DMV Occupational Licensing has moved fully to its Digital Experience Platform — no more paper packets and mailed checks. Each page below covers one form: what it is for, who files it, what trips people up, and what happens next. All original applications, renewals, and modifications are now filed through your MyDMV account at dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-industry-services/occupational-licensing/login.
| Form | What It Is | Who Files It |
|---|---|---|
| OL 12 | Application for Original Occupational License — $175 fee, 120-day statutory investigation window (CVC §11704) | New retail, wholesale, and most other dealer license applicants |
| OL 16S | Salesperson License Application — Original, Renewal, or Reinstatement | Vehicle salespeople and anyone working sales at a licensed dealership |
| OL 21 | Application for Modifications to an Occupational License — add a location, change designations | Licensed dealers changing their business structure or locations |
| OL 25 | Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond, $50,000 — the standard bond under CVC §11710 | Most retail and larger wholesale dealers |
| OL 25 B | Motor Vehicle Dealer Bond, Reduced Amount — the $10,000 bond for narrower categories | Motorcycle/ATV-only and qualifying small wholesale dealers |
| OL 56 | $50,000 Bond Exemption Application for qualifying wholesale-only dealers | Wholesale-only dealers meeting the exemption criteria, with written DMV approval |
| OL 248 | Dealer Application Checklists — 248A for new dealers, 248B for used/wholesale-only | Every applicant, as a personalized digital checklist in the DXP |
| OL 257 | Continuing Education Exemption Application — wholesale-only dealers under 50 vehicles in the prior 12 months | Qualifying wholesale-only dealers filing their digital renewal (OL 45) |
This index reflects our own professional experience managing this process for clients under both the paper and digital systems, combined with DMV's own current published guidance. It is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Confirm current form requirements directly with DMV Occupational Licensing.
