This will depend on your state.

For example, to become a licensed car dealer the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles requires a dealer applicant to take a six hour preparation class to become a licensed car dealer. There are 2 main types of dealers, retail or wholesale. Retail Dealers have more restrictions as liability which required more dealer insurance as well as a larger dealer bond, but retail dealer are the only dealers allowed to sell to the public. Wholesale dealers may only sell to other dealers.

The applicant must take the class and pass a 40 question test, then submit an application and a bond, then submit photos and pass an on-site inspection. Upon review the DMV inspector will review the dealer's application and then approve the tempory license. Often the largest struggle for those attempting to start a retail dealership is the zoning for the city or county to allow a dealership at the chosen location. Make sure that the location you choose is zoned properly and/or will be an acceptable location for a retail dealership. Rarely do wholesale dealerships struggle getting proper zoning permission from the government.

Once a would be dealer passes the test they must prepare for DMV approval from the inspector. To prepare the following tasks must be done. The applicant must produce 11 photos 1)building 2)outside sign 3)display area 4)office 5)business license 6)resale permit 7)telephone 8)inside signs 9)locked cabinet 10)checkbook 11)dmv dealer book

Then the applicant must submit: zoning approval letter, OL902 certificate of class completion, TSM888 business license resale permit ficticious name statement telephone listing livescan fingerprint card personal history questionaire completed dmv dealer application bond in the name of the owner / dealership.

Temporary license can be granted within 30 days permanent license can be granted within 120 days.

Here is more input and advice:

• You may need to call your state tax office.

• In Tennessee a person wishing to obtain a "Motor Vehicle Dealer's License" must apply for one through the State Department of Commerce and Insurance, Motor Vehicle Division. They have a list of requirements that can be printed from their website. Requirements include: having a building with office furniture and a business phone, a display area large enough for 15 vehicles, a sign, liability insurance, a garage facility or Service Agreement with a local repair garage, and a surety bond or letter of credit for $25,000. The Dealer License Fee for used cars is $200.

• I am in the process of opening a used car dealership in California. You go to the DMV and get all the required forms. Go to the county office to apply for a business license and a fictious name permit. Then contact the Franchised Tax Board to get your resale #. Secure a $50,000 used car bond (each state is different). Secure your location because you have to show proof of lease to the DMV.

• In California, you can't have two different dealerships with the same address if your thinking about sharing a place with another dealer. You can't share,a business address with any other type of business period. The front door of your office must be facing outside.

• As far as I know, most states require a sales office and have a required size. Must be inspected by the DMV before a license is issued.. NC is now requiring a DMV training class that must be done before they will even accept an application.

Indiana wholesale dealers can get licensed by first renting an office in a complex already approved for this purpose by the Indiana Secretary of State. You do not have to be an Indiana resident to qualify for this license. In addition to the office rental you will be required to have a liability insurance policy for the business and a $25,000 Bond. There is no class but you will attend a one hour meeting with a state inspector. Occasionally the inspectors require an audit of your documents and will meet at your rented office. To find one of these facilities simply search for Indiana wholesale dealers and a number of brick and mortar properties come up. Careful though, there are scammers. Once licensed as Indiana wholesale dealers the licensees can register to buy and sell cars at auction in all 50 states and in other countries worldwide. The four license plates issued to Indiana wholesale dealers with this license are legal in all 50 states as well.

These Indiana licenses will only allow you to sell to other dealers and wholesalers ONLY. You cannot sell retail to the consumer from your home or on the Internet. Investigate any "licensing for a fee" with the dealer licensing board in YOUR state.

These Indiana companies don't really make that very clear. You could get in a lot of legal hot water by not knowing the laws in YOUR state for buying and selling cars in YOUR state where you are making transactions. The State of Indiana could also get involved if you violate the guidelines of your Indiana license. ALL state statutes (laws) level hefty fines and in some cases jail time for violations.

As an example; Wal-Mart may be have its corporation licensed in Delaware (most companies do) but it MUST follow the laws in all the states where it ACTUALLY does its business transactions. If it doesn't, any state where it does business will take action.

