Burbank occupies a unique position in the greater LA market — it's one of the few cities in Los Angeles County that manages to feel both neighborhood-centered and commercially active, with the Golden State Freeway (I-5) running directly through it and easy freeway access to the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, and central LA. The local vehicle market serves a mix of entertainment industry workers, media professionals, and the broader working population of the northeastern SFV — generating consistent demand for mid-tier sedans, compact SUVs, and quality used cars. Dealers who can source clean, presentable inventory tend to do well here.
From a business setup perspective, Burbank's commercial corridors along San Fernando Road and in the Burbank Media District offer space at various price points. The industrial zones near the airport and along the 5 freeway corridor have particularly practical options for wholesale operations — which don't require a public display lot and can be run from a basic commercial suite. Burbank's Community Development Department handles zoning inquiries and is accessible for pre-application questions. The Van Nuys DMV Occupational Licensing office is the primary OL office serving Burbank-based dealers and is accessible via the 134 or 405 freeways.
California Dealer Academy has helped dealers across the San Fernando Valley and greater LA get licensed efficiently. We know the Van Nuys OL office, the SFV auction landscape — including Copart Sun Valley right nearby — and the specific documentation requirements for LA County-based dealerships. Our course and 1-on-1 setup support will get you from enrolled to operational as smoothly as possible.
Call us at 213-497-0955 for a free phone consultation. We'll answer your questions about zoning, DMV requirements, and what type of dealer license makes the most sense for your goals.
Here are the official offices and links you'll need to start your dealership in the Burbank area:
Burbank Community Development Departmentopens in new window
Verify that your proposed location is properly zoned before signing a lease. Retail dealers typically need commercial or industrial zoning. Indoor display-only setups are often approved more easily.
Burbank Business License Officeopens in new window
All businesses operating within Burbank must register for a business tax registration certificate through the city's finance or business licensing office.
Los Angeles County FBN Filingopens in new window
If your dealership will operate under a trade name (e.g., "Media City Auto Sales"), you must file a fictitious business name (DBA) statement with Los Angeles County.
California Seller's Permit Registrationopens in new window
Dealers who sell vehicles are required to hold a California Seller's Permit issued by the CDTFA. Registration is free and can be completed online.
FTB Field Officesopens in new window
300 S. Spring St, Suite 5704If you plan to operate as a corporation or LLC, you'll need to register with the Franchise Tax Board. Sole proprietors can skip this step.
Los Angeles OL
3615 S. Hope St
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 744-7563
Van Nuys OL
6150 Van Nuys Blvd Suite 250
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 376-4201
Covina OL
1365 N. Grand Ave Suite 102
Covina, CA 91724
(626) 974-7140
Note: DMV Occupational Licensing is not at the standard DMV counter — enter through the main doors and proceed to the designated office area.
California Dealer Academy
1655 E 6th St #108, Ste A5A, Corona, CA 92879
☎ 213-497-0955
Our team is available by phone and in person to help you navigate the Burbank market.
Once you have your dealer license, you'll have access to wholesale dealer-only auctions where you can buy inventory at prices unavailable to the public. Here are the major auction houses serving the Burbank area:
Sun Valley, CA
Copart Sun Valleyopens in new window
Copart Sun Valley is one of the most conveniently located auction facilities for Burbank dealers — just a short drive east on the 5 freeway or through the Sun Valley industrial district. Strong salvage and clean-title inventory at wholesale pricing. Bid online or in person.
Southern California region
IAA Southern Californiaopens in new window
Insurance Auto Auctions serves Burbank dealers with total-loss, salvage, and repo inventory from major insurers and fleet operators throughout the greater LA basin. Dealers can bid online or attend in-person sales at regional Southern California facilities.
Fontana, CA
Manheim Southern California Auctionopens in new window
Manheim Southern California in Fontana is accessible from Burbank via the 210 freeway east — under an hour's drive. Multiple lanes of dealer-trade, fleet, and off-lease inventory run weekly. OVE.com online bidding lets you source inventory without making the drive.
