially more affordable than in the Los Angeles basin or Orange County. The city's heavy industrial and warehouse corridors – particularly around the I-10/I-15 interchange and along Valley Boulevard and Sierra Avenue – offer a wide range of commercial spaces at competitive lease rates. For wholesale dealers, an industrial office suite or commercial unit can often be secured for a fraction of what a comparable coastal location would cost. This makes Fontana particularly attractive for first-time dealers who want to start lean, build auction-buying experience, and scale up over time.
Fontana's zoning is largely commercial and industrial in its business corridors, which means many available properties already meet DMV requirements without significant build-out. The City's Community Development Department processes zoning verifications efficiently. The proximity to Manheim Riverside, ADESA Southern California, Copart Colton, and IAA Rancho Cucamonga means you're never more than 20 minutes from a major wholesale auction once you have your license in hand.
Call us at 951-963-3223 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 Fontana area:
Fontana Planning Divisionopens in new window
Verify that your proposed location is properly zoned before signing a lease. Retail dealers typically need Commercial General or Industrial zoning. Indoor display-only setups are often approved more easily and Fontana's industrial corridors offer many suitable locations.
Fontana Business Licenseopens in new window
All businesses operating within Fontana city limits must obtain a business license through the City's Finance Department. Applications are available online.
San Bernardino County FBN Filingopens in new window
If your dealership will operate under a trade name (e.g., "Fontana Auto Group"), you must file a fictitious business name (DBA) statement with San Bernardino 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
290 N. D Street, 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.
San Bernardino
1550 E. Highland Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92404
(909) 383-4656
Riverside
3700 University Avenue, Suite 100
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 782-4160
Covina
1365 N. Grand Avenue, Suite 102
Covina, CA 91724
(626) 974-7140
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
☎ 951-963-3223
Our team is available by phone and in person to help you navigate the Fontana 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 Fontana area:
700 Palmyrita Avenue
Riverside, CA 92507
Manheim Riverside Auctionopens in new window
One of the IE's largest wholesale auction lanes. Manheim Riverside runs weekly sales with thousands of vehicles from fleet, rental, dealer trade, and repo sources. Online bidding through OVE.com available.
1001 Piedmont Drive
Riverside, CA 92507
ADESA Southern California Auctionopens in new window
ADESA's IE location offers weekly dealer-only sales with off-lease, manufacturer, and fleet vehicles. Part of the OPENLANE digital platform for remote bidding.
9900 6th Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
IAA Locationsopens in new window
IAA offers salvage and clean-title vehicles to licensed dealers through weekly in-person and online auctions. Rancho Cucamonga is just minutes from Fontana via the I-15.
2530 S. Rancho Avenue
Colton, CA 92324
Copart Coltonopens in new window
Copart specializes in salvage and insurance-total-loss vehicles. Licensed dealers can bid online and pick up locally. Strong source for rebuilders, parts dealers, and export-oriented dealers.
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 Fontana 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), city business license fees, zoning costs, and your required pre-licensing education course ($99–$148). Fontana's large supply of affordable industrial and commercial real estate means your location overhead is typically lower than in coastal markets.
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 Fontana's zoning and signage requirements.
Plan for 45–90 days from start to finish. The pre-licensing class takes 1–2 days online. Zoning approval through Fontana's Community Development Department typically moves in 2–4 weeks. After your location is approved and DMV paperwork is submitted, your dealer plates and license usually 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 for new dealers in Fontana's active IE market.
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.
No. Residential-zoned properties are not approved for dealer license addresses in Fontana. You need a commercially or industrially zoned address. The good news: Fontana has extensive light-industrial and commercial zoning – particularly around the I-10/I-15 corridor – where affordable units are readily available and many already meet DMV inspection requirements without major modification.
Vehicle sales in Fontana typically require Commercial General (CG) or Industrial zoning. Retail dealers with outdoor lots must meet landscaping, setback, and signage standards. Wholesale-only operations and indoor-display models face fewer requirements. Confirm your specific parcel's zoning with the Fontana Planning Divisionopens in new window before signing a lease.
PRO TIP: Fontana's industrial corridors near the freeway interchange often contain properties that are already pre-cleared for commercial auto uses – check with a local commercial real estate broker who knows which properties have had prior dealer tenants.
With an active California dealer license you can bid at dealer-only wholesale auctions serving the IE, including Manheim Riverside, ADESA Southern California (Riverside), IAA Rancho Cucamonga, and Copart Colton – all within a short drive from Fontana. These auctions provide access to fleet, off-lease, trade-in, and salvage inventory at wholesale prices unavailable to the general public.
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 looking to open a retail lot along Fontana's busy commercial corridors, run a wholesale operation near the I-10/I-15 interchange, or become a licensed broker buying at auction across the Inland Empire – California Dealer Academy has the course and the expertise to get you there.