San Bernardino is one of the most strategically positioned cities in the Inland Empire for a new auto dealership. The city is undergoing a significant economic revitalization, and commercial real estate here is substantially more affordable than in Los Angeles or Orange County. Industrial and commercial properties along corridors like Baseline Street, Waterman Avenue, and the Mt. Vernon business district offer low-cost locations that can meet DMV inspection requirements – meaning your overhead from day one can be a fraction of what a coastal dealer would pay. For entrepreneurs starting with a wholesale model, this cost advantage is especially powerful.
The wholesale dealer model is particularly active in the San Bernardino and broader Inland Empire market. Because wholesale dealers do not require a public-facing retail lot – only a commercial address that passes a DMV inspection – many IE dealers start wholesale, build their auction-buying skills and capital, then transition to retail. The proximity of multiple major wholesale auction facilities in Riverside and Colton makes inventory sourcing straightforward once you have your license. San Bernardino dealers regularly access Manheim Riverside, ADESA Southern California, and Copart Colton within a short drive.
Zoning in San Bernardino is generally more flexible than in many coastal cities. The City's Community Development Department is accustomed to working with small business owners, and the review process for commercial and light-industrial locations tends to move faster than in larger metro areas. If you plan an indoor-display-only model, you'll find city staff receptive. Our team at California Dealer Academy can help you understand exactly what zoning category your location needs and what the DMV will require during inspection.
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 San Bernardino area:
San Bernardino Planning & Zoningopens in new window
Verify that your proposed location is properly zoned before signing a lease. Retail dealers typically need Commercial General (CG) or Industrial Light (IL) zoning. Indoor display-only setups are often approved more easily.
San Bernardino Business Registrationopens in new window
All businesses operating within San Bernardino city limits must obtain a business registration certificate through the City Finance Department.
San Bernardino County FBN Filingopens in new window
If your dealership will operate under a trade name (e.g., "IE Auto Sales"), 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 San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino area:
700 Palmyrita Avenue
Riverside, CA 92507
Manheim Riverside Auctionopens in new window
One of the Inland Empire's busiest wholesale auction lanes. Manheim Riverside runs weekly sales with thousands of vehicles from fleet, rental, dealer trade, and repo sources. Online bidding available through OVE.com.
1001 Piedmont Drive
Riverside, CA 92507
ADESA Southern California Auctionopens in new window
ADESA's IE location offers weekly dealer-only sales with a wide mix of off-lease, manufacturer, and fleet vehicles. Part of the OPENLANE digital auction network for remote bidding.
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 on rebuildable and clean-title inventory. An excellent source for parts dealers, rebuilders, and exporters.
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. Strong selection of late-model total-loss inventory from insurance carriers.
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 San Bernardino 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). San Bernardino's affordable commercial real estate means your location overhead is significantly lower than in coastal markets, making it one of the more accessible cities in California to start a dealership.
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 San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino's Community Development Department is generally faster than in larger coastal cities – often 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 in San Bernardino'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 by the DMV. You need a commercially or industrially zoned address. The good news: San Bernardino has a large supply of affordable commercial and light-industrial space – including office suites, warehouse units, and mixed-use storefronts – available at prices far below coastal markets, making it relatively easy to find a compliant location on a tight budget.
Vehicle sales in San Bernardino require Commercial General (CG) or Industrial Light (IL) zoning. Retail dealers with outdoor lots must also meet landscaping, setback, and signage standards under the City's Development Code. Wholesale dealers and indoor-display models generally face fewer hurdles. Always verify zoning with the City of San Bernardino Community Development Departmentopens in new window before signing a lease.
PRO TIP: Telling zoning staff you plan an indoor-display-only model can significantly streamline approval – it eliminates concerns about outdoor traffic and lot lighting.
With an active California dealer license you can bid at dealer-only wholesale auctions serving the Inland Empire, including Manheim Riverside, ADESA Southern California (Riverside), Copart Colton, and IAA Rancho Cucamonga. These auctions give you 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 in San Bernardino, run a wholesale operation near one of the IE's major auction houses, or become a licensed broker – California Dealer Academy has the course and the expertise to get you there.