Chino occupies a prime position at the western edge of San Bernardino County, where the Inland Empire meets the San Gabriel Valley. The city's vehicle market reflects its diverse population — a blend of working families, logistics and warehouse workers, and suburban commuters who depend on reliable transportation. Trucks, SUVs, and practical used cars move well here, and dealers who understand the local buyer profile can build a profitable business with relatively modest overhead.
Chino's industrial zoning is a significant advantage for new dealers. The city has extensive M-1 and M-2 light-industrial zones that are generally permissive for wholesale dealer operations — making it straightforward to secure a compliant business address without the premium rents of Los Angeles County. Retail dealers will want to focus on commercial corridors along Central Avenue and Riverside Drive, where adequate display space and signage setbacks are achievable. The City of Chino Planning Division can verify parcel-level zoning and advise on any required conditional use permits before you execute a lease.
California Dealer Academy serves the entire Inland Empire and has helped many Chino-area dealers complete their pre-licensing requirements and navigate the DMV application process. We know the San Bernardino County OL office, the regional auction circuit, and the practical details that first-time dealers in this market need to know before they open their doors.
Call us at 951-963-3223 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 Chino area:
City of Chino Planning Divisionopens 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.
City of Chino Business Licenseopens in new window
All businesses operating within Chino must register for a business tax registration certificate through the city's finance or business licensing office.
San Bernardino County FBN Filingopens in new window
If your dealership will operate under a trade name (e.g., "West End Auto Sales"), you must file a fictitious business name (DBA) statement with San Bernardino 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
303 W. 3rd Street, Suite 700If 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.
Riverside OL
3737 Main St, Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 782-4060
San Bernardino OL
303 W. 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 383-4669
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
☎ 951-963-3223
Our team is available by phone and in person to help you navigate the Chino 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 Chino area:
1261 S. Milliken Ave
Ontario, CA 91761
Copart Rancho Cucamongaopens in new window
Copart's Ontario/Rancho Cucamonga facility is one of the Inland Empire's largest salvage and clean-title auction yards, just minutes from Chino. Strong inventory of trucks, SUVs, and repo units with online and in-person bidding.
7337 Mission Blvd
Riverside, CA 92508
IAA Inland Empireopens in new window
Insurance Auto Auctions serves Inland Empire dealers with total-loss, salvage, and repo inventory from major insurers and fleet operators. Licensed dealers can bid online or attend in person — accessible from Chino via the 60 freeway.
14971 Heacock St
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Manheim Southern Californiaopens in new window
Manheim Southern California runs large weekly wholesale sales serving IE dealers with deep inventory from dealer trades, off-lease, and fleet consignors. Online bidding available through OVE.com for remote purchasing.
1700 E. Valley Blvd
Acton, CA 93510
ADESA Los Angelesopens in new window
ADESA Los Angeles provides Chino dealers with access to a broad regional inventory pool through in-lane and online bidding on DealerBlock. A strong complement to the local Inland Empire auction circuit for dealers seeking variety.
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 Chino 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), Chino city business license fees, any zoning permits, and your required pre-licensing education course ($99–$148). Chino's commercial and industrial lease rates are competitive within the Inland Empire — considerably more affordable than comparable Los Angeles County locations.
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 Chino 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 Riverside or San Bernardino 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 Chino.
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. Residential zones in Chino are not approved for dealer license addresses. The DMV requires a commercially or industrially zoned address that passes an on-site inspection. Chino has extensive industrial and commercial zoning — especially in its established business parks along Central Avenue and Kimball Avenue — where compliant dealer addresses are available at some of the most affordable rates in the greater Los Angeles market.
Chino's industrial base gives new dealers solid options. Retail dealerships typically require C-2 General Commercial or M-1/M-2 Industrial zoning with proper display area and signage. Wholesale-only operations have the most flexibility since no public vehicle display is required — a standard industrial suite is often sufficient. Contact the City of Chino Planning Divisionopens in new window to verify zoning for any specific parcel before signing a lease.
PRO TIP: Chino's central location between the 60, 71, and 91 freeways makes it attractive for fleet and wholesale operations serving both the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley markets.
Chino dealers have excellent Inland Empire auction access. Copart Rancho Cucamonga is the closest option for salvage and clean-title inventory. IAA Inland Empire carries insurance and repo units accessible via the 60 freeway. Manheim Southern California in Moreno Valley runs large weekly wholesale sales. ADESA Los Angeles rounds out the network, and online platforms like OVE.com and DealerBlock let dealers bid on national inventory without leaving the office.
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 opening a wholesale operation in Chino's industrial corridor, a retail lot along Central Avenue, or a dealership serving the broader West Inland Empire — California Dealer Academy has the course and expertise to get you licensed.