As a dealer doing transactions in a state other than the one you're licensed, you MUST do the same; i.e. follow the laws and licensing statutes of the state where the transaction actually takes place... the location of the product (car) being sold. Selling on the Internet does not absolve you from licensing in the state your doing transactions.

One of the Indiana companies has a "retail" package. You cannot use a retail license in Indiana to make retail transactions in your state if the vehicle is not located in Indiana. The Internet is not a place, its a form of advertising just as classified ads. Verify this with your state licensing board. Protect yourself.

Here are opinions and answers from FAQ Farmers: * There are probably different laws in different states, but in Kansas you show the sales tax receipt when you register the vehicle. If you did not pay sales tax to the seller, the county clerk will collect it then. * No. The BUYER probably will. * I believe that in most states when you go to register the car as the buyer you will pay sales tax on the purchase price equal to the sales tax rate of the county you live in. * Sales tax is a State tax and laws and rates do vary. Cars (like real estate) are, by the very nature of values involved, frequently handled under special rules. Generally, just like if you buy say a used washing machine from a business, that business will collect the sales tax. With cars, if you don't buy it from a business, when you go the register it, the Dept. of Mtr Vehicles will collect it for the state. If you trade a car in to a dealer, many places they can give you a credit for the value of the trade, and only charge you sales tax on the amount above it. * YES -- I just discovered yesterday that if you live in Georgia, you WILL have to pay sales tax if you buy a used vehicle from a business. This may be the rule in other states also, even if you purchase the car from out of state. Last month I flew to New York to pick up a beautiful 2003 Cadillac Escalade, and drove it back down here to Georgia. The car was loaded with everything, and I bought it from an individual (so I thought). Since I got a good price on the car compared to a dealership, and thought I would be avoiding any sales tax, I felt it was a very good deal. The only problem was that the seller had bought the car through his small business/company, in which he was a partner, and the company's name was written first above his name on the title. Yesterday, when I went to the county offices to register it, I was told that I would have to pay just over $2100 sales tax at 7% (the county rate) because the car was purchased from a business (although not a car dealership). While I am very happy with the car and still got a very good price, this is a loophole that I've never run into before. So, if you think that you are buying a used car from an individual, make sure that you ask them if it was purchased and titled under the name of a small business or company they own, otherwise you may be liable for the full taxable amount.

COMMENT/CLARIFICATION on above: The person above is confusing things: That the seller had it registered however he had (business name or not) makes no difference. When you buy a car from a NON auto dealer, you pay the tax when you register the car. When you buy it from a dealer, (who normally handles all the registration stuff for you)...you pay him the tax to pay the State. When you buy a car for export out of the State, the tax isn't charged until you register it in the destination State (or if it is, most States will give you a credit for the tax paid, if it was done to get a temporary transit permit).

As far as my previous response, I'm not confusing the matter, just reporting on what happened here with the county when I went to register the car. The fact that the vehicle was "owned" by a business is what affected the taxes. It would have been the same if the owner was in Georgia or in another state. I have purchased vehicles both in and out of state, and because it was from an individual, I did not have to pay sales tax at all when it was registered. These were non auto dealers, and there was no tax owed to the county gov't. I'm not trying to create confusion, just letting you know what happened to me here in Georgia.

