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Do You Need a License to Be a Mobile Mechanic? California, New York and Michigan Rules

Updated 2026-10-17. Sources are listed at the end.

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This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by state and change often. Confirm with the official source linked in each section, or with a licensed attorney, CPA or insurance agent, before you act.

There’s no single national license for mechanics. Some states regulate the business (repair-dealer or repair-facility registration), and some also regulate the individual mechanic. Requirements vary by state and locality. The SBA notes that licenses and permits can be required at the federal, state and local level (SBA, Apply for licenses and permits). Federal rules also apply anywhere you touch A/C refrigerant (see EPA Section 609 certification). Here’s how three states with explicit rules handle it, straight from the regulators. Rules change, so always confirm with your state agency.

California: register as an Automotive Repair Dealer (ARD), including mobile

California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) registers automotive repair dealers. Regulations effective October 1, 2025 added mobile-specific requirements (BAR presentation, Oct 2025):

The ARD application asks whether you do mobile repairs and for the license plate of the vehicle used for mobile repair. The fee is $200 per business location, renewed annually. Late renewal adds a $50 delinquency fee (BAR ARD application). Apply at bar.ca.gov/apply.

New York: DMV repair shop registration (mobile needs an on-site investigation)

New York’s DMV registers repair shops. To apply you submit the Original Facility Application (VS-1) with (NY DMV):

The DMV states: “Mobile Repair Shops require an on-site investigation.” California requires a written estimate, and no work or charges before the customer authorizes it (BPC §9884.9; BAR Write It Right). New York also requires customer authorization before repairs (signed repair order, written work order, or phone authorization logged with time, date and name). The final bill can’t exceed the written estimate without the customer’s consent (source).

Michigan: facility registration and certified mechanics

Michigan regulates both levels. The Department of State says that if you own or operate a business that, for compensation, repairs or maintains motor vehicles, diagnoses or repairs their operating condition or body work, or sells used/rebuilt late-model major component parts, you must be registered with and licensed by the state (Michigan SOS, Repair facilities).

Individual mechanics are certified by testing. Effective July 1, 2026, each Michigan mechanic test costs $18, and a first-time certification application costs $25. Michigan also has an ASE certification route (Michigan SOS, Mechanics).

If your state isn’t listed

  1. Search your state’s consumer-affairs, DMV or attorney-general site for “automotive repair dealer” or “repair facility registration.”
  2. Check city/county business licensing and zoning (New York, for example, requires proof of zoning for repair shop registration: NY DMV).
  3. Check used oil rules. EPA’s used oil standards are in 40 CFR Part 279, and states may be stricter (EPA). Practical details are in mobile oil change pricing and used oil rules.
  4. Get insurance before you start. New York’s registration asks for proof of workers’ comp if you have employees (NY DMV), and commercial customers commonly ask for a certificate of insurance (see mobile mechanic insurance). Online quotes: NEXT Insurance, Insureon.

Sources