- BAR licenses you can apply for
- The training requirements that matter most
- Qualification rules for Smog Check licenses
- Step by step application process after training
- Common obstacles and delays that slow people down
- Where to find official application forms
- Submitting applications and the benefit of online
- Fee refunds policy
- How long does it take and what to do if you don’t get confirmation
- Business information you may need for BAR licenses
- Limited liability company documentation
- STAR station and Vehicle Safety systems licensing basics
- Continuing education after you get licensed
- Citation training and what it includes
- Smog Check information series tutorials
- Systems tools for advanced inspection work
- Remedial training to prevent citation disclosure
- Finding classes and scholarships
- Education certifications you can submit
- Quick summary you can follow today
This guide explains how California’s BAR licensing works for smog check inspectors and repair technicians. You’ll also learn the main training, application steps, and the paperwork you should prepare before you submit.
Imagine you finished your smog training and you’re ready to work—but every page asks for a different application, fee, license, and proof. The goal of this post is to remove that confusion and help you move step by step.
BAR licenses you can apply for
BAR issues both business licenses and individual licenses related to smog and safety work.
Individual licenses for people
| Role | What you do | Key licensing training |
|---|---|---|
| Smog Check inspector | Inspection and certification of emissions control systems | Requires Smog Check training (Level 2) |
| Smog Check repair technician | Repair and diagnosis of emissions control system failures (does not perform inspections) | Needs the same base qualifications as inspector, but not Level 2 inspection training |
Business licenses for shops
| Business type | What you do | Connection to smog |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive repair dealer | Runs vehicle repair work for compensation | Often a prerequisite for smog-related licenses |
| Smog Check station | Performs smog check services | Station license |
| STAR station | Meets STAR program standards and can inspect directed vehicles | STAR certification |
| Vehicle safety systems inspection station | Safety systems inspection and repair | Separate licensing path |
The training requirements that matter most
Smog licensing depends heavily on training. The BAR training page lists course hours and what each course is for.
Level 1 vs Level 2 Smog Check training
| Training level | Minimum hours | Who needs it | What it focuses on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 Engine and emission control | 68 hours (minimum) | Required for many inspector applicants with minimal or no experience | Basic engine/emission control theory and operation |
| Level 2 Smog Check training | 28 hours (minimum) | Required for all Smog Check inspector applicants | Procedural knowledge and skills to perform smog checks |
Training hours for a repair technician
For Smog Check repair technician, BAR uses qualification paths that can include diagnostic and repair training. One listed course is:
| Course | Minimum hours | Who it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic and repair training | 72 hours (minimum) | Used to qualify applicants to take the repair technician exam in certain cases (including applicants with at least two years of engine performance experience) |
Qualification rules for Smog Check licenses
Both the Smog Check inspector and Smog Check repair technician licenses share the same qualification requirements—except the inspector also requires Level 2 training.
Qualification options for inspector and repair technician
To qualify, you must meet one of the following main paths, then do the extra Level 2 step for inspector:
1) Training path
- Complete engine and emission control (Level 1) training within the last two years.
2) Certification path
- Hold ASE certifications:
- Electrical/Electronic Systems (A6)
- Engine Performance (A8)
- Advanced Engine Performance Specialist (L1)
3) Education path
- Have one year of engine performance experience and also one of these:
- Associate degree (AA/AS) or higher in automotive technology
- Or a certificate in automotive technology with at least 720 hours of coursework including 280 hours in engine performance
(From a state accredited or recognized school)
4) Experience path
- Have two years of engine performance experience
- And completed diagnostic and repair training within the last five years
5) Military path
- Comparable military education or experience
The extra requirement for the inspector license
After meeting one path above, Smog Check inspector applicants must also:
- Complete Smog Check (Level 2) training within the last two years.
Step by step application process after training
Once your training is done, the process is mostly about applying correctly, uploading the right documents, and paying the fee.
A practical checklist for your Smog Check license
| Step | What you do | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather identity and required personal info | Social Security number or ITIN, and government photo ID |
| 2 | Gather required automotive credentials | ASE certifications (for inspector/technician qualification) |
| 3 | Choose the correct license application | Smog Check inspector vs Smog Check repair technician |
| 4 | Pay the application fee | Credit card for the application fee |
| 5 | Submit and track | Online submission helps with faster processing, document upload, and email updates |
If you are also opening a shop
Your situation changes because you may need both individual and station-level steps. If you plan to open a shop, BAR notes you would use the smog technician application plus the station application when applicable.
A simple example:
- You finish smog check training to become a technician.
- You also rent a building and want to run a smog test station.
- You then submit both your individual application and your shop’s station application documents.
Common obstacles and delays that slow people down
Most delays are not mysterious. They usually come from avoidable issues.
| Obstacle | What it looks like | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Missing documents | Application sent without proof that matches the qualification route | Before submitting, confirm each requirement is included |
| Incomplete forms | Required fields left blank or mismatched info | Fill everything carefully and use the same name/address format |
| Not uploading documents (if online) | Paper documents sent but not readable or missing pages | If possible, apply online to upload documents |
| Confusion about which training | Level 1 done, but inspector needs Level 2 | Match training to the exact license type |
Where to find official application forms
BAR provides application entry points on its website under licensing pages. Use BAR’s Apply for a license area and select the correct path for:
- Smog Check inspector
- Smog Check repair technician
Submitting applications and the benefit of online
BAR explains that applying online can:
- help processing move faster,
- let you upload documents,
- pay fees,
- clear deficiencies,
- and receive email updates.
