Apply for a license

BAR licenses California's auto repair businesses. We also license individuals who perform Smog Checks and safety systems inspections and repairs. You do not need a license to work as general automotive repair mechanic.

Business licenses

Automotive repair dealer

License overview: Required to diagnose, service, or repair vehicles for compensation. This includes mobile, referral, or sublet repair services.

  • Also required to hold a Smog Check or vehicle safety systems inspection station license.
  • Not required if your business:
    • Services only non-passenger vehicles (e.g., commercial or off-road vehicles)
    • Is a fleet owner that repairs only fleet vehicles
    • Is a machine shop that:
      • Primarily sells new or rebuilt auto parts wholesale
      • Only remanufactures individual auto parts and does not charge for warranty adjustments
      • Does not repair or diagnose vehicles or motorcycles

Type: Registration
License prerequisite: None
Application fee: $200
Annual renewal fee: $200

Apply now 

Smog Check station

License overview: Required to inspect and repair vehicle emissions control systems.

  • Station types include test-and-repair, test-only, and repair-only.
  • STAR station certification is needed to inspect directed vehicles.

Type: License
License prerequisite: Automotive repair dealer registration
Application fee: $100
Annual renewal fee: $100

Apply now 

STAR station

License overview: Required to inspect directed vehicles, including high polluters.

Type: Certification
License prerequisite: Automotive repair dealer registration and Smog Check station license (test-and-repair or test-only)
Application fee: None
Annual renewal fee: N/A

Apply now 

Vehicle safety systems inspection station

License overview: Required to inspect and repair vehicle safety systems.

Type: License
License prerequisite: Automotive repair dealer registration
Application fee: $100
Annual renewal fee: $20

Apply now 

Individual licenses

Smog Check inspector

License overview: Required to inspect and certify vehicle emissions control systems. (Does not perform diagnosis or repairs.)

Type: License
Qualifications: Smog Check inspector qualifications
Exam: Exam handbook
Application fee: $20
Renewal fee: $20 (every 2 years)

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Smog Check repair technician

License overview: Required to diagnose, adjust, and repair vehicle emissions control systems. (Does not perform inspections.)

Type: License
Qualifications: Smog Check repair technician qualifications
Exam: Exam handbook
Application fee: $20
Renewal fee: $20 (every 2 years)

Apply now 

Vehicle safety systems technician

License overview: Required to inspect and certify vehicle safety systems.

Type: License
Qualifications: Vehicle safety systems technician qualifications
Exam: Exam handbook
Application fee: $10
Renewal fee: $10 (every 2 years)

Apply now 

Qualifications and exams

Applicants for individual licenses must meet specific qualifications and pass an exam. Business licenses do not have qualification or exam requirements.

Smog Check inspector and Smog Check repair technician

The Smog Check inspector and Smog Check repair technician licenses have the same qualification requirements. However, the inspector license additionally requires Level 2 Smog Check training. A separate exam is required for each license.

  1. Meet one of the following:

    • Training: Complete engine and emission control (Level 1) training within the last two years.

    • Certification: Hold ASE certification in the following areas:

      • Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6)
      • Engine Performance (A8)
      • Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1)

    • Education: Have one year of engine performance experience and one of the following:

      • An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree or higher in automotive technology.
      • A certificate in automotive technology with at least 720 hours of coursework. This must include 280 hours in engine performance. Degrees or certificates must be from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school.

    • Experience: Meet both of the following:

    • Military: Have comparable military education or experience.

  2. Complete Smog Check (Level 2) training within the last two years—for Smog Check inspector license only

  3. Pass the licensing exam(s) after applying.

Vehicle safety systems technician

  1. Hold ASE certification in the following areas:

    • Suspension and steering (A4)

    • Brakes (A5)

    • Electrical/electronic systems (A6)

  2. Pass the licensing exam after applying.

Application requirements

It's a good idea to prepare everything you may need before starting your application. Have your information and documents ready to help speed up your application process.

All applicants

  • Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
  • Government photo ID
  • Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications (Inspectors and technicians)
  • Military documentation (Members of the United States Armed Forces and their families)
  • Resettlement documentation (Refugees, asylees, and holders of special immigrant visas)
  • Credit card to pay your application fee

Business information

Permits and licenses

Domestic limited liability company documentation

  • Articles of Organization and Charter
  • Statement of Information
  • Operating Agreement
  • Trust Agreement (if a member of the limited liability company is a trust)

Foreign limited liability company documentation

  • Application to Register and Charter (issued by the state where the foreign limited liability company was formed)
  • Statement of Information
  • Certificate Registration
  • Operating Agreement
  • Trust Agreement (if a member of the limited liability company is a trust)

Applicant information