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How to get an autoshop license

Last updated:

You need to get a license to run an auto shop or dealership in the City. There are two ways to get a license.

Step
1

Before you get started

We inspect and license auto shops to make sure they meet City codes. Our goal is to reduce their impact on neighborhoods and the environment. You need a license if you store, repair, or sell cars at your business. See a sample auto-shop license.

You need permits before you can apply, including:

For a license, you need to pay a $100 fee for the auto shop license.

You need to renew your license each year. The fee to renew your license is $100.

Mail your check or money order made payable to the City of Boston.

Step
2

Get your info together

You need to give us several documents before you can get your license:

Step
3

Mail your application to us

You can send your application, documents, and payment to:

Inspectional Services
1010 Massachusetts Ave, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
Step
1

Before you get started

We inspect and license auto shops to make sure they meet City codes. Our goal is to reduce their impact on neighborhoods and the environment. You need a license if you store, repair, or sell cars at your business. See a sample auto-shop license.

You need permits before you can apply, including:

For a new license, you need to pay a fee to register and for the license itself. The fees are as follows:

  • a one-time registration fee of $100 for each location you own, and
  • $100 for the auto shop license.

For a license, you need to pay a $100 fee for the auto shop license.

You need to renew your license each year. The fee to renew your license is $100.

You can pay the fee with cash, check or money order made payable to the City of Boston.  We also accept payments made with a credit or debit card.

Step
2

Get your info together

You need to give us several documents before you can get your license:

Step
3

Give us your application

Please bring your application, documents, and payment to:

Inspectional Services
1010 Massachusetts Ave, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
icon-time
Office hours
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

About Safe Shops

Program details:

The Safe Shops Program provides training and technical help to auto-shop owners on auto shop health and safety. The free in-shop class is 30 minutes long and provides training on topics like:

  • regulations
  • using equipment and tools safely
  • how to store and recycle waste to prevent pollution and save money, and
  • recommendations for products that are safer for health.
Contact info:

Boston Safe Shops Program

1010 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor

Boston, MA 02118

Phone: 617-534-5965 | Fax: 617-534-2372

Email: SafeShopsProgram@bphc.org

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