Biometric Palm Scans to Replace Passwords for BAR-OIS Inspections

Get ready for the biometric rollout and schedule your enrollment appointment now!

On August 15, 2022, the Office of Administrative Law approved and filed with the Secretary of State the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) regulatory action concerning Smog Check equipment security and fraud prevention. The regulations require, in part, Smog Check inspectors to use a biometric palm scanner instead of a password to log in and perform a Smog Check on the BAR On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (BAR-OIS).

The biometric enrollment period begins October 1, 2022. During the enrollment period, all licensed Smog Check inspectors must complete biometric enrollment at a BAR field office to establish a palm data profile. Inspectors who have not enrolled by the mandatory start date for biometric palm scanner usage will be unable to perform BAR-OIS inspections.

The mandatory start date for biometric palm scanner usage will be announced at least 30 days before the start date.

(Updated March 14, 2023)

Follow these steps to get biometric ready:

  1. Schedule a biometric enrollment appointment

    Smog Check inspectors must complete biometric enrollment at a BAR field office to establish a palm data profile. Schedule your enrollment appointment now to secure your desired appointment date, time, and BAR field office location.

    IMPORTANT:

    • Inspectors who have not enrolled by the mandatory start date (to be announced soon) for biometric palm scanner usage will be unable to perform BAR-OIS inspections.
    • Biometric enrollment is available at temporary walk-in locations on specified dates. Effective November 28, 2022, walk-ins may also be accepted at BAR field offices on Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please note, walk-ins are accommodated only as scheduling allows on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Schedule appointment 

  2. Complete biometric enrollment

    At the enrollment appointment, BAR staff will:

    Be sure to bring the following items with you to your appointment:

    • Your biometric enrollment appointment confirmation
    • A valid, government-issued photo identification document (other than an inspector badge), such as a driver license, passport, or military identification
    • A proof of identification document showing your legal name and signature such as a social security card or credit card
    • Your BAR-issued inspector badge (if received prior to enrollment) and inspector license number

    Please note, appointments cannot be canceled or rescheduled online. To cancel or reschedule your appointment, contact the BAR field office listed on your enrollment appointment confirmation at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.

  3. Order a biometric equipment kit

    Biometric equipment kits are available for purchase from authorized resellers. Contact a reseller to order your kit today.

    Find a biometric equipment kit reseller >

  4. Download the BAR-OIS biometric software update

    All stations are required to download the BAR-OIS biometric software update, beginning March 20. After downloading the update, inspectors should install and begin using the palm scanner as soon as possible to perform Smog Checks on the BAR-OIS. This will provide inspectors the opportunity to become familiar with the new equipment prior to the mandatory start date. For tips on improving authentication success using the biometric palm scanner, watch our short video.

  5. Stay tuned for news and updates

    Notices on implementation and compliance dates and other important updates will be released on this page and in upcoming ET Blasts. Join BAR's email list to receive updates in your inbox.

    Have a question? Find answers to FAQs or contact the BAR Industry Help Desk at BAR.IndustryHelpDesk@dca.ca.gov or call (866) 860-8509.

Walk-in Enrollment Locations

Walk-in biometric enrollment is available at the temporary location(s) listed below. Dates and times are specified. No appointment is necessary.

Don’t see a walk-in location in your area? New locations are added often—check back frequently for the latest updates.

IMPORTANT:

  • Walk-ins may also be accepted at BAR field offices on Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. However, walk-ins are accommodated only as scheduling allows on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Inspectors are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment to avoid walk-in wait times and help guarantee their enrollment is completed by the mandatory start date. Schedule your biometric enrollment appointment online >

No temporary walk-in enrollment locations are currently available.