Licensing data

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) licenses automotive repair dealers and stations and individuals that perform inspections in the Smog Check and Vehicle Safety Systems programs. Licensure information is available under the Licensees tab at www.bar.ca.gov.

Licensing statistics reports are shared at BAR Advisory Group meetings. To access these reports, see BAR Advisory Group. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) License Search may be used to look up a business or individual who has a license issued by DCA.

License population

As of September 30, 2025

License1 type Number of licenses
Automotive repair dealer2 34,483
Smog Check test-and-repair station 4,025
Smog Check test-only station 2,030
Smog Check repair-only station 25
STAR station3 3,516
Vehicle safety systems inspection station 509
Smog Check inspector 12,383
Smog Check repair technician 5,031
Vehicle safety systems technician 796
Total 62,798

1 California Business and Professions Code section 23 defines “license” as a license, certificate, registration, or other means to engage in a business or profession regulated by code.

2 An automotive repair dealer holds a registration to conduct business in California.

3 A licensed Smog Check station holds a STAR certification if it meets certain performance criteria established in BAR regulations.

Top 10 business types

As of September 30, 2025

Primary business type4 Secondary business type
1. General repair 1. General repair
2. Auto body and/or paint shop 2. Smog Check station
3. Smog Check station 3. Automotive diagnostic repair
4. Other 4. Other
5. Tire shop 5. Tune-up / oil and lube shop
6. New / used car dealer 6. Brake / front end alignment shop
7. Mobile automotive repair 7. Tire shop
8. Transmission repair shop 8. Preventative maintenance services
9. Preventative maintenance services 9. Auto body and/or paint shop
10. Tune-up / oil and lube shop 10. Mobile automotive repair

4 Business types are provided by automotive repair dealers upon licensure or renewal. This information is tied to the service category options displayed on BAR's Auto Shop Locator. If licensees want to update their business types, they can change business information online.

PSI examination pass rate

Test dates: July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025

Examination5 Passed % Passed Failed % Failed Number of Exams
Smog Check inspector 233 35.10% 433 65.08% 666
Smog Check repair technician 79 53.02% 70 46.98% 149
Vehicle safety systems technician 46 51.69% 43 48.31% 89
Total 358 39.60% 546 60.40% 904

5 BAR partners with PSI Services LLC to administer its licensing exams.


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