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Before you do too much work on the application process, it's a good idea to be confident that you pass the background check that most states and most bonding companies will require. The tests will seek to determine whether you have not only a solid financial history, but also have no crimes in your past that might be a problem. The check isn't only concerned with past crimes, but also looks for examples of what the DMV call "moral turpitude" that might indicate somebody who wouldn't run an ethical dealership. In California it's possible to file an abbreviated application in the first instance. Speak to your local DMV and consider doing this before going ahead with a full application if you think you may have trouble passing the check. Writing up a business plan is an essential element in every business. If you are starting a new car dealership, it's crucial that you have a clear and well thought out business plan. You will need this to show your creditors and licensing authorities that you are serious and committed, and have good business sense. Your business plan should lay out your vision, goals and objectives for the company. It should be a product of detailed research into the market which has informed your business strategy . Be sure to include plenty of detail financial information about your projected returns and costs. To get you started you can look-up basic car dealership business plans online. . Before you can be a business of any kind, you will need to get your business license. Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration where you access information on rules and regulations, as well as on everything from how to name your business to how to get funding. You can usually get a quote from bond companies for free or for a small fee. You will have to have a good credit history, and your financial paperwork must be in order to be successful. If the quote is favorable, you can apply for a bond using the bonding company's form. You will have to provide information about your business and specify the amount of bonding needed. You will also have to sign a credit release agreement. Depending on your locality and circumstances, it may be possible to submit cash, a certificate of deposit made payable to the DMV, or a passport account assigned to the DMV, in lieu of a surety bond. An essential aspect of the application process is securing your retail site. You will need to submit a copy of a fully signed and authorized rental lease or proof of ownership. There are a number of requirements for the site itself which will vary according to your location. But your site will need to comply to all the relevant local building codes, zoning and land-use ordinances depending on your dealership type. In general, you will need an exterior sign attached to the land or the building which clearly indicates the name and nature of the business. You will also need working telecommunications systems and a listed phone number. You will need adequate space to carry out all administrative and financial work. You will likely have to include photographs of your site with your application. You should be prepare to get the location approved by the DMV inspector. A DBA (doing business as) name is any name that is different from your own. For example, if you are called Sally Rose and you want to name your dealership "Sally Rose's Autos", you are not using a DBA name. But if you want to call it basically anything else, you are. "Big Car Shop", "7th Street Autos", anything that isn't your actual name is a DBA name. You need to register a fictitious name to get the fictitious name statement, and this can take a couple of weeks. This statement is required to be submitted along with your application. In some cases you will be required to submit various incorporation papers together with your other application materials. In general, this will only apply if you are filing as a Corporation, Limited Liability Company, or a Limited Liability Partnership owned business. If you are in any doubt, speak to an advisor at your local DMV who will be able to provide you with information specific to your case. The kind of documents you will be asked to submit include Articles of Incorporation, Corporate minutes, or other documents which identify the share holders, managers and officers.

Summary:
Pass the background check. Prepare a business plan. Obtain a business license Apply for a surety bond. Secure your retail location. Complete your DBA name statement. Determine if you need to file incorporation papers.