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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.
71
Total States
16
State License Required
65
Emissions Programs
$137
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.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
Compare All StatesFind out if your license transfers to another state and what extra steps are needed.
Check ReciprocityBrowse approved programs by state — compare costs, requirements, and timelines.
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 | null | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | No | null — Alaska has no statewide vehicle emissions inspection ... | $112-$500 | medium | null — No registration type applicable | March 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | No | Emissions testing required in Phoenix and Tucson metro areas... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | No | null — Arkansas has no statewide vehicle emissions/smog insp... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| California(CA) | Yes | Smog Check program administered by BAR; Smog Check technicia... | $312-$700 | medium | Auto Repair Dealer (ARD) registration with Bureau ... | January 2025 |
| California(CA) | Yes | Smog Check program administered by BAR; technician/inspector... | $312-$700 | medium | Auto Repair Dealer (ARD) registration with Bureau ... | March 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | No | Emissions testing is required in the Denver metro area and t... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | Yes | CT DMV confirms emissions testing program exists with an ove... | $337-$725 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair license required from CT DMV ... | March 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | No | Emissions testing required in New Castle and Kent counties | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | Yes | Vehicle safety and emissions inspections required; performed... | $237-$1000 | medium | Motor Vehicle Inspection Station license required ... | January 2025 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | Yes | Vehicle safety and emissions inspections required; performed... | $237-$1000 | medium | Motor Vehicle Inspection Station license required ... | March 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | No | null — Florida has no statewide emissions/smog inspection pr... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | No | Emissions testing required in 13 metro Atlanta counties | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Georgia(GA) | No | Emissions testing required in 13 metro Atlanta counties | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | Yes | Safety inspections required statewide; no emissions testing ... | $137-$600 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair Dealer license required from ... | January 2025 |
| Hawaii(HI) | Yes | Confirmed as accurate based on available sources. Hawaii has... | $137-$600 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair Dealer license required from ... | March 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | No | Emissions testing required in Ada and Canyon counties (Boise... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | No | Emissions testing required in Chicago metro and Metro East (... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | No | Emissions testing required in Lake and Porter counties (Gary... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | No | null | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Kansas(KS) | No | null — Kansas has no statewide emissions/smog testing progra... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Kentucky(KY) | No | null — Kentucky has no statewide vehicle emissions testing p... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | No | Emissions testing required in five parishes in the Baton Rou... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Maine(ME) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | No | Emissions testing required statewide through VEIP (Vehicle E... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Maryland(MD) | No | Emissions testing required statewide through VEIP (Vehicle E... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | No | Annual safety and emissions inspections required statewide | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | Yes | null — Michigan does not have a statewide mandatory vehicle ... | $122-$510 | medium | State Certified Mechanic designation; Mechanic Reg... | March 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | No | Emissions testing required in Twin Cities 7-county metro are... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | No | null | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | No | Emissions testing required in St. Louis and Kansas City metr... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Missouri(MO) | No | Emissions testing required in St. Louis and Kansas City metr... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | No | Emissions testing required in Missoula area | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | No | Emissions testing required in Douglas and Sarpy counties (Om... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Nebraska(NE) | No | Emissions testing required in Douglas and Sarpy counties (Om... | $112-$500 | medium | null | March 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | No | Emissions testing required in Clark (Las Vegas) and Washoe (... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | No | OBD-II emissions testing required statewide as part of annua... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Yes | Emissions testing required statewide at MVC inspection stati... | $312-$700 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair Facility registration require... | January 2025 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Yes | Emissions testing required statewide at MVC inspection stati... | $312-$700 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair Facility registration require... | March 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | No | Emissions testing required in Bernalillo County (Albuquerque... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| New York(NY) | Yes | Annual safety and emissions inspections required statewide; ... | $162-$550 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair Shop registration required; N... | January 2025 |
| New York(NY) | Yes | Most vehicles registered in NYS must be inspected for safety... | $162-$550 | medium | Motor Vehicle Repair Shop registration required (v... | March 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | No | Emissions testing required in 48 counties in central/western... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| North Dakota(ND) | No | null — no emissions testing program | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | No | E-Check emissions testing required in Cleveland and Akron me... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | No | None | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | No | null | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | No | DEQ emissions testing required in Portland metro and Medford... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Oregon(OR) | No | DEQ emissions testing required in Portland metro and Medford... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | No | Annual safety inspection required statewide; emissions testi... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | No | Annual safety inspection required statewide; emissions testi... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Yes | Biennial emissions testing required statewide | $212-$800 | medium | Auto Body and Salvage Rebuilder license required f... | March 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | No | null | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | No | null | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | No | Emissions testing required in Davidson, Hamilton, Rutherford... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | No | Annual safety inspection required statewide; emissions testi... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Texas(TX) | No | Annual safety inspection required statewide; emissions testi... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | No | Emissions testing required in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Weber,... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Utah(UT) | No | Emissions testing required in Davis, Salt Lake, Utah, Weber,... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | No | OBD-II check required as part of Vermont's annual vehicle in... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | Yes | Emissions testing required in Northern Virginia and Hampton ... | $312-$700 | medium | Repair facilities regulated by Motor Vehicle Deale... | March 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | No | Emissions testing required in Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | January 2025 |
| Washington(WA) | No | Emissions testing required in Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | Yes | Emissions testing required in Kanawha, Cabell, Wood, and Put... | $137-$550 | medium | Emissions inspection mechanic certification requir... | January 2025 |
| West Virginia(WV) | Yes | Emissions testing required in Kanawha, Cabell, Wood, and Put... | $137-$550 | medium | Emissions inspection mechanic certification requir... | March 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | No | Vehicles customarily kept in one of these seven southeastern... | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | No | null — Wyoming has no statewide emissions testing program | $112-$500 | medium | No state registration | March 2026 |
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See the full comparison table above for all 71 states.
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