The commenter immediately above is absolutely correct. In Georgia, a used vehicle purchased from an INDIVIDUAL (whether he/she is in-state or outside of Georgia) has absolutely no sales tax liability, either at the time of purchase or when the vehicle is registered in Georgia. If, on the other hand, you buy from an AUTO DEALER (either in-state or outside of Georgia) they are legally obligated to collect the sales tax and forward it to the Georgia Department of Revenue (retain proof of such payment in case they fail to do so). The only exception to this rule is if you buy from an out-of-state auto dealer who then ships the vehicle to you in Georgia via "common carrier" (in other words, you don't take delivery in this other state). In that case, they have no legal obligation to collect Georgia sales tax, but you will then owe "Use Tax" (same principle as sales tax) when you register your vehicle at the Georgia DMV (the exact rate of tax may vary from county to county within Georgia; you will pay the rate effective in your county of residence). If you buy from a BUSINESS ENTITY THAT IS NOT AN AUTO DEALER (say a car rental firm that's selling excess inventory), whether they are in-state or outside of Georgia you are still liable for the sales tax. It makes absolutely no difference whether that business is an auto dealership or not: it's whether the name on the seller's title is of an individual or a business that determines sales tax liability in Georgia. In short: individual seller (in Georgia or out of state) = no sales tax when registering vehicle in Georgia; business seller (auto dealer or not, in-state or outside of Georgia) = sales tax liable (with the one exception noted above, when an out-of-state dealer ships you the vehicle via common carrier -- then you are responsible for paying the "Use Tax" when you register at the Georgia DMV). NOTE: When you buy a Georgia vehicle and register it in another state, you will pay the prevailing sales tax rate in that other state. Thus, it doesn't make sense to travel to Georgia to buy a vehicle just to avoid the sales tax. Same would be true for vehicles purchased in Oregon, or any other state that doesn't tax vehicle sales (unless, of course, you also live in such state).

CLARIFICATION: If you purchasde a used vehicle from a private owner in Georgia (and you live in Georgia), then you avoid paying any sales tax on the car. Georgia considers this type of transaction a "casual sale" and only charges sales tax if the previous owner registered the vehicle for a business. Expect to pay sales tax in Georgia, however, if the previous private owner registered the vehicle for business use, or, you bought the car from a dealer. Cars purchased out-of-state also incur a sales tax. For example, if you live in Georgia and purchased a car in Florida from a private individual, you DO pay a SALES TAX in Georgia.

Previous postings incorrectly state that you don't have to pay a sales tax in Georgia if you bought a car from a private individual outside of Georgia. It does matter! I live in Georgia and purchased a new Mercedes Benz in Florida from a private individual, I HAD TO PAY A SALES TAX when registering my car in Georgia.

You do NOT have to pay sales tax in GA when a car is purchased from a privaqte seller regardless of where the private seller resides. This is deemed a casual sale. Please see the links below for the official documentation from the GA dept of Revenue:

http://motor.etax.dor.ga.gov/motor/registration/regrequirements.asp

State Regulation 560-12-1-.07 regarding sales tax (casual sale)

http://rules.sos.state.ga.us/docs/560/12/1/07.pdf

OK, has anyone noticed that the guy asking the question specifically refers to CALIFORNIA? Why is everyone discussing Georgia? So frustrating!

You could also donate it if you itemize your taxes and can use the write off.

There are a few States that offer vehicle retirement programs Ca, & NJ, I know offer this program. Check the dmv web site & then look under the smog section. Ca offers $1000 to retire your vehicle. There are a few restrictions though.

Additional answer:

Craigslist or ebay. Take a few good photos, write an accurate description, BE HONEST, and someone will buy your car knowing fully well what's wrong with it. They may be set up to either repair it, or have a similar car and use yours for parts. This is a much better alternative than a salvage yard, because a private owner will almost always be willing to pay more than a junkyard whose offer is based more or less on current scrap metal price. Again, be honest and there is nothing to be embarrassed about when advertising it.

If It's really on its last legs than you can sell it for parts and you might make more money.

Here is a reprint of the Florida state page linked to the right:

In Florida, motor vehicle dealers are licensed and regulated by the Division of Motor Vehicles under Section 320.27 Florida Statutes.

The Law

Florida law states that any person, firm partnership, or corporation that buys, sells, offers for sale, displays for sale or deals in three or more motor vehicles in any 12-month period is presumed to be a motor vehicle dealer and must have an appropriate license issued by the State.

License Types

There are four classes of licenses issued to motor vehicle dealers. They are:

Independent Dealer--for a person dealing in used motor vehicles only. This license permits the licensee to transact business at retail or wholesale.

Franchise Dealer--allows the licensee to sell new motor vehicles under an agreement with a manufacturer. This license also permits the licensee to sell used motor vehicles.

Wholesale Dealer--licensees may only buy from, sell to, and deal at wholesale with other licensed dealers.

Auctions--are licensed to sell, on behalf of licensed dealers, through the bid process. Auctions may not sell retail.

