Do Mobile Mechanics Need a License?

In most states there is no mechanic license. You need a business registration, a sales tax permit if you sell parts, insurance, and whatever your city requires. A few states are different: California requires registering with the Bureau of Automotive Repair, Florida requires registering with the Department of Agriculture, and Michigan requires both a facility registration and mechanic certification.

The whole setup list in one place

Registration, tax permit, insurance, pricing and your first quote, in the order to do them.

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What you need in every state

A registered business (sole proprietor DBA or an LLC) so you can open a bank account and get insured.

A sales tax permit if you sell parts to customers. In most states parts are taxable even when labor is not.

General liability insurance at minimum, and garage keepers coverage if you drive customer cars.

City or county business license where required. Some cities also restrict running a business from home.

An EIN from the IRS if you form an LLC or hire anyone. It is free.

States with real requirements

California: register as an Automotive Repair Dealer with the Bureau of Automotive Repair before you charge for repairs. Mobile techs register each vehicle they work from and must show the business name, ARD number and phone on the vehicle and in ads.

Florida: register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under the Motor Vehicle Repair Act. Mobile shops use the home address as place of business. The registration number must appear in all ads.

Michigan: register the business as a repair facility with the Secretary of State, and each mechanic must be state certified in the repair categories they perform.

Other states: no mechanic license, but several have repair acts with estimate and invoice rules. Search your state plus "motor vehicle repair act".

Certifications are not licenses

ASE is voluntary everywhere except where a state lets you use it to test out of its own certification (Michigan does). It helps you sell, it is not a permit. An EPA 609 card is required to buy refrigerant and service A/C, and that one is federal, so get it if you touch A/C.

Run the whole job from your phone.

Repair Rocket writes the quote, gets the signature, sends the invoice and takes the payment. Free to start, no card needed.

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Mobile mechanics and small shops

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Common questions

Do you need a license to be a mobile mechanic?

Not in most states. You need a business registration, tax permit, insurance and local permits. California, Florida and Michigan require state registration or certification for repair work.

Do I need ASE certification to work on cars?

No. ASE is voluntary. Michigan is the main state with its own mechanic certification, and it accepts ASE for some categories.

Can I run a mobile mechanic business from home?

Usually, if you are not working on cars in your driveway all day. Check your city zoning and HOA rules. Doing the work at the customer's location keeps most of that out of play.

What happens if I skip registration in a state that requires it?

Fines, and in some states the customer can refuse to pay an unregistered shop. In California and Florida the number has to be on your ads, so it is easy to get caught.