Apply for a license
BAR licenses California's auto repair businesses. We also license individuals who perform Smog Checks and safety systems inspections and repairs. A BAR license is not required to work as a general automotive repair mechanic.
Before you apply, see How to get licensed for application steps and licensing requirements.
Business licenses
Automotive repair dealer
License overview: Required to diagnose, service, or repair vehicles for compensation. This includes mobile, referral, or sublet repair services. Also required to hold a Smog Check or vehicle safety systems inspection station license.
An automotive repair dealer license is not required if your business:
- Services only non-passenger vehicles (e.g., commercial or off-road vehicles)
- Is a fleet owner that repairs only its own fleet vehicles
- Is a machine shop that:
- Primarily sells new or rebuilt auto parts wholesale
- Only remanufactures individual auto parts and does not charge for warranty adjustments
- Does not repair or diagnose vehicles or motorcycles
Type: Registration
License prerequisite: None
Application fee: $200
Annual renewal fee: $200
Smog Check station
License overview: Required to inspect and repair vehicle emissions control systems.
- Station types include test-and-repair, test-only, and repair-only.
- STAR station certification is needed to inspect directed vehicles.
Type: License
License prerequisite: Automotive repair dealer registration
Application fee: $100
Annual renewal fee: $100
STAR station
License overview: Required to inspect directed vehicles, including high polluters.
- Must meet and maintain STAR program inspection-based standards.
- STAR test-and-repair stations may participate in the Consumer Assistance Program.
Type: Certification
License prerequisite: Automotive repair dealer registration and Smog Check station license (test-and-repair or test-only)
Application fee: None
Annual renewal fee: N/A
Vehicle safety systems inspection station
License overview: Required to inspect and repair vehicle safety systems.
Type: License
License prerequisite: Automotive repair dealer registration
Application fee: $100
Annual renewal fee: $20
Individual licenses
Smog Check inspector
License overview: Required to inspect and certify vehicle emissions control systems. (Does not perform diagnosis or repairs.)
Type: License
Qualifications: Smog Check inspector qualifications
Exam required: View handbook
Application fee: $20
Renewal fee: $20 (every 2 years)
Smog Check repair technician
License overview: Required to diagnose, adjust, and repair vehicle emissions control systems. (Does not perform inspections.)
Type: License
Qualifications: Smog Check repair technician qualifications
Exam required: View handbook
Application fee: $20
Renewal fee: $20 (every 2 years)
Vehicle safety systems technician
License overview: Required to inspect and certify vehicle safety systems.
Type: License
Qualifications: Vehicle safety systems technician qualifications
Exam required: View handbook
Application fee: $10
Renewal fee: $10 (every 2 years)
Qualifications and exams
To get an individual license, you must meet the qualifications when you apply. After your application is approved, you must pass the required exam. A separate exam is required for each license.
Business licenses do not have qualification or exam requirements.
Smog Check inspector
You must have completed Smog Check (Level 2) training within the last two years.
You must meet one of the following options:
Choose one option What you need Training Completed engine and emission control (Level 1) training within the last two years Certification Hold all of the following ASE certifications:
- Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6)
- Engine Performance (A8)
- Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1)Education (Degree) 1. An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree or higher in automotive technology from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school
2. One year of automotive repair experience in engine performanceEducation (Certificate) 1. A certificate in automotive technology from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school (at least 720 hours of coursework, including 280 hours in engine performance)
2. One year of automotive repair experience in engine performanceExperience 1. Two years of automotive repair experience in engine performance
2. Completed BAR specified diagnostic and repair training within the last five yearsMilitary Comparable military education or experience
Smog Check repair technician
You must meet one of the following options:
| Choose one option | What you need |
|---|---|
| Certification | Hold all of the following ASE certifications: - Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6) - Engine Performance (A8) - Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1) |
| Education (Degree) | 1. An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree or higher in automotive technology from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school 2. One year of automotive repair experience in engine performance |
| Education (Certificate) | 1. A certificate in automotive technology from a state accredited or recognized college, public school, or trade school (at least 720 hours of coursework, including 280 hours in engine performance) 2. One year of automotive repair experience in engine performance |
| Experience | 1. Two years of automotive repair experience in engine performance 2. Completed BAR specified diagnostic and repair training within the last five years |
| Military | Comparable military education or experience |
Vehicle safety systems technician
You must hold all of the following ASE certifications:
Suspension and steering (A4)
Brakes (A5)
Electrical/electronic systems (A6)
Application requirements
It's a good idea to prepare everything you may need before starting your application. Have your information and documents ready to help speed up your application process.
All applicants
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Government photo ID
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications (Inspectors and technicians)
- Military documentation (Members of the United States Armed Forces and their families)
- Resettlement documentation (Refugees, asylees, and holders of special immigrant visas)
- Credit card to pay your application fee
Business information
- Federal Employer Identification Number: Internal Revenue Service
- Corporation/limited liability company number assigned by the California Secretary of State
(not required for participating tribes (Business and Professions Code section 9880.5 (e)) - Corporation Statement of Information
- Proof of sale (if the application is related to a change of ownership)
- Educational certifications
Permits and licenses
- Seller's permit: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
- City/county business license: California Environmental Protection Agency/CalGOLD
- Hazardous waste facility permit
- Air Quality Management District spray booth permit
Domestic limited liability company documentation
- Articles of Organization and Charter
- Statement of Information
- Operating Agreement
- Trust Agreement (if a member of the limited liability company is a trust)
Foreign limited liability company documentation
- Application to Register and Charter (issued by the state where the foreign limited liability company was formed)
- Statement of Information
- Certificate Registration
- Operating Agreement
- Trust Agreement (if a member of the limited liability company is a trust)
Applicant information
Application fees are non-refundable (Business and Professions Code section 158)
Information that may apply to you:
Applying online may result in faster application processing. It also allows you to upload documents, pay fees, clear deficiencies, and get email updates. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application by mail:
Automotive repair dealer | Smog Check station | Vehicle safety systems inspection station
Smog Check inspector | Smog Check repair technician | Vehicle safety systems technician