Renew a business license
License renewal
Automotive repair dealer registrations and station licenses must be renewed annually. STAR station certification is based on performance standards and is not subject to renewal.
Courtesy renewal notices are sent to licensees 90 days prior to the license expiration date. Licensees are responsible for renewing their license before expiration to avoid delinquent fees and, if applicable, being locked out from performing inspections.
Renewal fees
| License Type | Renewal Fee | Delinquency/ Late Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive repair dealer | $200.00 | $50.00 |
| Smog Check station | $100.00 | $50.00 |
| STAR station | N/A | N/A |
| Vehicle safety systems inspection station | $20.00 | $10.00 |
Note: Brake and lamp station licenses are no longer renewed, effective July 8, 2024.
Delinquent licenses
A license is delinquent if it is not renewed before the expiration date. A licensee may renew a delinquent license within the delinquent renewal period by submitting payment of the delinquent/late renewal fee and all accrued renewal fees. The renewal fees include the renewal fee for each year the license is delinquent and, if the license is within 90 days of expiration for its next annual renewal, the fee for the next renewal cycle. If the delinquent license is not renewed within the delinquent renewal period, the license is canceled and a new application is required.
A delinquent license that has not been expired for more than one year may be renewed online.
A delinquent license that has been expired for more than one year, and is renewed within the delinquent renewal period, may only be renewed by mail. Submit the renewal fee for each delinquent year and the current year plus the delinquency/late fee with a copy of the license by mail. Include your license number on the check or money order made payable to:
Bureau of Automotive Repair
P.O. Box 989001
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9001
For additional information on delinquent licenses, contact BARLicensing@dca.ca.gov.
Delinquent renewal periods and fees
| License | Delinquent Renewal Period | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive repair dealer | Within three years (36 months) of expiration | License renewed within ONE year of expiration: Renewal fee: $200.00 Delinquent/late fee: $50.00 Total: $250.00* License renewed within TWO years of expiration: Renewal fee: $400.00 ($200.00/year) Delinquent/late fee: $50.00 Total: $450.00* License renewed within THREE years of expiration: Renewal fee: $600.00 ($200.00/year) Delinquent/late fee: $50.00 Total: $650.00* *Add $200.00 if the license is within 90 days of expiration for its next annual renewal. |
| Smog Check station | Within one year (12 months) of expiration | Renewal fee: $100.00 Delinquent/late fee: $50.00 Total: $150.00* *Add $100.00 if the license is within 90 days of expiration for its next annual renewal. |
| Vehicle safety systems inspection station | Within 30 days of expiration | Renewal fee: $20.00 Delinquent/late fee: $10.00 Total: $30.00 |
Military renewal waiver
Renewal requirements, including renewal fees, continuing education requirements, and any other requirements as determined by BAR, may be waived for members of the United States Armed Forces when they are called to active duty. For additional information, visit Resources for Members of the United States Armed Forces and Their Families.
FAQs
Can I renew my license online?
Yes. Online license renewal is available for licenses that will expire within the next 90 days or have not been expired for more than one year. Review eligibility requirements and begin the online renewal process.
Can I expedite my renewal?
No. Renewals are processed in the order they are received. The processing time is typically two weeks from the time of receipt. A license remains valid between the date of receipt and its processing, provided it is submitted on or before the expiration date. After the renewal is processed, you can print your license online.
Can I renew my license(s) if I have changes to my business?
A change of name or address must be processed by BAR prior to the renewal of your license. Your license cannot be renewed if there has been a change of ownership. Visit Update a business license to learn more.
I did not receive a renewal notice. What do I need to do?
If you do not receive a courtesy renewal notice in the mail, you are still responsible for renewing each license by the expiration date.
Renew your license online. Or, to renew your license by mail, you may submit a copy of your license with the applicable renewal fees. Include your license number on the check or money order made payable to:
Bureau of Automotive Repair
P.O. Box 989001
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9001
Can I overnight my renewal payment?
Yes. Payments may be sent overnight to:
Can I print a copy of my license after it is renewed?
Yes, after the renewal is processed, you can print your license online.
What happens if I do not renew my license by the expiration date?
If the renewal application and fees are postmarked after the license expiration date(s), a delinquency fee will be charged for each license you are renewing. Delinquent renewals will not be processed until all fees are received.
If your license renewal payment is delinquent, your station will be locked out from performing inspections.
If I do not renew my license on time, will my station's STAR certification be affected?
Yes. Your STAR certification will be removed from your analyzer(s) and your station will be locked out from performing inspections until the license is current.
"License" on this page refers to both an automotive repair dealer registration and a station license.