Renew an Inspector/Technician License
License Renewal
Smog Check inspector and Smog Check repair technician licenses must be renewed every two years. Courtesy renewal notices are sent to licensees 120 days prior to the license expiration date. Licensees are responsible for renewing their license before expiration.
Note: Brake and lamp adjuster licenses expire every four years. To maintain a license, a licensed adjuster must submit a new application and fees to retake the examination prior to their license expiration date.
Renewal Requirements
| License | Renewal Fee | Update Training |
|---|---|---|
| Smog Check Inspector (renewed every 2 years) |
$20.00 | Inspector Update Training |
| Smog Check Repair Technician (renewed every 2 years) |
$20.00 | Repair Technician Update Training Diagnostic and Repair Training* (*Required only if licensee does not have ASE A6, A8, and L1 certification.) |
Military Renewal Waiver
Renewal requirements, including renewal fees, continuing education requirements, and any other requirements as determined by BAR, may be waived for military personnel called to active duty. For additional information, visit Assistance for Veterans, Military Personnel, and Their Spouses/Domestic Partners.
FAQs
Can I renew my license online?
Yes. Online license renewal is available for inspector/technician licenses that will expire within the next 150 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.
I need to report a change of address and/or name. What do I need to do?
To report a change, complete a Change of Address and/or Name form. Please note, an address and/or name change must be received and processed by BAR before you may submit an online license renewal payment. Please allow two weeks for processing and use the License Search webpage to verify that the change has been made before attempting to submit an online license renewal payment.
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 your 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 the Department of Consumer Affairs and mail to:
Department of Consumer Affairs
Cashiering Unit
P.O. Box 989001
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9001
Can I overnight my renewal payment?
Yes. Payments may be sent overnight to:
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, a delinquency fee will be charged. Delinquent renewals will not be processed until all fees are received. In addition, you may not perform activities for which a license is required until the license is renewed.
If the license is not renewed within one year of the expiration date, you will be required to submit a new application and fee, take required courses, and retake the examination.