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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 5Ch. 4Art. 1§ 11701 Vehicle Dealer Licensing Requirements

§ 11701 Vehicle Dealer Licensing Requirements

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 11701 Vehicle Dealer Licensing Requirements

This law says anyone who makes, sells, or moves cars, motorcycles, or trailers must get a special license from the state. They have to prove they really do that job.

Key Takeaways

  • •If you make, sell, or transport vehicles (like cars or motorcycles), you need a special license.
  • •You have to prove to the state that you’re really doing that job.
  • •This includes dealers, manufacturers, and even people who fix up old vehicles to sell.

Example

A person starts a business selling used cars.

They must get a license from the state to legally sell cars. They’ll need to show proof they’re really a car dealer, like business papers or a shop location.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 11701 Vehicle Dealer Licensing Requirements

Every manufacturer, manufacturer branch, remanufacturer, remanufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch, transporter, or dealer of vehicles of a type subject to registration, or snowmobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, or trailers of a type subject to identification, shall make application to the department for a license containing a general distinguishing number. The applicant shall submit proof of his or her status as a bona fide manufacturer, manufacturer branch, remanufacturer, remanufacturer branch, distributor, distributor branch, transporter, or dealer as may reasonably be required by the department. (Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 836, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2005.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

manufacturerremanufacturerdistributortransporterdealergeneral distinguishing numberbona fide

Related Statutes

  • § 11700 Vehicle Dealer Licensing Requirements
  • § 11703.1 License Denial Grounds
  • § 11716 Unregistered Vehicle Movement Permit
  • § 11713.2 Dealer Coercion Prohibition
  • § 11713.17 Front License Plate Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 11701.
View Official Source