Biometric Palm Scans to Replace Passwords for BAR-OIS Inspections
(Updated May 25, 2023)
On August 15, 2022, the Office of Administrative Law approved and filed with the Secretary of State the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR) regulatory action concerning Smog Check equipment security and fraud prevention. The new regulations require, in part, Smog Check inspectors to use a biometric palm scanner instead of a password to log in and perform a Smog Check on the BAR On-Board Diagnostics Inspection System (BAR-OIS).
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help licensees prepare for the new biometric requirements.
When will biometric palm scanner usage become mandatory for BAR-OIS inspections?
The mandatory start date for palm scanner usage is expected in early 2023. BAR will announce the mandatory start date at least 30 days before the start date.
What do I need to do to prepare for mandatory biometric palm scanner use?
Complete your biometric enrollment - All licensed Smog Check inspectors must complete biometric enrollment at a BAR field office to establish a palm data profile.
Order a biometric equipment kit - Biometric equipment kits, including a palm scanner device, hand cradle, and USB cable, are available for purchase from authorized resellers. Contact a reseller to order your kit today.
Download the BAR-OIS biometric software update - The BAR-OIS biometric software update is expected to be released in January 2023. After downloading the update, inspectors can install and begin using the palm scanner to perform Smog Checks on the BAR-OIS.
Biometric Enrollment
How do I schedule a biometric enrollment appointment?
Schedule your biometric enrollment appointment online at www.bar.ca.gov.
Update: Effective May 25, 2023, appointments are not required to complete biometric enrollment. To complete your enrollment, contact a BAR field office. For more information, visit the Biometric webpage.
Are walk-ins accepted?
BAR field offices may accept walk-ins Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. However, walk-ins are accommodated only as scheduling allows on a first-come, first-served basis. Inspectors are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment to avoid walk-in wait times and help guarantee their enrollment is completed by the mandatory start date.
How long will the appointment take?
Appointments take about 15 minutes to complete.
What happens at the biometric enrollment appointment?
At the appointment, BAR staff will:
Verify your identity
Review data collection notices
Take your photo
Scan your palms to establish your biometric palm data profile
What do I need to bring to the appointment?
Bring the following items with you to your appointment:
Your biometric enrollment appointment confirmation
A valid, government-issued photo identification document (other than an inspector badge), such as a driver license, passport, or military identification
A proof of identification document showing your legal name and signature, such as a social security card or credit card
Your BAR-issued inspector badge (if received prior to enrollment) and inspector license number
What if the name on my Smog Check inspector license is different than my legal name?
The name on your Smog Check inspector license must match your legal name before you can enroll. For information on how to update your license, visit Update an inspector or technician license.
Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Appointments cannot be canceled or rescheduled online. To cancel or reschedule your appointment, contact the BAR field office listed on your enrollment appointment confirmation at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Once the field office cancels your appointment, you will need to schedule a new appointment.
I missed my appointment. Can I reschedule?
No. Missed appointments, or appointments canceled with less than 24-hours notice, cannot be rescheduled. Visit a BAR field office during walk-in hours Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Walk-ins are accommodated only as scheduling allows on a first-come, first-served basis. Inspectors are strongly encouraged to attend their scheduled appointment.
What happens if I don’t complete my enrollment by the mandatory start date for biometric palm scanner usage?
Inspectors who have not enrolled by the mandatory start date will be unable to perform BAR-OIS inspections.
Biometric Equipment Kit
What is included in a biometric equipment kit?
A biometric equipment kit (part number BAR BAK) contains the following:
Fujitsu palm vein scanner sensor (model number FAT13FPS01)
Hand cradle
USB cable
Where do I purchase a biometric equipment kit?
Emissions Depot
www.emissionsdepot.com
sales@emissionsdepot.com
(888) 276-6164
ePortID
www.eportid.com/product-page/bar-bundle
info@eportid.com
(215) 627-2651
Opus
https://opus.global/media/47455/ca_sellsheet_combined.pdf
casales@opusinspection.com
(800) 695-4377
Worldwide Environmental Products
www.wep-inc.com/california
info@wep-inc.com
(800) 832-7664
Is one biometric equipment kit required per BAR-OIS?
Yes. The 2021 Smog Check Manual requires one biometric equipment kit per BAR-OIS.
How much does a biometric equipment kit cost?
BAR does not have the authority to control equipment cost. Information provided by the resellers suggests kits cost between $400 and $500 depending on the reseller. Some resellers may have an option to add the kit to a BAR-OIS rental/lease agreement. Contact the reseller for additional information.
Why should I buy my biometric equipment kit from a reseller instead of some other vendor?
Purchase your kit from an authorized reseller to ensure you receive the correct equipment. The reseller will also add one year to the normal equipment warranty period.
BAR-OIS Biometric Software Update
When will the BAR-OIS biometric software update be available?
The BAR-OIS biometric software update is expected to be released in January 2023.
Can I use the biometric palm scanner before the mandatory start date?
Yes. After downloading the software update, inspectors are encouraged to begin using the palm scanner to log in and perform Smog Checks on the BAR-OIS. Early use not only provides inspectors the opportunity to become familiar with the new equipment and ensure all components are functioning correctly before the mandatory start date, but it also eliminates the need to enter a password at the beginning and end of each inspection.
When does the BAR-OIS software prompt for biometric use?
The BAR-OIS software update will prompt inspectors to scan their left or right palm at the beginning and end of every inspection.
Will I still need to maintain a BAR-OIS password after biometric palm scanner use becomes mandatory?
Yes. A BAR-OIS password is still required to maintain the Manage Station and Manage Staff BAR-OIS functions and when registering and downloading the BAR-OIS software.
Stay tuned for biometric news and updates—important notices on implementation and compliance dates will be sent to licensees via ET Blast. For more FAQs and additional information on the biometric rollout, visit www.bar.ca.gov/biometric.
(Updated November 4, 2022)