San Francisco Mobile Mechanic License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. Automotive Repair Dealer registration (Bureau of Automotive Repair)
   Required to diagnose, service or repair vehicles for pay, including mobile. Each mobile vehicle needs its own registration. $200 application.
   ⏰ Renew every year: $200 ($250 total if late, within 1 year)
   Source: California Bureau of Automotive Repair: Apply · California BAR: Mobile automotive repair · California Bureau of Automotive Repair: Renew
2. Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board filings
   LLCs and corporations file a Statement of Information ($20 or $25) and most businesses pay at least $800 a year in Franchise Tax. A business name other than your own is filed with your county.
   ⏰ Statement of Information: frequency depends on entity type (verify). Franchise tax: yearly
   Source: California Secretary of State: Business entities FAQs

Local (San Francisco / San Francisco County)

1. San Francisco Business Registration (Treasurer & Tax Collector)
   Register within 30 days of starting; working in SF 7 or more days counts as doing business. LLCs and corporations register with the state first.
   ⏰ Renew every year by the last day of February (Annual Business Registration and Tax Form)
   Source: City of San Francisco: Business registration information · San Francisco Treasurer: Renew business registration