Application

Before going into the business of selling motor vehicles, a person must submit a completed application, with required documentation and fees. License applications may be obtained from any Division of Motor Vehicles' regional office.

General DMV Requirements

• Approval of business location by a DMV representative.
• Completed application form.
• Fee of $300 for each main location.
• $25,000 surety bond or letter of credit.
• Garage liability insurance.
• Copy of lease for location or proof of ownership.
• Dealer training seminar certificate.
• Registration of fictitious trade name.
• Copy of corporate papers.
• Sales tax number.
• Federal employer identification number.
• Fingerprints and applicable fees. ($47 per person).

Note: Franchise dealers must meet certain additional requirements.

Failure To Obtain A License

Any person violating these licensing requirements is guilty of a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or fine of $500. Such person will also be liable under civil law for violation of Florida�s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, subject to fines of up to $5000 per violation, and may face a permanent injunction issued by a circuit court.

More Information

If you have questions about application procedures and licensing requirements, contact the DMV regional office.

More Information from the KrazyKarGuy - "License for a fee - $199 to $299 a month"

There are companies in Indiana advertising on the Internet now offering to license you for a fee.

These Indiana licenses will allow you to sell to other dealers and wholesalers ONLY. You cannot sell retail to the consumer from your home or on the Internet. Investigate any "licensing for a fee" with the dealer licensing board in YOUR state.

These Indiana companies don't really make that very clear. You could get in a lot of legal hot water by not knowing the laws in YOUR state for buying and selling cars in YOUR state where you are making transactions. The State of Indiana could also get involved if you violate the guidelines of your Indiana license. ALL state statutes (laws) level hefty fines and in some cases jail time for violations.

As an example; Wal-Mart may be have its corporation licensed in Delaware (most companies do) but it MUST follow the laws in all the states where it ACTUALLY does its business transactions. If it doesn't, any state where it does business will take action.

As a dealer doing transactions in a state other than the one you're licensed, you MUST do the same; i.e. follow the laws and licensing statutes of the state where the transaction actually takes place... the location of the product (car) being sold. Selling on the Internet does not absolve you from licensing in the state your doing transactions.

One of the Indiana companies has a "retail" package. You cannot use a retail license in Indiana to make retail transactions in your state if the vehicle is not located in Indiana. Again, the Internet is not a place, its a form of advertising just as classified ads. Verify this with your state licensing board. Protect yourself.

In the state of California:

• You must take a dealers course (approx. $150) and a follow up course depending on the volume you plan on selling.

• After you take your course you need to provide proof and do to the DMV and take a test.

• You need to provide proof that your business location is approved by the city for auto sales.

• You need to pay a $150 application fee to the DMV.

In more detail:

To become a licensed car dealer the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles requires a dealer applicant to take a six hour preparation class to become a licensed car dealer. There are 2 main types of dealers, retail or wholesale. Retail Dealers have more restrictions as liability which required more dealer insurance as well as a larger dealer bond, but retail dealer are the only dealers allowed to sell to the public. Wholesale dealers may only sell to other dealers.

The applicant must take the class and pass a 40 question test, then submit an application and a bond, then submit photos and pass an on-site inspection. Upon review the DMV inspector will review the dealer's application and then approve the tempory license. Often the largest struggle for those attempting to start a retail dealership is the zoning for the city or county to allow a dealership at the choosen location. Make sure that the location you choose is zoned properly and/or will be an acceptable location for a retail dealership. Rarely do wholesale dealerships struggle getting proper zoning permission from the government.

Once a would be dealer passes the test they must prepare for DMV approval from the inspector. To prepare the following tasks must be done. The applicant must produce 11 photos 1)building 2)outside sign 3)display area 4)office 5)business license 6)resale permit 7)telephone 8)inside signs 9)locked cabinet 10)checkbook 11)dmv dealer book

Then the applicant must submit: zoning approval letter, OL902 certificate of class completion, TSM888 business license resale permit ficticious name statement telephone listing livescan fingerprint card personal history questionaire completed dmv dealer application bond in the name of the owner / dealership.

Temporary license can be granted within 30 days permanent license can be granted within 120 days.