OL 257 Form – The OL 257 Form is the official California DMV Continuing Education Exemption Application (Wholesale-Only Dealers). It allows qualified wholesale-only vehicle dealers to skip the mandatory continuing education requirement when renewing their occupational license.
This form is specifically designed for dealers who sell fewer than 50 vehicles during the 12-month period before their license renewal. It includes auction sales and direct dealer-to-dealer transactions. The exemption must be requested with each renewal application.
Who Needs the OL 257 Form for California DMV Dealer License Renewal?
Wholesale-only dealers in California who meet these criteria qualify for the exemption using Form OL 257:
- Sold less than 50 vehicles in the 12-month period prior to the application date.
- Sales include auction sales and direct dealer-to-dealer transactions.
- The dealer is renewing a wholesale-only vehicle dealer license.
Dealers who sold 50 or more vehicles, or those in other license categories (such as retail dealers), must complete the full continuing education program instead. The exemption applies only to wholesale-only dealers and must be certified separately for one-year or two-year renewal terms.
Why Wholesale-Only Dealers Must File OL 257 for Continuing Education Exemption?
California law requires most vehicle dealers to complete a minimum 4-hour continuing education course every two years as a condition of license renewal. However, low-volume wholesale-only dealers (under 50 vehicles sold) are eligible for an exemption to reduce regulatory burden.
Failing to submit the properly completed OL 257 Form when eligible—or submitting false information—can result in administrative action against the license. The DMV may also conduct reviews of dealers claiming this exemption.
How to Fill Out the OL 257 Form Step by Step (2025-2026 Instructions)?
Follow these official steps from the DMV PDF to complete the form correctly:
- Select renewal term: Check “One-Year Renewal Term (12-month period)” or “Two-Year Renewal Term (24-month period)”.
- Report vehicle sales: Enter details from your Wholesale Report of Sales for the prior period(s):
- First and last Wholesale Report of Sale number and date.
- Number of reports written.
- Subtract voided reports.
- Number of vehicles sold at auction.
- Calculate total vehicles sold. (Enter “NONE” if zero vehicles were sold.)
- Business information: Provide firm name, address, city, state, ZIP code, and telephone number.
- Ownership type: Check Sole Owner, Partnership, Corporation, Limited Liability Company, or Association.
- License and owner details: Enter firm license number and list owner(s) name(s), title, phone, signature, and date.
- Certification: Sign under penalty of perjury certifying the information is true and correct.
The form must be signed by the sole owner, all partners, a corporate officer, LLC member/manager, or authorized association member.
Where and When to Submit the Completed OL 257 Form?
Mail the completed OL 257 PDF along with your renewal notice (Form OL 45) and renewal fees to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Occupational Licensing Section
P.O. Box 932342 MS L-224
Sacramento, CA 94232-3420
You may apply for renewal up to 90 days before your license expires. Submit the exemption form at the same time as your renewal package.
Download the Official OL 257 Form PDF (Direct DMV Link)
Official and most current version:
Download OL 257 Continuing Education Exemption Application PDF
This is the exact form hosted directly on the California DMV website (REV. 6/2008, current as of 2025-2026). Always use the official DMV link to ensure you have the latest version.
Important Requirements and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- The exemption applies only to wholesale-only dealers with under 50 vehicles sold.
- You must resubmit OL 257 with every renewal.
- Keep accurate Wholesale Report of Sales records—the DMV may review them.
- Incomplete or unsigned forms will delay your license renewal.
- Contact DMV Occupational Licensing at (916) 229-3126 if you need help determining your renewal term.
Frequently Asked Questions About OL 257 Form
Q: Can any dealer use OL 257?
No — only wholesale-only dealers selling fewer than 50 vehicles qualify.
Q: Is the exemption permanent?
No — you must file the form with each renewal application.
Q: What if I sold zero vehicles?
You still qualify; simply enter “NONE” on the sales section.
Q: Where do I find my Wholesale Report of Sales numbers?
These are your official DMV-filed reports from the previous renewal period.
Related California DMV Dealer Forms and Resources
- Form OL 45 – Dealer License Renewal Application
- Vehicle Dealer License Information (dmv.ca.gov)
- Proof of Continuing Education (OL 56) – required for dealers who do not qualify for exemption
For the most up-to-date information, always visit the official California DMV Occupational Licensing page for vehicle dealers. Filing the OL 257 Form correctly helps low-volume wholesale-only dealers maintain compliance efficiently while avoiding unnecessary continuing education requirements.