Sign, license display, and online advertising requirements
Required signs
Automotive repair dealers must display required signs. This includes the Automotive Repair Dealer sign. A station sign is also required for each station license.
Smog Check stations must also display the Notice to Consumers sign. This sign is provided by BAR. Contact BAR Field Office Support to request a replacement. Additional signs may be required for heavy-duty, light-duty, or diesel service.
Purchase signs from your preferred sign vendor.
Learn about requirements for mobile automotive repair dealers.
| Sign | Where to display |
|---|---|
| Automotive Repair Dealer | Visible to customers Reference: BPC § 9884.17, CCR §§ 3351.3, 3351.4 |
| Smog Check Station Test-and-repair / Decal Test-only / Decal Repair-only / Decal |
Outside, visible to the public Reference: CCR § 3340.22 |
| STAR Station | Outside, visible to the public Reference: CCR § 3392.2 |
| Notice to Consumers (Español) | Visible to customers Reference: HSC § 44017.3, CCR § 3340.22.2 |
| Diesel-Only Service Heavy-duty Only Service Light-duty Only Service |
Outside, visible to the public. Attach to or immediately below the station sign. Reference: CCR § 3340.22.1 |
| Vehicle safety systems inspection station | Outside, visible to the public Reference: CCR §§ 3312.2, 3313.1 |
Requirements for mobile automotive repair dealers
Provide a paper copy of the Automotive Repair Dealer sign with each work order.
Display on each mobile repair vehicle the following in at least 72 point font:
Business name as registered with BAR
Automotive repair dealer registration number
Phone number as registered with BAR
Reference: CCR §§ 3351.3, 3351.7.3
License display
Display your automotive repair dealer license and any station licenses.
Stations must also post inspector and technician licenses.
Licenses must be displayed in an area easily visible to customers.
Keep licenses under glass or other transparent cover.
You can print a copy of your license online.
Reference: CCR §§ 3312.2(b), 3340.15(c), 3351.3(a)(1)
Online advertising
All online advertisements must include your:
Business name as registered with BAR
Automotive repair dealer registration number
Phone number as registered with BAR
If your ad lists more than one location, include the required information for each location.
You must also display the required information on your website in a place that is easy for customers to find. For example, on your contact page or in the footer where your business address appears.
If your ad is a company-wide promotion that does not show individual locations, include your website address. Your website must clearly display the required information for each registered location.
Reference: CCR § 3371.2