BAR news and updates
New online license renewal system
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has launched an updated online system designed to make the license renewal process faster, simpler, and more accurate.
With the new system, licensees can:
Check renewal eligibility before submitting payment
Renew multiple licenses in a single transaction with one combined payment
Ensure payments are applied to the correct license type and number
Renew all license types online, including vehicle safety systems inspection licenses
Receive faster payment processing and confirmation
In addition to the improved online renewal process, licensees can submit educational certifications, print copies of their licenses, or update license information. These online services help licensees manage their licenses more efficiently and keep their information up to date.
To learn about upcoming changes related to license update requirements, see Legislation and regulations update.
Updated Write It Right guide now available
BAR has updated the Write It Right guide to clarify requirements and reflect recent regulatory changes for automotive repair dealers.
Key updates include:
Mobile repair invoices must list the address or location where the repairs were performed.
Tear down estimates must describe the general area of the vehicle to be disassembled. An itemized list of every part to be removed is not required.
Paint and material costs may be estimated using one of two acceptable methods.
This resource is intended to help automotive repair dealers and their employees understand and comply with the laws and regulations that govern automotive repair transactions. View the updated Write It Right guide to learn more.
Cal-VIS software updates
Beginning January 1, 2027, Assembly Bill 2496 will require courts to verify that a certificate of compliance has been obtained from a BAR Referee for vehicles cited for excessive noise.
In preparation for this change, the California Vehicle Inspection System (Cal-VIS) software has been updated to support Referee noise inspections. The new noise inspection functionality is now available for familiarization and testing in advance of the effective date.
See Cal-VIS software for more information.
Become a Smog Check Referee
BAR’s Smog Check Referee Program is recruiting qualified candidates to fill open Referee positions throughout California. Referees assist vehicle owners with Smog Check inspection and certification issues while also helping to train community college students for careers in the automotive repair and Smog Check industries. For details and to apply, go to www.asktheref.org.
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