California DMV ripped me out of my parts.

Didn’t sound like the OP’s friend had a business. Just selling some personal property.
Need a permit/permission to sell your own stuff. Bummer
This is a new law, those enforcing it may not know the particulars on the law and it may take some fighting in court to get stuff back, in the end it'll probably be cheaper to start over and buy a new parts car.

I have learned long ago that just because they are police doesn't mean they know the law.
From what I know about the original issue posted here and what I have read up on the law I do not see the law applying here.


Alan