Wilmington, CA
ADESA Los Angeles Auctionopens in new window
ADESA Los Angeles in Wilmington hosts large weekly wholesale sales accessible from Burbank via the 5 and 110 freeways. For dealers who prefer to stay local, ADESA's DealerBlock platform lets you bid on national inventory without leaving the office.
California requires all new dealer license applicants to complete a 6-hour pre-licensing course through an approved provider. California Dealer Academy is state-approved. Complete the course online at your own pace — no classroom commute required.
In the course you'll learn:
Already have your license? California requires dealers to complete continuing education before each renewal. Our renewal course is quick, fully online, and satisfies the DMV requirement.
Skip the guesswork. Our Deluxe Dealer Package guides you 1-on-1 through every step — from zoning research and DMV paperwork to bond, signage, and opening day. Ideal for first-time dealers in the Burbank market.
Total startup costs typically range from $1,200 to $2,800. This includes the DMV application fee ($175 for used vehicle dealers), a $10,000 surety bond (annual premium roughly $100–$200), Burbank city business license fees, any zoning permits, and your required pre-licensing education course ($99–$148). Burbank's commercial real estate along the Golden State Freeway and San Fernando Road corridors is moderately priced — wholesale operations offer the most cost-effective starting point for dealers managing startup capital.
Not necessarily. Wholesale dealer licenses do not require a display lot — only a commercial address that passes a DMV inspection. Wholesale dealers sell only to other dealers, not the public. Retail licenses require an approved lot or indoor showroom that meets Burbank zoning and signage requirements.
Plan for 45–90 days from start to finish. The pre-licensing class takes 1–2 days online. Zoning and location approval typically takes 3–6 weeks. After DMV paperwork is submitted to the Van Nuys Occupational Licensing office, your dealer plates and license typically arrive within 2–4 weeks.
A retail dealer license allows you to sell vehicles directly to the public and requires an approved display lot and DMV-compliant signage. A wholesale dealer license allows you to buy and sell only to other licensed dealers — no public sales. Wholesale licenses have fewer location requirements, making them a popular starting point in Burbank.
Yes. California law requires all new dealer applicants to complete a 6-hour pre-licensing education course through a DMV-approved provider before the DMV will issue a license. California Dealer Academy is state-approved. The course is available online for $99 (self-paced) or $148 with a live Saturday webinar session.
No. Burbank residential zones are not approved for dealer license addresses — the DMV requires a commercially or industrially zoned location that passes an inspection. Burbank has commercial and light-industrial space available along San Fernando Road, the Golden State Freeway corridor, and the Burbank airport area, making it practical to find a compliant dealer address at a range of price points.
Burbank requires Commercial or Industrial zoning for dealer addresses. Retail lots with outdoor display require review through the Community Development Department for signage and lot standards. Wholesale-only operations face fewer restrictions and can often operate from a standard commercial or industrial suite. Confirm zoning for your specific parcel with the City of Burbank Community Development Departmentopens in new window before signing a lease.
Burbank dealers have strong SFV and greater LA auction access. Copart Sun Valley is just minutes east via the 5 freeway. IAA Southern California serves the region with salvage and repo inventory. Manheim Southern California in Fontana is accessible via the 210 freeway east. ADESA Los Angeles in Wilmington is reachable via the 5 and 110 freeways for large weekly wholesale sales. Online platforms including OVE.com and ADESA DealerBlock extend your sourcing reach nationwide.
At California Dealer Academy, we can help you with something as basic as completing your application to doing it for you from start to finish.
Feel free to call the owner directly to get more information.
Garrett Eddings 760-681-1757
Whether you're planning a wholesale operation near the Burbank airport, a used car lot along San Fernando Road, or a dealership serving the broader San Fernando Valley market — California Dealer Academy has the course and the expertise to get you licensed.