What a BAR-compliant smog check invoice must show
A smog check invoice needs everything a regular repair invoice has: your ARD number with the name and address BAR has on record, every service and part itemized, the subtotals, tax and total, and any approvals. Attach a copy of the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR).
A smog check invoice must have everything a regular repair invoice has, plus the inspection report. BAR spells this out in its Write It Right guide (Business and Professions Code § 9884.8 and California Code of Regulations § 3356).
Your shop
- Your automotive repair dealer (ARD) registration number, with the business name and address exactly as BAR has them on record.
The work and the parts
- Every service and repair, itemized with its price, including diagnosis, warranty work and no-charge work.
- Every part, described so the customer can understand it, and marked new, used, reconditioned or rebuilt. Crash parts must say whether they are OEM or non-OEM aftermarket.
- Replaced parts that can’t be returned to the customer, if any.
The totals
- A subtotal for service and repair work.
- A subtotal for parts, not counting sales tax.
- Sales tax, if any.
- Any toxic waste fee, as shown on the estimate, with your EPA number.
- The total for service, parts and sales tax.
Billing separately for shop supplies or miscellaneous parts is not allowed.
Approvals
- Any repair the customer declined after a teardown.
- For any added work: the date, the time, who approved it, how they were reached, and the new total.
Smog check: attach the VIR
A copy of the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) must be attached to the customer’s invoice. For the certificate fee, see the $8.25 smog certificate fee.
SmogScanner fills in your station’s name and address from your BAR license and prints the BAR disclosures on estimates and invoices. Check that your registration details in Settings match BAR’s records.
Common questions
Do I have to attach the VIR to the invoice?
Yes. A copy of the Vehicle Inspection Report must be attached to the customer’s invoice.
Can I charge for shop supplies?
Not as a separate line. Write It Right doesn’t allow separate billing for items like shop supplies or miscellaneous parts.
What does a smog check estimate add to a regular estimate?
A test-and-repair station must add a notice that the customer may choose another Smog Check station for repairs or later tests.
Related guides
In SmogScanner
Official sources
This guide is a summary. BAR, the DMV and CARB are the official sources, and the rules can change. Check the sources before you rely on it.