Registration Renewal Requirements for ARDs
In 2023, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) adopted Automotive Repair Dealer (ARD) application regulations (California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3351) that require ARD applicants to provide an email address, and, if the applicant is engaged in mobile automotive repair, the license plate number of their motor vehicle. Additionally, the regulations give applicants the opportunity to provide BAR with nationally recognized and industry-accepted educational certifications and BAR-approved educational certifications for the business and its employees.
To obtain this newly required information from BAR’s existing ARD population, BAR adopted ARD registration renewal requirements regulations (CCR § 3351.2) that became effective on April 1, 2024. These new regulations require existing ARDs, as a condition of renewal, to provide BAR with notice of any changes to the information required on the ARD application, an email address, and, for mobile ARDs, a license plate number. Additionally, these regulations give existing ARDs the opportunity, during the renewal process, to provide BAR with educational certifications for the business and its employees.
Collecting an email address from new and renewing ARDs allows BAR to send electronic notifications to ARDs, permits ARDs to electronically update information, and improves overall convenience and license processing times. Providing educational certification information allows BAR to add the credentials to the Auto Shop Locator, BAR’s online business locator for consumers, developed to help consumers make informed decisions when selecting an auto repair facility. Digital enhancements are ongoing and updates to the Auto Shop Locator are expected to be released soon.
To learn more about ARD business licenses, including information on how to apply, renew, or update a license, visit the Automotive repair business licenses webpage at www.bar.ca.gov.