Licensing data
The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) licenses automotive repair dealers and stations and individuals that perform inspections in the Smog Check and Vehicle Safety Systems programs. Licensure information is available under the Licensees tab at www.bar.ca.gov.
Licensing statistics reports are shared at BAR Advisory Group meetings. To access these reports, see BAR Advisory Group. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) License Search may be used to look up a business or individual who has a license issued by DCA.
License population
(as of March 31, 2025)
| License1 type | Number of licenses |
|---|---|
| Automotive repair dealer2 | 34,994 |
| Smog Check test-and-repair station | 4,057 |
| Smog Check test-only station | 1,991 |
| Smog Check repair-only station | 25 |
| STAR station3 | 3,550 |
| Vehicle safety systems inspection station | 464 |
| Smog Check inspector | 12,283 |
| Smog Check repair technician | 5,087 |
| Vehicle safety systems technician | 702 |
| Total | 63,153 |
1 California Business and Professions Code section 23 defines “license” as a license, certificate, registration, or other means to engage in a business or profession regulated by code.
2 An automotive repair dealer holds a registration to conduct business in California.
3 A licensed Smog Check station holds a STAR certification if it meets certain performance criteria established in BAR regulations.
Top 10 business types
(as of March 31, 2025)
Business types are provided by automotive repair dealers upon licensure or renewal. This information is tied to the service category options displayed on BAR's Auto Shop Locator. If licensees want to update their business types, they can change business information online.
| Primary business type | Secondary business type |
|---|---|
| 1. General repair | 1. General repair |
| 2. Auto body and/or paint shop | 2. Automotive diagnostic center |
| 3. Smog Check station | 3. Smog Check station |
| 4. Other | 4. Tire shop |
| 5. Tire shop | 5. Preventative maintenance services |
| 6. New/used car dealer | 6. Other |
| 7. Mobile automotive repair | 7. brake/front end aligh=nment shop |
| 8. Tune up/oil and lube shop | 8. Tune up/oil and lube shop |
| 9. Glass shop | 9. Auto body and/or paint shop |
| 10. Transmission repair shop | 10. Mobile automotive repair |