About the Bureau of Automotive Repair

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Our mission is to protect Californians through effective oversight of the automotive repair industry and administration of vehicle emissions reduction and safety programs.

What we do

• License and regulate automotive repair dealers, Smog Check stations and technicians, and vehicle safety systems stations and technicians.
• Mediate automotive repair complaints, saving consumers millions of dollars each year through refunds, rework, and bill adjustments.
• Investigate and take disciplinary action against licensees who violate the law.
• Perform no-cost inspections of collision repairs to help keep consumers and their vehicle safe.
• Improve road safety by ensuring revived salvage vehicles meet safety standards.
• Help keep California’s air clean by reducing vehicle emissions.