


READY, SET, GO Getting your Dealer License

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: 
$ 100 - with taking the online tutorial
$ 200 - without taking the online tutorial AND
$ 300 - for our private classes.
TriStars training is an excellent alternative to most new dealer programs, as we are retired
training officers and not in the business of selling you dealer products.
The goal of each session is to provide comprehensive training is an easy to read and follow format. As
our student you will be shown the required materials in our handbook, with an in-depth explanation of
each required topic.
At anytime, if you have questions or need help in solving a problem you may
email your question to: tsm974@gmail.com or 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.
- Download Our How Do I Become A Car Dealer Check list to get all
of your questions answered.
to secure your
seat with a valid credit card.
Confirmation and directions will be sent via USPS, E Mail or FAX with in 24 hours.
- To signup for a class by FAX, call 1-888-948-1795 and fax a copy of your ID,
Along with your choice of class date and location
- If sign up by phone call: 800-901-5950. If you know the course date and location just leave us your fax or
email address with course information and we will send you a class confirmation.
Want More inforamtion about getting a dealer license? Read on:

There are basically three major steps you must complete to getting your license.
Step One
Complete the TriStar Motors
6 hour new dealer course, including our practice test Sign up now online.
Obtain your class certificate upon completion of the course.
pass the DMV Examination.
You will need 28 of 40 correct to pass multiple-choice examination format.
Three tries are allowed on one certificate if you fail the examination
our certificate is valid one year from class date renewable if expired, $ 50. fee
Step Two
Prepare and submit your dealer application
with a valid surety bond,
resale permit & zoning approval letter
You will have to identify the type of dealership
including an estimate of sales volume
The application must include a surety bond.
A bond is a promise you make to the state, a promise that you will, in the event of a problem, have adequate financial coverage to solve the problem.
$ 10,000 bond needed if:
Wholesale Only & less than 25 cars per year
Otherwise a $ 50,000 bond is needed
 The premium you will pay to obtain a bond is based on the collective credit of the
owners of the dealership.
The application must include a resale permit.
The Board of Equalization issues these resale permits and may require an additional
bond for sales tax collection.
The application must include a zoning approval letter.
Each locality may place restrictions and charge fees to obtain local zoning approval.
This is usually handled in an office called planning, and is generally where building
permits are offered.
Some cities allow wholesale only in the home office.
This will usually be approved with restrictions on vehicle storage and outsign signage.
Sometimes is it easier to start as wholesale & build up to retail.
Since wholesale dealers are restricted to within the industry acquisition and no
selling to the public, some retail dealers will sell the occasional vehicle for a wholesaler.
This is known as a drafted sale, and the fee ranges from as low as $ 50. to as
high as $ 1000.
Remember, the Inspector will have to put his or her name on your application prior to
submission to DMV headquarters in Sacramento. The more complete and concise your
application the greater the chance of acceptance and approval.
Step Three
Office Preparation and Photo Set
In order for your office to pass inspection
several requirements must be met
& demonstrated in photos prior to
an actual inspection by the DMV.
A temporary license may be issued at the discretion of the Inspector prior to actual inspection.
A set of photos will help insure a temporary license & approval.
All dealers must maintain an office.
All offices must receive proper zoning approval.
Two dealers may not share the same address / office.
A dealer may share space with another business as long as such usage is approved by the local zoning authority and the business are clearly marked and separate.

The required photos are of the:
- Building
- Outside Sign
- Display Area
- Office
- Business License
- Posted Resale License
- Office Phone
- Office Signs
- Locked Cabinet or Safe
- Checkbook / Deposit Slip
- DMV Dealer Book
We are now offering our Study Guide-Class Outline © and
Practice Exam © online
to better help you prepare for your Dealer Licensing test (Please Note: this is not the
online class which is offered to returning students).
This tutorial will assist the New Dealer Student to:
- Prepare for the class in advance.
- Ask informed questions of the instructor during class
- Provide ready access to the study guide and practice exam to those interested in becoming
a salesperson or dealer.
- If you have more questions please email us at: tsm974@gmail.com
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