Hemet is the largest city in the San Jacinto Valley and serves as the commercial center for a growing community of residents who have been priced out of the western Inland Empire and coastal regions. The vehicle market here is driven by working families, commuters to the greater IE, and retirees — all of whom place a premium on value and reliability. Trucks, practical SUVs, and affordably priced used cars move consistently in this market, and dealers who understand the local buyer profile can build a stable, community-based business.
From a cost and regulatory standpoint, Hemet is one of the most affordable markets in Riverside County for new dealers. Commercial real estate along Florida Avenue — Hemet's main commercial corridor — and in the city's light-industrial zones is substantially less expensive than comparable space in Riverside, Moreno Valley, or the western IE. Wholesale dealer licenses are particularly well-suited to Hemet's industrial zones, where a modest commercial suite is sufficient for a DMV-compliant business address. Retail dealers will want to confirm display area and signage standards with the City of Hemet Planning Division before committing to a lease.
California Dealer Academy has helped dealers throughout the Inland Empire — including the San Jacinto Valley — navigate the pre-licensing and DMV application process. We know the Riverside County OL office, the regional auction geography, and the practical steps that first-time Hemet-area dealers need to get from application to open doors.
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 Hemet area:
City of Hemet 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.
City of Hemet Business Licensesopens in new window
All businesses operating within Hemet must register for a business tax registration certificate through the city's finance or business licensing office.
Riverside County FBN Filingopens in new window
If your dealership will operate under a trade name (e.g., "San Jacinto Valley Auto"), you must file a fictitious business name (DBA) statement with Riverside 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
3737 Main Street, Suite 300If 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.
Riverside OL
3737 Main St, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 782-4060
San Bernardino OL
303 W. 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 383-4669
Stanton OL
7871 Katella Ave
Stanton, CA 90680
(714) 220-4200
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 Hemet 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 Hemet area:
1261 S. Milliken Ave
Ontario, CA 91761
Copart Rancho Cucamongaopens in new window
Copart Rancho Cucamonga is the most accessible major salvage and clean-title auction for Hemet dealers, reached via the 215 and 60 freeways. Strong truck and SUV inventory, with online bidding available for dealers who prefer remote purchasing.
7337 Mission Blvd
Riverside, CA 92508
IAA Riversideopens in new window
IAA Riverside carries total-loss, salvage, and repo inventory from major insurers throughout Riverside County and the IE. Licensed dealers from the San Jacinto Valley can bid online or attend in person via the 215 freeway.
700 Thayer Ave
Riverside, CA 92507
Manheim Riversideopens in new window
Manheim Riverside runs weekly wholesale sales serving Inland Empire dealers with deep fleet, off-lease, and dealer-trade inventory. The primary auction destination for Hemet-area dealers sourcing wholesale inventory. Online bidding via OVE.com.
1700 E. Valley Blvd
Acton, CA 93510
ADESA Los Angelesopens in new window
ADESA Los Angeles provides Hemet dealers access to a broader Southern California and national inventory pool through in-lane and online DealerBlock bidding — a solid complement to Manheim Riverside for sourcing variety.
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 Hemet 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), Hemet city business license fees, any zoning permits, and your required pre-licensing education course ($99–$148). Hemet has some of the most affordable commercial real estate in Riverside County — a genuine advantage that can significantly lower your overall startup costs compared to western IE or 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 Hemet 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 Riverside Occupational Licensing office — which serves San Jacinto Valley dealers — 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 Hemet.
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 zones in Hemet are not approved for dealer license addresses. The DMV requires a commercially or industrially zoned address that passes an on-site inspection. Hemet has commercial zones along Florida Avenue and light-industrial areas where compliant dealer addresses are available at some of the lowest commercial lease rates in all of Riverside County — making a legitimate dealer location very cost-accessible here.
Hemet's commercial zones along Florida Avenue and the city's light-industrial areas are generally suitable for dealership operations. Retail dealerships typically require General Commercial or light-industrial zoning with proper display area and signage. Wholesale-only operations have the most flexibility. Contact the City of Hemet Planning Divisionopens in new window to verify zoning for your specific parcel before signing a lease.
Hemet dealers have access to the Inland Empire auction network. Copart Rancho Cucamonga is the closest major salvage and clean-title option, accessible via the 215 and 60. IAA Riverside carries insurance and repo inventory. Manheim Riverside is the primary wholesale auction for San Jacinto Valley dealers. ADESA Los Angeles rounds out the network, and online platforms like OVE.com and DealerBlock let Hemet dealers source national inventory without making the drive.
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 retail lot along Florida Avenue, a wholesale operation in Hemet's industrial zones, or a dealership serving the San Jacinto Valley's growing community — California Dealer Academy has the course and expertise to get you licensed.