Apply for an Inspector/Technician License
Important! Vehicle safety systems licenses will replace brake and lamp licenses soon pursuant to AB 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021). Join our email list to receive important implementation announcements in your inbox.
License Types
BAR licenses individuals who perform inspections and repairs of vehicles for the Smog Check Program and brake and lamp inspection programs.
| License | Description |
|---|---|
| Smog Check Inspector | An individual that is licensed to inspect and certify the emissions control systems on vehicles subject to the Smog Check Program. |
| Smog Check Repair Technician | An individual that is licensed to diagnose and repair the emissions control systems on vehicles subject to the Smog Check Program. |
| Brake Adjuster | An individual that is licensed to test, inspect, adjust, and repair the brakes and brake systems on vehicles. |
| Lamp Adjuster | An individual that is licensed to test, inspect, adjust, and repair the lamps and related electrical systems on vehicles. |
Qualifications
Smog Check Inspector
An examination is required for licensure. To qualify to take the Smog Check inspector license examination, an applicant must provide on the application proof of:
Successful completion of Smog Check (Level 2) training within the last two years, AND
ONE of the following:
- Successful completion of engine and emission control (Level 1) training within the last two years.
- Certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in all three of the following areas:
- Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6)
- Engine Performance (A8)
- Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1)
- An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree or higher in automotive technology, from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school, AND one year of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area.
- A certificate in automotive technology from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school with a minimum of 720 hours course work that includes at least 280 hours course work in the engine performance area, AND one year of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area.
- A minimum of two years of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area, AND successfully completed BAR specified diagnostic and repair training within the last five years.
- Comparable military education/experience.
For more information, see the Smog Check Inspector and Repair Technician Examination Handbook (candidate information bulletin).
Smog Check Repair Technician
An examination is required for licensure. To qualify to take the Smog Check repair technician license examination, an applicant must provide on the application proof of ONE of the following:
- Certification by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in all three of the following areas:
- Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6)
- Engine Performance (A8)
- Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1)
- An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree or higher in automotive technology, from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school, AND one year of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area.
- A certificate in automotive technology from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school with a minimum of 720 hours course work that includes at least 280 hours course work in the engine performance area, AND one year of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area.
- A minimum of two years of automotive repair experience in the engine performance area, AND successfully completed BAR specified diagnostic and repair training within the last five years.
- Comparable military education/experience.
For more information, see the Smog Check Inspector and Repair Technician Examination Handbook (candidate information bulletin).
Brake Adjuster
An examination is required for licensure. There are no training, certification, or education qualifications required to take the brake adjuster license examination. Submit a completed application and the applicable fee to start the licensure and examination process.
For more information, see the Brake and Lamp Adjuster Examination Handbook.
Lamp Adjuster
An examination is required for licensure. There are no training, certification, or education qualifications required to take the brake adjuster license examination. Submit a completed application and the applicable fee to start the licensure and examination process.
For more information, see the Brake and Lamp Adjuster Examination Handbook.
Scholarship Opportunities
Automotive associations and organizations offer many scholarship opportunities to automotive students and professionals.
For more information, visit Scholarship Opportunities for Students and Professionals.
How to Apply
Step 1: Verify you meet the qualifications for licensure
- Smog Check inspector qualifications
- Smog Check repair technician qualifications
- Brake adjuster qualifications
- Lamp adjuster qualifications
Step 2: Complete an application
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| Smog Check Inspector and/or Smog Check Repair Technician |
$20.00 |
| Brake Adjuster | $10.00 |
| Lamp Adjuster | $10.00 |
Step 3: Submit your application and nonrefundable application fee
Once your application is submitted, BAR will verify that all the information on your application is complete, your application fee is paid, and you meet the qualifications to take the examination.
- If the application is approved, BAR will notify you within 14 days of receipt of the application. The examination contractor will send you a notice providing instructions for scheduling the examination.
- If the application is deficient or denied, BAR will notify you within 14 days of receipt then application. BAR cannot process a deficient application until all required information and fees are provided.
Step 4: Take and pass the examination
After BAR has reviewed your application and determined you meet the qualifications for licensure, the examination contractor will send you a notice providing instructions for scheduling the examination.
- To prepare for the examination, see the appropriate handbook (candidate information bulletin).
- To request a special accommodation to take the examination, submit a special accommodation request form. Please note, your completed request form and any required documentation must be submitted to BAR before the accommodation can be approved and the examination can be scheduled.
- To request approval to use an interpreter to take the examination, contact the BAR Licensing Program by email at BARLicensingApplications@dca.ca.gov or by phone at (855) 735-0462.
Step 5: Receive your license
Once you pass the examination, your wall and badge license (Smog Check licenses) will be mailed to you with details on how to activate your license.
Application Assistance
Resources for Military Members and Their Families
Application and licensure assistance options are available to military personnel and their spouses or domestic partners.
For more information, visit Assistance for Veterans, Military Personnel, and Their Spouses/Domestic Partners.
Expedited Licensure Process for Refugees, Asylees, and Holders of SIVs
Refugees, asylees, and holders of special immigrant visas (SIV) may seek an expedited licensure process as required by Business and Professions Code section 135.4. Learn more
Potential License Denial
BAR is committed to reducing barriers to licensure and ensuring qualified applicants are granted a license. An applicant may be denied a license in certain circumstances as required by California law. However, circumstances such as a criminal conviction or prior formal discipline do not automatically preclude an applicant from licensure with BAR. BAR evaluates each applicant on a case-by-case basis and considers criteria to determine if the license should be granted.
For more information, visit Criminal Convictions, Formal Discipline, and Potential License Denial.
FAQs
Do I need to be licensed with BAR?
Individuals that perform repairs and inspections of vehicles for the Smog Check Program and brake and lamp inspection programs must be licensed with BAR.
What type of Smog Check license(s) do I need?
A Smog Check inspector license is required to inspect and certify vehicle emissions control systems. A Smog Check repair technician license is required to diagnose, adjust, and repair vehicle emissions control systems. If you will be inspecting and repairing vehicles, both licenses are required.
If I'm applying for both a Smog Check inspector license and a Smog Check repair technician license, do I need to submit two separate applications?
No, an applicant may submit one application to apply for both licenses. Be sure to select both license types on the application.
Can I request an application fee refund?
No, fees are non-refundable pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 158.