All California vehicle dealer applicants must take a mandatory six-hour course training as mandated by the Department of Motor Vehicles before obtaining a vehicle dealer license. We conduct the courses throughout California. The fee for our new dealer course is:
$250 – scheduled classes AND $350 – for our private classes.
TriStar dealer training is an excellent alternative to most new dealer programs, as we are retired training officers, licensed DMV dealers/brokers/registration agents/verification agents and never in the business of selling you dealer products.
The goal of each session is to provide comprehensive training in an easy to read and follow format.
As our dealer licence student you will be shown the required materials in our handbook, with an in-depth explanation of each required topic.
We offer training beyond expectation as currently licensed retail dealers/brokers.
Anytime, if you have questions or need help you may call us toll free at: 800-901-5950.
Signing up for the DMV approved pre-licensing class:
Registration and Class Completion – The course mandate covers a variety of topics and our program has full approval of the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
All dealer license applicants must select the type of dealership they wish to create.
The choices are:
Wholesale Only
Wholesale only dealers sell from dealer to dealer, auction or dismantler, A wholesale only dealer cannot sell directly to the public. We offer drafted sale assistance for wholesale only dealers wishing to sell an inventory unit to the public.
Wholesale dealers selling 24 units per year or less require a $ 10k bond.
Wholesale dealers selling 25 units or more per year require a $ 50k bond.
Wholesale dealers do not need parking, outside or inside signs.
Zoning approval is usually simple and may allow a home based dealership if separate entrance requirements are met.
Retail
A retail license includes a wholesale license. Retail dealers are unrestricted in whom they can sell their inventory to. Retail dealerships require a commercial location with local zoning approval including assigned parking, inside and outside signs. Mixed use locations may qualify with zoning approval and separate offices. Only one dealer may occupy a USPS approved address.
All retail dealers, except motorcycles require a $ 50k bond.
AutoBroker Endorsement
Any dealer, wholesale or retail, with a $50k bond, local zoning approval and an outside sign may choose to become a licensed autobroker.
AutoBrokers may legally collect a finders fee when they bring a customer to a selling dealer. AutoBrokers must establish a trust account and have written authorization signed by the buyer to get paid. AutoBrokers may collect fees from the buyer and the selling dealer with full written disclosure. The fee is $ 125. then $75. per year
AutoBrokers are legally allowed to deliver brokered dealer inventory provided they have assigned their own dealer plate and have dealer insurance on file.
TriStar Motors LLC as the only licensed retail dealer / broker certified to teach DMV dealer education offers wholesale dealers the ablity to draft retail sales on their retail dealer / broker license. Red Flag Certification required and fees are $ 250. per transaction. Restrictions apply.