A Message for Our Stakeholders

As we welcome fall, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) would like to update our stakeholders on the progress we are making on several fronts and to acknowledge some recent successful initiatives.

BAR Offices are Open

In response to state and local stay home orders to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, BAR temporarily closed all offices to the public in March. Following a detailed risk assessment and implementation of a COVID-19 prevention plan, BAR reopened its offices to the public on June 15, 2020.

California continues to face challenges related to COVID-19, historic wildfires and heatwaves, and the other significant issues impacting our country. BAR remains committed to enhancing our protocols and procedures to provide the continuity and safe delivery of all BAR programs and services. For up-to-date information on our operations and programs, visit www.bar.ca.gov, signup to receive email alerts, and follow our social media channels on Facebook and Twitter @BARinfo.

Initiatives and Updates

In support of our mission to protect and serve Californians through effective regulation of the automotive repair and Smog Check industry, BAR has sought several recent initiatives to help our stakeholders during this unprecedented time. Various extensions have been offered to applicants and licensees impacted by training provider and test center closures. In August, we launched the Auto Shop Locator, a new online search tool allowing consumers to easily find licensed automotive repair dealers providing auto repair and other services in their area. BAR also adopted emergency regulations updating the Consumer Assistance Program to increase repair assistance contributions from a maximum of $500 to $1,200 for consumers. Additional information on these achievements is available in this edition of the Automotive Repair and Smog Check News.

Online Resources and Services

To help support physical distancing, we encourage our stakeholders to continue to take advantage of our online resources and services:

  • Conduct a license search, find a shop, file a complaint, renew a license, submit a Consumer Assistance Program application, and more. Our online services are always available.

  • Review the Automotive Repair Act and related laws and regulations online. BAR licensees have a responsibility and an obligation to comply with these requirements in all repair and service transactions with their customers.

  • Learn about documentation options to promote physical distancing in transactions between licensees and consumers. BAR’s Write It Right guide provides valuable information to help licensees incorporate electronic estimates and invoices and electronic or telephonic authorizations into their business operations.

  • Contact us. Visit our Contact Us page to find contact information for our programs and services, including the Consumer Information Center, BAR Industry Help Desk, Licensing Program, field offices, and more.

  • Visit our COVID-19 Impacts to BAR Programs and Services page for up-to-date information. Find updates for consumers, licensees, and applicants (Editor's note: Effective October 21, 2022, this page has been archived and is no longer available.)

Stay safe and healthy.

Bureau of Automotive Repair


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