BAR news and updates
License renewal fees postponed for licensees affected by Los Angeles fires
In response to the Los Angeles fires, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-15-25 on January 29, 2025. The executive order allows Department of Consumer Affairs licensees to request temporary postponement of their license renewal fees. Fee postponement is available to licensees with licenses that expire between January 1 and June 30, 2025, and who have a residential or business address located within one of the 13 impacted zip codes identified in the order. Eligible licensees can elect to defer 2025 license renewal fees to 2026.
For more details, including answers to common questions, visit our information page.
Submit your educational certifications online
Automotive repair dealers can now submit their educational certifications online. This information is also now displayed on BAR's Auto Shop Locator. You can submit certifications for both you and your employees, including:
- Nationally recognized and industry-accepted educational certifications such as ASE and I-CAR
- Degrees or certificates obtained by completing training programs offered by trade schools, community colleges, and vehicle manufacturers
- Bureau-accepted educational certifications
If you've already submitted certifications with your application, please resubmit them online. This will help ensure they appear on the Auto Shop Locator.
To submit your educational certifications, use our online portal.
Keep your license information up to date
If you've recently changed any license information such as your name or address, be sure to notify us.
- Automotive repair dealers must notify BAR of changes within 30 days
- Inspectors and technicians must notify BAR of changes within 14 days
Keeping your information current helps ensure your license remains in good standing. It also ensures that you receive important updates from BAR. For more information on business license updates, see Guidance on business or ownership changes.
Support for Windows 10 will end October 2025
Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. All BAR-OIS and BAR-SIS computers must be updated to Windows 11 by this date.
For more information, visit www.microsoft.com. To learn more about equipment and software requirements, go to BAR-OIS and BAR-SIS inspection systems.
Join BAR's Smog Check Referee Program
BAR’s Smog Check Referee Program is seeking qualified candidates to fill open Referee positions throughout California, including San Diego, Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, Oxnard, San Bruno, San Jose and other locations. Referees play a vital role in assisting vehicle owners with Smog Check inspection and certification issues while also helping to train community college students for careers in the automotive repair and Smog Check fields.
As part of our team, you’ll be working alongside dedicated professionals at over 30 community college campuses, all while helping to reduce air pollution for all Californians.
For details and to apply, go to www.asktheref.org.
Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program updates
The Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Program is steadily growing. As of April 1, 2025, BAR has licensed 571 vehicle safety systems inspection stations and 715 technicians. Between January 1 and April 1, 2025, a total of 61,503 inspections were conducted, resulting in the issuance of 50,517 certificates.
Notably, 9,773 (16%) of the vehicles failed the inspection. Reasons for failure included issues with open recalls, brakes, lights, steering, body structure, passenger compartment, tires and wheels, and road tests. The wide range of failure reasons underscore the important role the program serves in ensuring vehicle safety.
For more information, go to Vehicle safety systems inspections.
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