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Auto Mechanic / ASE
Auto mechanic licensing varies significantly by state. While ASE certification is the national industry standard, some states require specific shop registration, inspection mechanic licenses, or emissions program participation. Compare requirements across all 50 states.
51
Total States
10
State License Required
36
Emissions Programs
$135
Avg Initial Fees
Unlike many professions, auto mechanics are generally not licensed by the government. Instead, ASE certification serves as the industry-standard credential, supplemented by state-specific requirements in certain jurisdictions.
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification is administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Technicians can certify in areas A1-A9, with Master Technician status achieved by passing A1-A8. Requires 2 years work experience (or 1 year + accredited training).
Most states do not require a specific mechanic license. However, states like California (BAR registration), Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York require auto repair shop registration or technician licensing. Many states also require licensed inspection mechanics for safety/emissions inspections.
EPA Section 608/609 certification is required for any technician who handles refrigerants during A/C system work. This is a federal requirement that applies in all 50 states. OSHA workplace safety requirements also apply to all auto repair operations.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | State License | Emissions Program | Total Fees | Confidence | Registration Details | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | No | Emissions testing required in Phoenix and Tucson metro areas... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| California(CA) | Yes | Smog Check program administered by BAR; Smog Check technicia... | $312-$700 | medium | Auto Repair Dealer (ARD) registration with Bureau ... | Mar 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | No | Emissions testing required in Denver metro and North Front R... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | Yes | Emissions testing required statewide; biennial testing at li... | $337-$725 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair license required from CT DMV ... | Mar 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | No | Emissions testing required in New Castle and Kent counties | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | Yes | Vehicle safety and emissions inspections required; performed... | $237-$1000 | medium | Motor Vehicle Inspection Station license required ... | Mar 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | No | Emissions testing required in 13 metro Atlanta counties | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | Yes | Safety inspections required statewide; no emissions testing ... | $137-$600 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair Dealer license required from ... | Mar 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | No | Emissions testing required in Ada and Canyon counties (Boise... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | No | Emissions testing required in Chicago metro and Metro East (... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | No | Emissions testing required in Lake and Porter counties (Gary... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | No | Emissions testing required in five parishes in the Baton Rou... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | No | Emissions testing required statewide through VEIP (Vehicle E... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | No | Annual safety and emissions inspections required statewide | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | Yes | None | $122-$510 | medium | State Certified Mechanic designation; Mechanic Reg... | Mar 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | No | Emissions testing required in Twin Cities 7-county metro are... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | No | Emissions testing required in St. Louis and Kansas City metr... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | No | Emissions testing required in Missoula area | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | No | Emissions testing required in Douglas and Sarpy counties (Om... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | No | Emissions testing required in Clark (Las Vegas) and Washoe (... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | No | OBD-II emissions testing required statewide as part of annua... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Yes | Emissions testing required statewide at MVC inspection stati... | $312-$700 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair Facility registration require... | Mar 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | No | Emissions testing required in Bernalillo County (Albuquerque... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| New York(NY) | Yes | Annual safety and emissions inspections required statewide; ... | $162-$550 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair Shop registration required; N... | Mar 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | No | Emissions testing required in 48 counties in central/western... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | No | E-Check emissions testing required in Cleveland and Akron me... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | No | DEQ emissions testing required in Portland metro and Medford... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | No | Annual safety inspection required statewide; emissions testi... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Yes | Biennial emissions testing required statewide | $212-$800 | medium | Auto Body and Salvage Rebuilder license required f... | Mar 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | No | Emissions testing required in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | No | Annual safety inspection required statewide; emissions testi... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | No | Emissions testing required in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Weber,... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | No | OBD-II testing required statewide as part of annual safety i... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | Yes | Emissions testing required in Northern Virginia and Hampton ... | $312-$700 | medium | Repair facilities regulated by Motor Vehicle Deale... | Mar 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | No | Emissions testing required in Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | Yes | Emissions testing required in Kanawha, Cabell, Wood, and Put... | $137-$550 | medium | Emissions inspection mechanic certification requir... | Mar 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | No | Emissions testing required in southeastern Wisconsin (7 coun... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | Mar 2026 |
Auto mechanics often work alongside other licensed trades professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.
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See the full comparison table above for all 51 states.