Renew your license
Before you renew
You must renew your license on time, even if you do not receive a courtesy renewal notice.
Business licenses can be renewed up to 90 days before they expire.
Individual licenses can be renewed up to 150 days before they expire.
If your license has expired, see Late renewals.
Review the renewal requirements for fees and any required training or certifications.
Renewal processing cannot be expedited. Renew your license before it expires to avoid late/delinquent fees (business licenses).
If you need to change your name or address, do so at least two weeks before renewal. You can confirm the update using the license search tool.
If you have a change of ownership, you cannot renew the license. Licenses are not transferable, and a new application is required. Learn more.
Active duty U.S. Armed Forces members may qualify for a renewal requirements waiver.
Renewal requirements
| License | Renewal cycle | Fee | Training/certification required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive repair dealer | Every year | $200 | N/A |
| Smog Check station | Every year | $100 | N/A |
| Vehicle safety systems inspection station |
Every year | $20 | N/A |
| Smog Check inspector | Every 2 years | $20.00 | Inspector Update Training |
| Smog Check repair technician | Every 2 years | $20.00 | Repair Technician Update Training Diagnostic and Repair Training OR Current ASE A6, A8, and L1 certification |
| Vehicle safety systems technician | Every 2 years | $10.00 | Current ASE A4, A5, and A6 certification |
STAR station certification is based on performance standards and is not renewed.
Renew now
Late renewals
Automotive repair dealer
A license is delinquent if it is not renewed by the expiration date.
You may renew a delinquent license within three years (36 months) of the expiration date.
If you renew within one year, you may renew online.
After on year, you must renew by mail.
After three years, you must apply for a new license.
Fees:
Within 1 year of expiration:
- Renewal fee: $200
- Late/delinquent fee: $50
- Total: $250
Within 2 years of expiration:
- Renewal fee: $400 ($200 per year)
- Late/delinquent fee: $50
- Total: $450
Within 3 years of expiration:
- Renewal fee: $600 ($200 per year)
- Late/delinquent fee: $50
- Total: $650
If you renew within 90 days of your next annual renewal date, add $200.
Smog Check station
You may renew a delinquent license within one year (12 months) of the expiration date. After one year, you must apply for a new license.
Stations with a delinquent license are locked out from performing inspections.
A delinquent license may result in STAR certification suspension.
Fees:
- Renewal fee: $100
- Late/delinquent fee: $50
- Total: $150
If you renew within 90 days of your next annual renewal date, add $100.
Vehicle safety systems inspection station
You may renew a delinquent license within 30 days of the expiration date. After 30 days, you must apply for a new license.
Fees:
- Renewal fee: $20
- Late/delinquent fee: $10
- Total: $30
Inspectors and technicians
If you do not renew on time, your license becomes inactive. You cannot perform activities that require a license until it is renewed.
Smog Check inspector and repair technician
You may renew an inactive license within one year of the expiration date.
After one year, you must apply for a new license and retake the exam.
Vehicle safety systems technician
You may renew your license within 30 days of the expiration date.
After 30 days, you must apply for a new license and retake the exam.
Renew by mail
BAR recommends renewing your license online. This helps avoid mailing delays and reduces processing time.
If you renew by mail, include the following:
A copy of your license
The applicable renewal fees, with your license number on the check or money order payable to the Bureau of Automotive Repair.
Mail to:
Bureau of Automotive Repair
P.O. Box 989001
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9001
Send overnight deliveries to:
Department of Consumer Affairs
Cashiering Unit
1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite S100
Sacramento, CA 95834