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How to get a smog check station license

Register with BAR as an automotive repair dealer, apply for a Smog Check station license, and pass BAR’s on-site station inspection. Each person who runs the tests needs a Smog Check inspector license.

The licenses a smog station needs

  • Automotive repair dealer (ARD) registration. Needed to repair cars for pay, and before you can hold a Smog Check station license. $200 to apply, $200 a year to renew.
  • Smog Check station license. Needed to inspect and repair emissions systems. $100 to apply, $100 a year to renew.
  • Smog Check inspector license for each person who inspects and certifies cars. $20, renewed every two years.
  • Smog Check repair technician license for each person who diagnoses and repairs emissions systems. $20, renewed every two years.
  • STAR certification, if you want to inspect directed vehicles. No fee. See STAR certification.

Application fees are non-refundable.

Test-and-repair or test-only

  • Test-and-repair stations do Smog Checks and emissions repairs.
  • Test-only stations do Smog Checks but no emissions repairs.
  • Repair-only stations repair emissions problems but don’t do Smog Checks.

A test-and-repair station’s smog estimate must tell the customer they may choose another Smog Check station for repairs or later tests.

Steps for the station license

  1. Read the laws and regulations, and download the Smog Check Manual. It lists the equipment, procedures and standards.
  2. Go through BAR’s station checklist. Every required tool, piece of equipment and reference must be there and calibrated before you apply.
  3. Gather your documents. See BAR’s application requirements.
  4. Apply online. BAR then sends instructions to pay the fee, and won’t process the application until it’s paid.
  5. Answer any request from BAR quickly. If you don’t respond, the application may be denied.
  6. Install Cal-VIS on your BAR-OIS and enroll in the Cal-VIS billing portal, so you can buy certificates.
  7. Pass BAR’s on-site inspection of the station.
  8. Print your license and post it with the required signs.

Steps for the inspector license

  1. Meet the qualifications. An inspector needs Smog Check (Level 2) training in the last two years, plus one of these: Level 1 training in the last two years, ASE A6, A8 and L1, an automotive degree or certificate with one year of engine performance experience, two years of engine performance experience with BAR-specified training, or comparable military experience.
  2. Apply online and pay the fee.
  3. Pass the exam. The exam contractor contacts you to schedule it.
  4. Print your license.
  5. Complete biometric enrollment through BAR Field Office Support. Inspectors need it to run BAR-OIS inspections. Repair technicians don’t.

Paper forms

Applying online is faster, but BAR also takes paper applications by mail:

Common questions

How much does a smog station license cost?

The Smog Check station license is $100 to apply and $100 a year to renew. You also need an automotive repair dealer registration: $200 to apply and $200 a year.

What is the difference between test-only and test-and-repair?

A test-and-repair station does Smog Checks and emissions repairs. A test-only station does Smog Checks but no emissions repairs.

Do smog technicians need their own license?

Yes. Inspecting and certifying cars takes a Smog Check inspector license. Diagnosing and repairing emissions systems takes a Smog Check repair technician license. Each has its own exam.

If I buy a STAR station, does the certification come with it?

No. STAR certification doesn’t transfer. The new owner applies for a new ARD registration and station license, then for STAR once eligible.

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.