Licensing by State

All 50 states. Licenses, permits, certifications, and requirements for mobile mechanics.

Important: Requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state and local authorities. This guide is for informational purposes — last updated February 2026.

General Requirements

Most states don't require a specific "mobile mechanic license." Instead, you'll typically need a combination of: a general business license, city/county permits, and potentially a motor vehicle repair registration. ASE certification is voluntary but highly recommended.

StateState License Required?TypeEst. CostNotes
AlabamaNoBusiness license only$50-150County-level business license required
AlaskaNoBusiness license$50State business license required
ArizonaNoBusiness license$50-100City-level license varies. No state mechanic license.
ArkansasNoBusiness license$50County/city business license
CaliforniaYesMRVD License$200-500Motor Vehicle Repair Dealer license required. BAR registration.
ColoradoNoBusiness license$50Sales tax license if selling parts
ConnecticutYesMotor Vehicle Repair$150-300DMV registration for repair facilities
DelawareNoBusiness license$75State business license required
FloridaYesMV Repair Registration$100-200Motor Vehicle Repair registration with FDACS
GeorgiaNoBusiness license$50-200County/city occupational tax certificate
HawaiiYesMotor Vehicle Repair$100Motor Vehicle Repair Dealer license
IdahoNoBusiness license$50City business license only
IllinoisNoBusiness license$50-150Check city requirements (Chicago has specific rules)
IndianaNoBusiness license$50County-level
IowaNoBusiness license$50Sales tax permit if selling parts
KansasNoBusiness license$50City business license
KentuckyNoBusiness license$50County occupational license
LouisianaNoBusiness license$50-100Parish business license
MaineNoBusiness license$50Municipal business license
MarylandNoBusiness license$50Trader's license from county
MassachusettsNoBusiness license$50-100Municipal business certificate
MichiganYesMV Repair Facility$100-250Repair facility registration with SOS
MinnesotaNoBusiness license$50City license only
MississippiNoBusiness license$50County business privilege license
MissouriNoBusiness license$50-100City/county level
MontanaNoBusiness license$50County business license
NebraskaNoBusiness license$50City business license
NevadaNoBusiness license$100-200State business license required for all businesses
New HampshireNoBusiness license$50Town business license
New JerseyNoBusiness license$50-100Municipal business registration
New MexicoNoBusiness license$50CRS ID number required
New YorkYesMV Repair Registration$150-300DMV Motor Vehicle Repair Shop registration
North CarolinaNoBusiness license$50-100County/city privilege license
North DakotaNoBusiness license$50City business license
OhioNoBusiness license$50Vendor's license for parts sales
OklahomaNoBusiness license$50City/county level
OregonNoBusiness license$50-100City business license, DEQ compliance
PennsylvaniaNoBusiness license$50Home-based business license from municipality
Rhode IslandNoBusiness license$50State sales tax permit
South CarolinaNoBusiness license$50-100County/municipal business license
South DakotaNoBusiness license$50Municipal business license
TennesseeNoBusiness license$50County business tax license
TexasNoBusiness license$50-150City-level occupational permit. No state mechanic license.
UtahNoBusiness license$50City business license
VermontNoBusiness license$50Town business registration
VirginiaNoBusiness license$50-100County/city BPOL license
WashingtonNoBusiness license$50State UBI number + city license
West VirginiaNoBusiness license$50Municipal business license
WisconsinNoBusiness license$50Seller's permit for parts sales
WyomingNoBusiness license$50City business license

ASE Certification

ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification is voluntary but highly recommended. It demonstrates professionalism, builds customer trust, and can reduce insurance premiums. Key certifications for mobile mechanics:

Related Resources

Insurance Guide Start a Business Guide

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