BAR news and updates
Online license applications now available
In addition to online automotive repair dealer registration applications, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has added online license applications for station, inspector, and technician licenses. The new online applications reduce processing times and give applicants the ability to:
- Apply online
- Upload required documentation
- Pay application fees
- Save an application in process and complete it at a later time
- Review and clear application deficiencies
- Receive processing notifications and receipts by email
For more information and to apply, visit www.bar.ca.gov and select the "Licensees" tab.
2024 Smog Check Performance Report
The 2024 Smog Check Performance Report was published on July 1, as required by Assembly Bill 2289 (Eng, Chapter 258, Statutes of 2010). The report provides an analysis of Smog Check inspections performed in calendar years 2022 and 2023. Using inspection data from Smog Check stations and comparing it to data from BAR’s Roadside Inspection Program, the report provides an assessment of the effectiveness of the Smog Check Program.
To align with the biennial Smog Check inspection cycle and provide a more accurate evaluation of the Smog Check Program, the report will now be published every other year (AB 1263, Berman, Chapter 681, Statutes of 2023). The next report will be published in 2026.
View the 2024 Smog Check Performance Report.
Cars for Schools
The Automobile Club of Southern California is now supporting the Cars for Schools program by providing transportation of retired vehicles to and from participating schools. This will allow schools who did not have the budget for transportation to receive vehicles used for hands-on training. The availability of transportation assistance is contingent on the school’s location, transportation distance, and availability of Auto Club transportation resources. This valuable partnership was made possible by Megan McKernan, Group Manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California and a member of the BAR Advisory Group.
To learn more, see Cars for Schools.
BAR hosts Japanese delegation
On September 3, 2024, BAR welcomed a delegation from Japan at its headquarters. The delegation consisted of 12 representatives from several organizations including the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT), National Agency for Automobile and Land Transport Technology (NALTEC), Light Motor Vehicle Inspection Organization (LMVIO), Japan Automotive Service Equipment Association (JASEA), and Japan Automobile Standards Internationalization Center (JASIC). MLIT and NALTEC requested the meeting to prepare for the implementation of Japan’s Electronic Periodic Technical Inspection (e-PTI) program, set to begin in October 2024. The e-PTI program provides On-Board Diagnostic inspections of emissions and vehicle safety systems, similar to BAR’s Smog Check and Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection programs.
During the meeting, BAR shared information on the Smog Check Program and provided tours of BAR’s Engineering Lab and a local Smog Check station. The exchange of information proved valuable for both sides, strengthening international cooperation on vehicle inspection programs.
Strategic Plan enhancements
In June 2024, BAR published an updated version of its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. The enhanced plan incorporates stakeholder input from a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) survey. Thank you to our stakeholders who participated in the survey. Your feedback was essential in helping us develop a strong DEI strategy that will further improve our programs and services.
View our Strategic Plan.
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