Riverside is the largest city in the Inland Empire and the county seat of Riverside County – a region with over 2.4 million residents that has been one of California's fastest-growing markets for more than two decades. The IE's combination of high vehicle dependency, large working-class population, and rapidly expanding suburban footprint makes it one of the most active used car markets in the state. Riverside sits at the center of it all, at the intersection of the 91, 215, and 60 freeways, putting dealers within reach of buyers from Moreno Valley to Corona, Norco to Perris.
For new dealers, Riverside offers advantages that coastal LA and Orange County simply can't match. Commercial zoning is more flexible here – the city has historically welcomed auto-related businesses, and there are established dealer corridors along University Avenue, Auto Mall Drive, and the Market Street corridor near the 215 freeway. Commercial rents are dramatically lower than anywhere west of the hills, which means your cost to get licensed and operational is lower than in most of Southern California. Retail lot space that would cost $5,000–$8,000 per month in LA can be found for $1,500–$3,000 in Riverside.
The Inland Empire also has one of the strongest wholesale auction ecosystems in the state. Manheim Riverside is one of the region's highest-volume wholesale auctions and is located right in the city, making it possible to source and sell inventory without extensive travel. For new dealers who want to start lean, a wholesale license operating out of a small commercial office near one of Riverside's business corridors is among the most cost-effective ways to begin dealing anywhere in California.
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 Riverside area:
Riverside Planning Division opens in new window
Verify that your proposed location is properly zoned before signing a lease. Riverside's Commercial General (CG) and Industrial (I) zoning districts support auto dealer uses. The city's zoning process is generally less restrictive than in coastal Southern California markets.
Riverside Business License opens in new window
All businesses operating within Riverside city limits must register for a business license through the City's Finance Department.
Riverside County FBN Filing opens in new window
If your dealership will operate under a trade name (e.g., "Inland Auto Group"), you must file a fictitious business name (DBA) statement with the Riverside County Clerk's Office.
California Seller's Permit Registration opens 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 Offices opens in new window
3737 Main Street, Suite 1000If you plan to operate as a corporation or LLC, you'll need to register with the Franchise Tax Board. The Riverside FTB field office is one of the few inland offices and serves the entire Inland Empire region.
Riverside OL Office
3737 Main Street, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 782-4060
San Bernardino OL Office
303 W. 3rd Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 383-4669
Stanton OL Office
7871 Katella Avenue
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 Corona office is just 15 miles west of downtown Riverside – our team is close by and available by phone to help you navigate the Inland Empire 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. Riverside dealers have exceptional auction access – the region hosts some of the busiest wholesale facilities in Southern California.
1620 Eastridge Avenue
Riverside, CA 92507
Manheim Riverside Auction opens in new window
Manheim Riverside is the flagship wholesale auction for the Inland Empire and one of the most active in Southern California. Multiple weekly lanes with fleet, lease return, repo, and dealer-consigned inventory. Online bidding available via OVE.com.
1700 Saturn Street
Palmdale, CA 93550
ADESA Los Angeles Auction opens in new window
About 70 miles north of Riverside via the 215 and 14, ADESA Los Angeles draws strong Inland Empire dealer participation. The OPENLANE online platform lets you bid from your desk without the drive.
1960 Marlborough Ave.
Riverside, CA 92507
Copart Riverside opens in new window
Copart Riverside is one of the largest salvage auction lots in Southern California. Licensed dealers can purchase salvage, clean title, and repossession inventory at competitive bid prices. Online bidding available nationwide.
940 Case Road
Perris, CA 92570
IAA Auction Locations opens in new window
IAA Perris is a major insurance and total-loss auction just 20 miles from downtown Riverside. Strong selection of insurance salvage, repo, and fleet units. Licensed dealers access online bidding through IAA's dealer portal.
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 Riverside market.
Total startup costs typically range from $1,200 to $2,800 – lower than coastal LA and OC markets due to Riverside's more affordable commercial real estate. Core costs include the DMV application fee ($175 for used vehicle dealers), a $10,000 surety bond (annual premium roughly $100–$200), City of Riverside business license, Riverside County FBN filing if using a trade name, and your required pre-licensing course ($99–$148 through California Dealer Academy).
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 Riverside zoning and signage requirements. Riverside's ample and affordable commercial space makes finding a qualifying address much easier than in coastal markets.
Plan for 45–90 days from start to finish – typically faster than denser LA markets. The pre-licensing class takes 1–2 days online. Zoning review through Riverside's Planning Division generally takes 3–6 weeks. After your address is approved and DMV paperwork is submitted, 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. In Riverside, both license types are viable given the city's flexible commercial zoning and affordable real estate.
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 Riverside. You need a commercially or industrially zoned address. The good news: commercial real estate in the Inland Empire is significantly more affordable than coastal Southern California, and Riverside has no shortage of qualifying spaces – from small office suites to large light-industrial units with vehicle storage.
Riverside is one of the most dealer-friendly cities in Southern California for zoning. Commercial General (CG) and Industrial (I) zoning both accommodate auto dealer uses. Established auto corridors along University Avenue, Auto Mall Drive (near the 215), and Market Street have long supported independent and franchise dealers. The city's zoning standards are less restrictive than in coastal LA and OC, and commercial rents are dramatically lower – making Riverside an excellent choice for new dealers who want a retail location without excessive overhead. Verify your specific address with the Riverside Planning Division opens in new window before signing a lease.
Riverside dealers have outstanding auction access. With an active California dealer license you can attend Manheim Riverside (located in Riverside itself), Copart Riverside, IAA Perris, and ADESA Los Angeles in Palmdale. You're also within easy reach of Manheim Southern California in Anaheim and Manheim Los Angeles in Gardena. Few cities in Southern California offer this density of wholesale auction access within a 45-minute radius.
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
Riverside offers lower startup costs, flexible commercial zoning, and the best wholesale auction access in Southern California – making it one of the smartest places to launch a California dealership. California Dealer Academy is right here in the Inland Empire to help you get licensed and get to work.