Rialto sits at the geographic center of the western Inland Empire — bordered by Fontana to the west, San Bernardino to the east, and Colton and Bloomington to the south. The I-10 freeway runs directly through the city, giving dealers immediate access to an enormous regional market spanning San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Vehicle demand in Rialto and its surrounding communities is driven by a large working-class population with strong reliance on personal transportation — trucks, work vans, and family-sized used vehicles move consistently here at prices that make margin a real possibility for well-sourced inventory.
Rialto is one of the most industrially dense cities in the IE, with a huge inventory of commercial and industrial space along Riverside Avenue, Cactus Avenue, and the freeway-adjacent distribution corridors. This translates to some of the most competitive commercial real estate prices in Southern California — a major advantage for new dealers who want to minimize address overhead. Wholesale dealer licenses, which require only a commercially or industrially zoned address that passes a DMV inspection, are an especially natural fit in Rialto: you can operate from an industrial suite, source inventory at nearby Copart Rancho Cucamonga or IAA, and sell dealer-to-dealer while building toward a retail operation. The San Bernardino DMV Occupational Licensing office is just a few miles east on the I-10.
California Dealer Academy has served Inland Empire dealers across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. We know the San Bernardino and Riverside OL offices, the IE auction landscape, and the regulatory requirements that apply to Rialto-based dealerships. Our course and setup support will get you licensed as efficiently as possible.
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 Rialto area:
Rialto 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.
Rialto Business License Officeopens in new window
All businesses operating within Rialto 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., "IE Auto Group"), 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
290 N. D Street, Suite 1201If 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.
San Bernardino OL
303 W. 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 383-4669
Riverside OL
3737 Main St Suite 400
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 782-4060
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 Rialto 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 Rialto area:
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Copart Rancho Cucamongaopens in new window
Copart Rancho Cucamonga is one of the closest and most active auction facilities for Rialto dealers — accessible via the I-10 or I-15 freeways in minutes. One of the largest Copart yards in the IE, with deep salvage and clean-title inventory across all vehicle categories. Online bidding available 24/7.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
IAA Rancho Cucamongaopens in new window
Insurance Auto Auctions in Rancho Cucamonga is a primary salvage and repo auction source for dealers throughout the western San Bernardino County market. Strong inventory from insurers and fleet operators. Rialto dealers can be on-site in under 15 minutes via the I-10 westbound.
Fontana, CA
Manheim Southern California Auctionopens in new window
Manheim Southern California in Fontana is directly adjacent to Rialto — one of the most conveniently located major wholesale dealer auctions for Rialto-based dealers. Multiple lanes of dealer-trade, off-lease, and fleet inventory run weekly. OVE.com online bidding available for out-of-lane purchasing.
Wilmington, CA
ADESA Los Angeles Auctionopens in new window
ADESA Los Angeles in Wilmington hosts large weekly wholesale sales accessible from Rialto via the I-10 freeway west. For dealers who prefer to source inventory without making the drive, ADESA's DealerBlock platform lets you bid on national inventory from your desk in Rialto.
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 Rialto 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), Rialto city business license fees, any zoning permits, and your required pre-licensing education course ($99–$148). Rialto's industrial real estate is among the most affordable in Southern California — new dealers can often secure a compliant wholesale address for significantly less than comparable space in Orange County or coastal markets.
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 Rialto 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 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 Rialto.
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. Rialto residential zones are not approved for dealer license addresses — the DMV requires a commercially or industrially zoned location that passes an inspection. Rialto has extensive industrial and commercial space along Riverside Avenue, the I-10 freeway corridor, and throughout its industrial parks — making it one of the most practical IE cities for finding an affordable, compliant dealer address.
Rialto typically requires General Commercial or Industrial zoning for dealer addresses. Retail lots with outdoor display require planning review for signage and lot standards. Wholesale-only operations are well-suited to Rialto's abundant industrial zoning — a standard industrial suite in an approved zone is typically sufficient. Confirm zoning for your specific parcel with the City of Rialto Planning Divisionopens in new window before signing a lease.
Rialto dealers have outstanding IE auction access. Copart Rancho Cucamonga is minutes away via the I-10 westbound. IAA Rancho Cucamonga operates in the same area for salvage and repo inventory. Manheim Southern California in adjacent Fontana is one of the most convenient major wholesale auctions in the region. ADESA Los Angeles in Wilmington is accessible via the I-10 west for larger weekly inventory pools. Online platforms including OVE.com and ADESA DealerBlock extend your reach to national inventory.
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 launching a wholesale operation in Rialto's industrial corridor, a used car lot along Riverside Avenue, or a dealership serving the San Bernardino County market — California Dealer Academy has the course and the expertise to get you licensed.