Santa Ana 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 (Santa Ana / Orange County)

1. City of Santa Ana Business License
   A separate license is needed for each location and each different business classification. Businesses in commercial areas need a code compliance (zoning) inspection. DBA names are registered with the Orange County Recorder.
   ⏰ Annual (verify your renewal date on your notice)
   Source: City of Santa Ana: General information for business licenses