If online submission isn’t possible, BAR lists paper application by mail for the relevant smog and station license categories.
Fee refunds policy
BAR states clearly that application fees are non-refundable. That means you should double-check your materials before you submit.
How long does it take and what to do if you don’t get confirmation
BAR indicates processing times vary, so the best approach is:
1. Submit as soon as you’re ready.
2. Watch for the expected confirmation window.
3. If you do not receive confirmation within that expected timeframe, the recommended action is to follow up with BAR.
For duration questions, BAR provides a customer support approach via calling BAR to ask about licensing process length.
Business information you may need for BAR licenses
If your application involves a shop or business licensing, BAR lists required business data. For example:
Business information (typical list)
| Item | Where it comes from |
|---|---|
| Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) | IRS |
| Corporation/LLC number from California Secretary of State | California Secretary of State |
| Corporation Statement of Information | Business filing documents |
| Proof of sale (if change of ownership) | Sale documents |
| Educational certifications | Training proof |
Permits and licenses that may be needed too
BAR lists additional permits that could apply, including:
- Seller’s permit
- City/county business license
- Hazardous waste facility permit
- Air Quality Management District spray booth permit
(Which ones apply depends on your business setup.)
Limited liability company documentation
If you’re a limited liability company applying for BAR licensing, documentation depends on whether it’s domestic or foreign.
Domestic LLC documentation
- Articles of Organization and Charter
- Statement of Information
- Operating Agreement
- Trust Agreement (if a member is a trust)
Foreign LLC documentation
- Application to Register and Charter (from the state where formed)
- Statement of Information
- Certificate Registration
- Operating Agreement
- Trust Agreement (if a member is a trust)
STAR station and Vehicle Safety systems licensing basics
Not everyone searching for a “smog license” needs this—but it often comes up if you’re building a bigger shop.
STAR station certification
STAR is a certification for inspecting directed vehicles. STAR stations must meet and keep STAR program inspection standards.
Vehicle safety systems inspection station
This license covers inspection and repair of vehicle safety systems and connects to the automotive repair dealer licensing path.
Continuing education after you get licensed
Licenses require updates on a schedule.
Smog Check renewal training
| License type | Renewal period | Required update training |
|---|---|---|
| Smog Check inspectors | Every 2 years | 4 hours online update training |
| Smog Check repair technicians | Every 2 years | 16 hours update training (course options vary) |
Citation training and what it includes
BAR’s Smog Check citation training is remedial training related to a citation.
- Minimum course length is eight hours
- Up to four hours may be fulfilled using the inspector update training course
- Content may include review of inspection procedures, hands-on assessment with vehicles with emission control defects or tampering, and a final written or online test
Smog Check information series tutorials
BAR also provides online tutorials under a Smog Check information series.
Topics covered
| Module | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | California Smog Check Program |
| 2 | How to do a Smog Check |
| 3 | Emission Control System Application Guide |
| 4 | Inspection Procedures for OBD II |
| 5 | Ignition Timing Inspection |
| 6 | Aftermarket Parts |
| 7 | Engine Changes |
| 8 | EGR System Functional Test |
| 9 | Referee Inspection Services |
Diesel and hybrid tutorials
Online tutorials also include:
- Diesel Vehicle Smog Check Inspection
- Hybrid Vehicle Smog Check Inspection
- Low Pressure Fuel Evaporative Test
- Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Systems tools for advanced inspection work
If you work at the station level and use BAR systems, BAR provides guides and tutorials for:
-
BAR On-Board Diagnostic Inspection System (BAR-OIS)
Includes a user guide, registration, software download, inspection instructions, and setup/tips (like authentication support). -
BAR Safety Inspections System (BAR-SIS)
Includes user guides and tutorial components for safety systems inspection workflows.
Remedial training to prevent citation disclosure
Sometimes BAR may require or allow remedial training tied to minor violations.
Purpose
Remedial training can help prevent public disclosure of certain citation details on BAR’s website (during the relevant period described by BAR’s rules).
Eligibility criteria (high level)
A licensee may not be eligible if:
- they took a remedial training course to prevent disclosure of a citation in the prior 18 months, or
- the citation involves fraud.
Finding classes and scholarships
BAR points applicants and licensees to:
- CalARC for automotive training classes and schools (including update training options)
- Scholarship opportunities from automotive associations and organizations
Education certifications you can submit
If you run a shop and want to show qualifications, BAR accepts educational certifications, including:
- Industry certifications (examples listed include I-CAR and ASE)
- Education from trade schools and community colleges
- OEM training certifications
- BAR-accepted certifications (example listed includes ComplyAuto EduTech)
How to submit educational certifications
- Applicants submit copies with the automotive repair dealer application.
- Licensees can add or change educational certifications online.
Quick summary you can follow today
| If your goal is… | Do this first |
|---|---|
| Become a Smog Check inspector | Match qualifications, then complete Level 1 (if needed) and Level 2 within two years |
| Become a Smog Check repair technician | Match qualification path; use the required repair/diagnostic training routes when needed |
| Apply for the license | Use BAR’s apply pages, apply online if possible, upload documents, and remember fees are non-refundable |
| Avoid delays | Don’t miss documents, fill forms carefully, and confirm training matches your license type |
This is the core path to getting your smog license in California through BAR: training → qualifications → application → fees → exam scheduling → renewal with continuing education.