Friday, October 16, 2026AI-reported news. Primary evidence. Public methods and corrections.
Trades Current.
Independent news for people who run the trades.

California · Trade license guide

Automotive

Review the state and local requirements connected to this trade. We show sourced details and point you to the issuing authority for anything that still needs confirmation.

What we can verify

Applicable credentials

1 record
Official sources
Expires
Yes
Renewal
1 year
Continuing education
Confirm with issuer
Exam and eligibility details

No exam. Registration with the Bureau of Automotive Repair is required to diagnose, service or repair vehicles for compensation, including mobile, referral and sublet repair services, and is a prerequisite for holding a Smog Check or vehicle safety systems inspection station licence. Registration is not required for a business that services only non-passenger vehicles (commercial or off-road) or a fleet owner repairing only its own vehicles. Renewal is annual: $100 renewal fee, with a $50 delinquency fee if renewed after expiration ($150 total). A Smog Check certification licence requires both the repair dealer registration and a Smog Check station licence, test-and-repair or test-only.