News and Updates for Licensees and Industry

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Upcoming Public Meetings and Events

April 25, 2024 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

July 18, 2024 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

October 17, 2024 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting

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New online ARD application available NEW

Applicants can now apply for an automotive repair dealer registration online. The new online application allows applicants to complete the application, upload documentation, pay fees, clear deficiencies, and receive processing notifications entirely online. Apply now


New webpage offers guidance on storage fees

BAR's new storage fee webpage is intended to help support consumers and both the automotive repair and insurance industries with common storage fee issues. The page provides information on charging storage fees, towing and storage services, working with insurers, and resolving complaints and disputes.


BAR-OIS software rebrand to Cal-VIS

The BAR On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (BAR-OIS) software, the software used to perform Smog Check inspections using the BAR-OIS, has been rebranded the California Vehicle Inspection System (Cal-VIS). Cal-VIS will support both Smog Check inspections using the BAR-OIS and, upon implementation of the Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program later this year, vehicle safety systems inspections using the new BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS).

The Cal-VIS rebrand will begin with the 23.3 server version update that will roll out to stations beginning January 8, 2024.


Name and gender change notification and request for confidentiality (SB 372)

Effective January 1, 2024, under Business and Professions Code section 27.5, licensees may notify a licensing board or bureau within the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) of a name and/or gender change and request confidentiality of the previous name or gender information, when meeting certain specified requirements. Learn more


Online license printing now available!

BAR’s new license print feature offers licensees the convenience of self-service license printing, eliminating the need to wait for the license mailed by BAR’s print vendor or request a duplicate/replacement license.


Renewal notice printing delays

Due to technical difficulties being experienced by the vendor responsible for printing and mailing BAR's license renewal notices, licensees may experience delays in receiving their renewal notices. Licensees who do not receive their courtesy renewal notice are still responsible for renewing their license before the expiration date.

For assistance, contact BAR's Licensing Program by email at BARLicensing@dca.ca.gov or by phone at (855) 735-0462.


Citation and remedial training programs for ARDs

Pursuant to Assembly Bill 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021), citation and remedial training programs for automotive repair dealers began July 1, 2023. Under the programs, an automotive repair dealer who receives a citation may file an appeal to have the citation considered by a citation review panel. Additionally, an automotive repair dealer cited for minor violations of the Automotive Repair Act such as documentation or recordkeeping errors may complete remedial training by a BAR-certified remedial training provider to prevent disclosure of the citation on BAR’s website.

Learn more:


Smog Check Program updates

BAR-OIS computer operating system update

Effective July 5, 2023, all BAR-OIS computers must run a supported Microsoft Windows operating system version. BAR-OIS computers running an unsupported operating system version on and after July 5, 2023, will not be able to perform Smog Check inspections. Windows versions 7, 8.0, and 8.1 are currently not supported by Microsoft. Windows versions 10 and 11 are supported.

Model year 2007 and newer diesel OBD readiness monitor change

Starting July 5, 2023, all OBD II readiness monitors, except the Non-Methane Hydrocarbon (NMHC) and the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) monitors, must be complete before a 2007 model-year and newer light duty diesel vehicle can pass a Smog Check inspection. The BAR-OIS automatically applies this standard and will exempt vehicles with known OBD test difficulties without requiring input from the Smog Check inspector. Learn more >


Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program

Vehicle safety systems licenses will replace brake and lamp licenses soon pursuant to AB 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021). Join our email list to receive important implementation announcements in your inbox.


Resources for members of the United States Armed Forces and their families

Application and licensure assistance options are available to members of the United States Armed Forces and their spouses or domestic partners. To learn more, visit Resources for Members of the United States Armed Forces and Their Families.


Expedited licensure process for refugees, asylees, and holders of SIVs

Refugees, asylees, and holders of special immigrant visas (SIV) may seek an expedited licensure process as required by Business and Professions Code section 135.4. Learn more


The Smog Check Referee Program is recruiting

Join the Referee team and help reduce air pollution for all Californians. Positions are open at community college campuses throughout California. Learn more


BAR career opportunities are available for auto professionals

We’re hiring! BAR is seeking professionals in the automotive industry to fill program representative vacancies across the state. For information on openings and how to apply, visit Career Opportunities.


Fraud alerts for DCA licensed professionals

DCA licensed professionals may be impacted by fraudulent activity. Read fraud alerts