You need a license to run an auto body repair facility. MVC issues different auto body repair licenses based on the types of repairs the facility will perform:

• Full service
• Auto body limited
• Auto body new dealer sublet

A heavy duty vehicle endorsement is required for all licensed auto body repair facilities repairing vehicles weighing 14,000 pounds (GVWR) or more.

TO: LICENSEES/APPLICANTS FOR AN AUTO BODY REPAIR FACILITY LICENSE
RE: INSURANCE COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND FOR LIABILITY ARISING FROM BODILY INJURY
October 7, 2011
Pursuant to N.J.S.A.39:13-2.1, effective immediately, please note the following amendments to the insurance coverage requirements for damage to property and for liability arising from bodily injury which an auto body repair facility must maintain for a full service license.

• Full service license auto body facilities shall maintain insurance coverage for damage to property and for liability arising from bodily injury, including, but not limited to: eligible garage liability or equivalent commercial general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $300,000 or a letter of credit in the amount of $300,000; garage keepers’ liability insurance in a minimum amount of $50,000 or a letter of credit in the amount of $50,000.
• Limited full service license applicants and licensees must also comply with these requirements.

How to get an auto body repair license

• Download the Auto Body Repair Application [1.19m pdf]. Mail the completed form to:
  
  
  Motor Vehicle Commission
  Business Licensing Services Bureau
  P.O. Box 172
  225 East State Street
  Trenton, NJ 08666-0172
  
  
• You and your place of business will be fully investigated after receipt of the completed application

Requirements for auto body repair licensing:

• You must be 18 years of age
• Have legal capacity to contract and be liable for all debt incurred
• Exhibit character and responsibility
• Have no criminal record
• Considered a proper person according to N.J.S.A. 39:13.4

Each application must also be accompanied by proof of the following:

• Certificate of occupancy
• Written approval by the municipal clerk or zoning officer confirming that the location, establishment and maintenance was approved
• Child support forms
• New Jersey sales tax ID number.
• New Jersey Unemployment registration number
• Federal employer ID number
• Color photograph for each officer the shop
• Fingerprint request notification form
• Color photographs of the facility displaying the advertised sign
• $350 Initial Fee
• $20 Non-refundable application fee

In the case that there are multiple locations for an auto body repair facility, you will need to submit separate applications for each place of business


Full service requirements
The facility must be suitable to conduct all operations and have municipal and state licenses, permits and registrations, including:

• Federal Tax ID number
• New Jersey Sales Tax number
• Hazardous waste disposal systems
• Stack permits and any other applicable license, permits and registrations
• Maintain insurance coverage for damage to property and for liability arising from bodily injury. This includes but is not limited to:
• Garage keepers liability insurance
• Workers' compensation insurance
• Fire insurance
• Any other coverage required by MVC
• Have and maintain an auto body repair facility reference source (ledger or computerized) for estimating the cost of repairs
• Equipment to safely raise and support vehicles for inspection during repair.
• A metal inert gas welder
• For all spray painting:
• An enclosed area for refinishing which complies with all applicable safety, fire, environmental and other regulations
• The means to supply fresh air to workers within the spray area
• A filtration method to reduce particles from the air exhausted from the spray area with standards established by the state or federal government
• Necessary equipment to perform structural repairs, four-wheel alignment, vehicle air conditioner servicing and mechanical repairs
• Provide evidence that at least one employee or 10% (whichever is greater) of employees have completed a recognized auto body repair related training course during the year immediately preceding the application for an initial renewal of license

An auto body repair facility may also qualify for a full service license if it meets all of the above conditions and has a written agreement to subcontract with another licensed ABR.


Limited auto body requirements
You may qualify for a limited auto body repair license if it meets all of the requirements for a full service facility except those items for spray painting, as long as you have a written agreement with a full service license auto body repair facility to complete the spray painting for you.


Civil penalties

• If you violate any regulations set forth by the state, you will face the following penalties
• First offense: no more than $5,000
• Second and each subsequent offense: no more than $20,000
• The civil penalty will be issued in the name of the Chief Administrator and shall be collected and enforced by summary proceedings
• In the event of continued or serious violations, the Chief Administrator may suspend your license and require you to cease operations during the time of suspension